MTOA (Marine Trawler Owners Association) Southern Rodeo Rendezvous

From April 14-17, Fernandina Beach, Florida was the gathering place for 190 or so boating enthusiasts who ply the waterways at the moderate rate of 7-9 MPH. The Rendezvous was a great success...lots of new friends and tips for safe journeys along the ICW and the Great Loop. With the Fernandina Harbor Marina booked solid, we agreed to be located on a mooring ball just off the docks. However, as the weather took a turn for the worse, the harbor master made an executive decision and “found” us a safe place inside the dock system. What a gift. We were saved from the tricky maneuvering of trying to balance getting in and out of the dinghy in rough chop. During our time on the dock, our Kadey Krogen Manatee Summertime had a visit from a real-life manatee. Yah Hoo! The Rodeo theme generated a lot of fun activities...boot-scootin’ line dancing, hootenanny BBQ, boot-kicking chili cook-off, pistol-packing poker pub crawl, and a lasso contest. Wally and I brought our authentic Western garb from Arizona so we fit right in! One morning we were delivered to Ft. Clinch and suddenly we were back in 1857. Our living history guide was spot on! The weather continues to be windy, rainy, and foggy so most of us are staying put right here for another day or two.