"West Coast Cruise Oct 2002"

By Erv Roberts

The West Coast Cruise was a rousing success! Eleven boats and twenty-eight people including five land cruisers took part in the activities. We ventured further North than usual as we traveled to nine port-of-calls, four of them being new locations for the group.

Unfortunately, some serious boat problems popped up! Two groundings, one lost transmission, one exhaust hose leaking and a host of problems on a new 30' Pilot Mainship. However, all eleven finished the trip in fine style.

The lake crossing West bound was a bit showery but the return trip was as smooth as glass. The locks went well except for the delay at Clewiston getting in and out.

The new port-of-call Palm Island Marina in Cape Haze seemed a consensus favorite. At Fort Myers Beach, we had the opportunity to go for an evening sail on the gambling ship. Some of us even saw the sunset. Others were busy doing something else. Patty Rogers was the big winner with $575! Won on the slots. You could hear her squeal all over the ship.

The annual Bocci tournament again generated tough competition. Karen Roberts/Ed Carr and Luella/Ron Stiansen were the finalists. Karen/Ed came out on top. The Domino tournament was won by Woody Boarman/Charles Kellington. Both claim to be first time players. Sure! "Pin the Prop On the Boat" was won by Karen/Jack Knauss' daughter, Susan Charrette. Jim Crawfis might need a refresher course on navigation as he ended up pinning his prop in the bushes. Jim did better with his eyes wide open and won the "Brain Teaser" quiz. Awards were given for all contest winners.

The biggest laughing came with the "White Elephant" exchange. It seems everyone wanted the same gift. It exchanged hands at least 15 times. Everyone was a winner with some getting real treasures.

At the evening cocktail gatherings, the hors d'oeuvres were always more than we needed.
We ate them all anyway. Ed Carr rationed his famous sausage at the evening parties. (Bring more next time Ed) Woody Boarman seemed to have an endless supply of gourmet popcorn. The potlucks and cookouts were some of our best meals.

It was a pleasure to have been part of the cruise group.

Karen/Ervin Roberts

*************************************************************************************