RE: Lake Dora UPDATE

[SplitPersonality]

Most of you know that Gord Souter has become a part time Florida resident
now that he has purchased a winter home not far from Lake Dora. I have talked
with him several times and encountered him at a show 2 weeks ago. Today, he
came by after a day of having fun in his white 1967 "Casper the Ghost" Amphi. He
spent time with other friends and gave rides to folks at the nearby St.
Johns River. You are apt to hear a lot about the Blue Springs State Park on the
St. Johns River as Manatees congregate there in the 60 some degree water by
the hundreds in the Florida winter time when the temperature in the area drops
and they create quite a stir for tourists and local visitors. This state
park is very nice and the walkways along the river for viewing are well done.

Gord is almost certainly going to be a breath of fresh air for our local
Swim-In. He is, despite healing from his plane crash problems, still a bundle of
both energy and ideas. Rather than what has heretofore been our usual big
Saturday Swim-In with minor events on Friday and likewise on Sunday
bracketing our big Saturday, he has ideas for our future Swim-Ins of having a fairly
full "Schedule of events" from Thursday to Sunday. Not only does he have
ideas, but he is busy traversing the countryside checking out suitable boat ramps,
restaurants, and things to do and see while thrilling all sorts of people
with the sight of or a ride in a real Amphicar ! . This year, as the event is
only one month away, it is unlikely there will be many changes in our event
schedule, but I foresee a significant change with the Lake Dora Swim-In from
this year forward.
Because of Gord's efforts, we may very possibly have additional adventures
this year too.

In our 12 year Lake Dora Swim-In history, we have only had a relatively
loose leadership arrangement. Dave Monier, our long time leader and organizer has
both given up his Amphicar and now officially relinquished the reins. I,
who have more or less overseen much of the arrangements for the last two to
three years with help from Peter Fredsall who lives in South Daytona will also
be stepping aside in favor of people with both more energy and time. We will
all have the opportunity this year to discuss who will assume the reins of
leadership as well as what sort of event we wish this Swim-In to evolve into.
Peter Fredsall who was one of the 3 original attendees at the first Mount Dora
Swim-In in 1998 which was organized by Dave Monier is quite willing and
capable of assuming much of the organizational duties and Gord Souter says he is
very willing to assist, though from all he was describing to me and Carol
today, I think the two of them would be co-captains of the Lake Dora Swim-In team
after this Swim-In.

Gord said he would put a message on line saying in essence that he and I had
proposed a possible event filled schedule covering from Thursday into
Sunday, including the 12th annual Lake Dora Swim-In event with the Antique Boat
Club on Saturday and our gala Amphicar Banquet on Saturday night. However, in
truth, whatever overall events scheduled outside of basically Saturday, are the
product of Gord's fertile mind and his efforts and I do not deserve any of
the credit which might be attached thereto. For those registered for the Boat
Show and who have Amphicars, there will be the traditional Friday Night
Captains' Party hosted by the Antique Boat Club, the cost of which is included in
the Registration for those with Amphicars, though liquid refreshments will as
in the past via a Cash Bar unless you bring your own. In the past, when the
weather was good and this year the forecast is again typical Florida warmth
and hospitality, this was a very lively Party and the camaraderie most
pleasant. Last year was the first year at the new event site in Tavares which is 6
miles west of Mount Dora on the same Lake Dora. As such, the Captains' Party
had its share of snafus, but according to the schedule which can be pulled
up on line at _www.ACBS-Sunnyland.com_ (http://www.ACBS-Sunnyland.com) this
year's Friday Night Captains' Party will be moved back to the Lakeside Inn in
Mount Dora and I expect the majority of the problems encountered last year
will therefore have been remedied. Dave Dehrer and others who are staying at the
Lake Harris Lodge 3 miles west of Tavares and adjacent to the Lake Harris RV
Resort where several of us are staying have suggested a Friday night feast
there, though I am not knowledgeable about the state of such plans or the
feasibility at that location. Should such come about, I know we will be apprised
if it at this site and by word of mouth in the next few weeks. At present,
my estimated count of Amphicars expected is 10-12, though we frequently have
some surprise arrivals.

So - as usual, IT IS GOING TO BE FINE IN 2009 ON LAKE DORA so y'all come on
down. The big day is Saturday March 28th. We'll see you there in Sunny
Florida. If you have questions, e-mail me or telephone me. _nelson625@aol.com_
(mailto:nelson625@aol.com) or (386) 228-2118

Vic ( Capt.Splash ) Nelson with the aqua 1967 "Split Personality"
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[Canadian four amphs]

After a busy day of visiting, I got home to supper and got a phone call from a past Canadian Amphi owner(Fred)whom was camped in park at Haines Creak, a very small hidden area,about 12 mile back from where I had just come from coming home From Vitors,It just so happens as I knew exactly where he was as I was there on Friday checking out all the public and private boat ramps,there,s is grass and poor, anyway I spent all evening visting Fred and trading hospital stories as he was in a head on crash in 2000 and broke both legs and many internal injuries as well.(he still hursts)
I have a big route planed and would like to here from those thinking of coming to Floridas meet if they want a Thursday cruise and swim or would rather have it Friday this year,Basiclly it would start at 10 am(yea I know thats means 10.15..)in lake Eustis,.Go up Hanes creak, maybe threw the Locks and out a ramp there for Lunch at Gator Marina...yes there are gators in the area,,I saw one choping down a large fish,.Drive to leasburg, go in Lake Griffin and out at other ramp, drive south and in and out Lake Harris,drive back to Lake Eustis, down Dora Cannel to Lake Dora,.
All ramps are very good, but would depend on winds that day, This would burn up most of the Day.
Dave Deere,, need to here from you on you Friday night bash plans..
I now have a Std phone at house, you all can reach me here in Fl. at 1 352 319-6774
what do you all think?
Gord Souter

 

[Midwest Amphicar]

Gord You are the MAN!!! The boat show is great but for years exploring new waters has been on My list. Kamakazi and New Hampshire Mike shared same idea. Then Kamakazi picked up biker magazine with all of the biker bars. Thus was found the Hideaway which is next door to Lake Harris Lodge. Friday plans are what ever works. Set times and Amphicars do not mix. I am hoping a buddy of mine with a Pulse (search litestar/Pulse) will show up. Might be trading Amphi rides for Pulse rides. I also invited our realtor for Amphi ride. If You want to pick a general time to meet at Hideaway or Lodge, I am all for it. WINTER STILL SUCKS HERE> Later Dave (DERER ) the Wave

 

[Tommy in Tampa]

Thanks Vic, for all your past effort, you were there to take over just when Doc needed you to be. And as always I enjoyed reading your proceeding Novelette.

Gord, for those of you who don't know him, is a very out going Canadian who does not know a stranger. We were lucky enough to get to go to his swim in and it was nothing but FUN. It was great with lots to do and places to see.

Dave the Wave, is an Amphicar addicted son of a circus clown who earns his living working on the little swimmers. He is a party just waiten to happen and he is tryin to buy property in Mt Dora.

Me, I'm Tommy in Tampa, just an old high mileage Hippie that likes to swim his car.

I think I can speak for this eclectic group and suggest you come to Mt Dora even without your car. There will be last second rooms, there always are. If you are even thinking about coming, you should. It will be worth the trip.

Tommy in Tampa - May all your days be Amphicar days

 

[Canadian four amphs]

Ron Trudeau and I were out Testing time runs in 3 lakes yesterday, Did Dora Canal. low water but OK did not hit Bottom,,Went to Mt Dora and speed slashed in ifront of unbelieving spectators Plan on Haris canal today after lunch.. 75^
GORD SOUTER

 

[Canadian four amphs]

I did the Haines River Thusday and timed it and all the other lakes.I even took Amphi threw the locks(but this will be an option on Friday,March 27th)
This will be a full day swim so we must leave the Inn on Green at 10am
to be at Gators Rest, for lunch, and then to do all lakes and back to Travarus by 4pm.for a small break and clean up before meeting at Dave the waves cam p,, at Harris Lodge!!!!!
Ron Trudeau and I spent yesterday(Sat.) at OLD TOWN cruise..300 cars
Gord Souter

 

[Larry DePasquale]

Gord, I am glad you are having fun, but your killing me up here in Ohio.* Also, I have my lower right rear fender cut off. *I will have to make up for not being able to swim now, in the summer.* The ice is gone but the water is cold. See you in Jul.
Larry
White 66 in Ohio




________________________________
From: Canadian four amphs <>
To: larrydepasquale@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2009 8:20:36 AM
Subject: RE: [General Amphicar Discussion-t-20345] Re: Lake Dora UPDATE


I did the Haines River Thusday and timed it and all the other lakes.I even took Amphi threw the locks(but this will be an option on Friday,March 27th)
This will be a full day swim so we must leave the Inn on Green at 10am
to be at Gators Rest, for lunch, and then to do all lakes and back to Travarus by 4pm.for a small break and clean up before meeting at Dave the waves cam p,, at Harris Lodge!!!!!
Ron Trudeau and I spent yesterday(Sat.) at OLD TOWN cruise..300 cars
Gord Souter