Suwannee Meet at the Yellow Jacket RV Resort
By: Bruce Kester
The Florida Chapter of the AOMCI Antique Outboard Club held their April 12-13 Meet at the Yellow Jacket RV Resort located on the Suwannee River in Old Town, Florida. The Suwannee is a fresh water river with many natural springs located along its run, eventually emptying in to the Gulf of Mexico.
This is a regular event for the AOMCI club and typically has a good turnout of members and boats as this is a great boating venue. A lot of the members arrive during the day on Thursday with the rest of the group arriving Friday morning. Nancy and I drove up from Tavares early Friday morning with my 1962 Correct Craft in tow. It was an easy and often scenic two hour drive which went by quickly. The area has an Old Florida feel with a slower pace which was a relaxing change for us.
Our arrival found many of the group already set up with tents along with their interesting displays of antique outboard engines and parts. After many greetings and some boat launchings, a sub sandwich lunch was served at noon in the upstairs clubhouse. After lunch the rest of the boats launched for a cruise upriver to sightsee and visit two of the springs. Along the way a large alligator was spotted along with a few jumping Sturgeon! The first stop was at Fanning Springs. Since it was Friday, docking right in the springs was easy. There were just a few other swimmers so we almost had the place to ourselves.
After a relaxing swim in the year round crystal clear 72 degree water the group decided to head back down river to Manatee Springs State Park. Boats are not allowed within this spring but there were good docks located on the river just outside of the run. The group took a walk from the docks up to the spring head which revealed lots of interesting wildlife and added yet another way to enjoy the day. A few in the group decided to take another swim to cool off before getting back on the boat. After arriving back at Yellow Jacket, we put my boat back on the trailer, headed down the road to Bill’s Fish Camp, where many of the group stay. There was a quick check in, showers, change of clothes and off to a nearby restaurant where the group met for dinner. We left mid day Saturday as we wanted to scout out some possible new event venues on the way home. We said our good-by’s to old and new friends, leaving the group to enjoy the rest of their day of fun.