FL: Mid-Florida Winnies

October Mid-Florida Winnies Newsletter

This was a fun campout for the chapter. We had 10 coaches in attendance which was low for October but some people were still returning from trips or had other activities planned in advance. Some campers arrived on Sunday but all 10 coaches were present for our Happy Hour on Monday afternoon. Most everyone went out to eat after the Happy Hour to different restaurants. The Parks and Smalley’s went to a fish place and another group went for Bar-B-Que.

Our Hosts were to be the Davis/Gibson’s and the Monteleone’s but Nola Davis had a fall and got an infection in the injury and has had to have several surgeries. We were all very thankful and happy that our Wagon Masters, Bill and Elaine Schilp stepped up to fill the void as the Monteleone’s had never hosted before they wanted some help. Everyone either stayed at the campground and took advantage of the pool or went out exploring on Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday afternoon our Happy Hour was more formal and by Gerry and Irene’s coach. Gerry and Irene got a talk about a new RV type community being developed in the area and as they are always looking for someplace to buy nearer the water, it was a perfect time to hear about this new development. Elaine made her famous spaghetti sauce for dinner and the hosts provided salad and Italian bread with some of the members bringing dessert. The hall was open for games in the evening.

Wednesday morning the Host’s provided Breakfast sliders which consisted of scrambled eggs, Hawaiian rolls, ham/sausage and cheese. They also had yogurt, and fruit with coffee and juice. It was yummy to say the least. We held our chapter meeting immediately following breakfast and sold 50/50 tickets for a raffle after the meeting. Bob Christian won the drawing. After all that excitement most of us left for our outing in Tarpon Springs. We had lunch at a Greek restaurant and we all got to tour the area some. This is an area rich in Greek heritage. It is where they do the Greek Orthodox ceremony of Epiphany. Epiphany is one of the most sacred Greek Orthodox celebrations, rich in many Christian traditions which also date back to ancient times. Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 and is a day of joy and brightness, as Christians celebrate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. The most important part of the ceremony is the blessing of the waters which is given to the young man who retrieves the ancient cross from the waters first.

Upon return from that wonderful afternoon, most again enjoyed the great pool. We had our usual Happy Hour with lots of snacks to share. Our hosts provided Fried Chicken, macaroni and potato salad with other members bringing desserts. Our location for dinner was a smaller room but allowed a more intimate environment for our dinner. After dinner most retired to their coaches but we also got to enjoy the karaoke that was being held in the main hall just due to the volume of the singing.

On Thursday morning we had a continental breakfast with coffee, and juice before saying our good byes to one another until our next campout in November. Our next campout is at International RV Resort in Daytona. We hope everyone has safe travels until we meet again.

May the wind always be at your back and the road always be straight and level in front. Please be safe until we meet again.