Southwest Florida Summer Ski Fest

[Boris]

01 GP1200r if I don't blow it up first.
I hope to have a GP by that time.
A 99 GP 1200 , yea baby.

[TJS]

Com'on where's the chatter! If your looking for a great time and a really great place you have to join us for the weekend. I promise you,you will love it and will look forward to the following years return trip. This is one of the nicest areas in Southwest Fl. to ride PWC'S.
No excuses, you've got plenty of time to plan.

We just gave a private tour of the local water and mangrove trails this past weekend and logged over 75 miles. A majority of those miles were back in the twisty trails. Did I mention that we stopped at Lovers Key resturant, "Flippers" and had another superb meal?

If you have a ski dolly you can launch right from "Lovers Key Resorts" own parking lot.

Also, I really wish that I had my video cam with me. We caught up to a 30 foot or so yacht traveling in the channel with about 6 to 8 dolphin playing in it's wake. They were only about 6 feet away from the back of the boat. One of them kept jumping out of the water and rolling over before reentry. It was a spectacular sight to see. We were skiing about 20 feet away from them.

WWW.SUN1.NET is up and running again !

[TJS]

A recent e-mail that I received: FYI

Hi,

My husband and I and another couple have reserved rooms. Would you let us know when you make any plans such as where to meet everyone, what time rides will start in the morning ect.


I am assuming that you are speaking about the Ski Fest in July?
Where did you find out about it, which web page? Where are you coming from?

Depending on the time of your arrival at Lovers Key Resort, you most likely will find our group either eating at the resort restaurant, Flippers, sitting pool side or in the hot tub relaxing from the days ride. All three, rest. pool and tub are connected so it should be easy to spot us. Go to my site,www.sun1.net and look for the pic of me on the SEADOO 3-D with the two ladies so at least you will know who to look for. Better yet, just yell out "TJ or TODD" and wait for a reply.
We try to get an early start on Saturday so we don't waste to much time. Depending on how many riders there are 9 am is a good time. BUT as usual there are always those who come late and need to get gas or whatever. We really don't like to leave anyone behind. What we might do is at 9 am take anyone who is ready on a mini ride to give those whose alarm clock did not work, a chance to join in without rushing. We'll get back to the resort between 9:30 and 10 am.
Most likely we will be doing rides (guided tours) all day. I'm not quite sure of the time length of each, we'll play it by ear. Last year we went out in the morning for a few hours and headed back to the resort for lunch one day and the other we ate at a quaint little waterfront restaurant. Went back out again for another ride after lunch for an hour or so returned again and then out one more time. Sunday was about the same. The resort is right on an inlet, "Big Carlos Pass" to the Gulf of Mexico, so there is plenty of water to play in within eyesight of the resort. It is quite hard to get lost on the water unless you travel into the mangroves without a guide.
We do keep our skis on the beach at the resort so you can come and go as one pleases. Bring your anchors if you don't want to beach your ski. We also tie them to the trees at night and lock them together with cables. There has never been any problems with theft. The resort is not right on the main road so there is only the people who stay there on the property, usually.
The free boat ramp is only a mile or two down the road if you desire to take your skis out for the evening. Some people do that and take their skis for gas to the local gas station. There is a marina with gas about a 10-15 minute slow ride away, not sure of the price or octane though. What we usually do is bring a couple of gas cans to fill up the skis each night. Then that evening run out with the car and fill up the cans again. The closest gas station is about 5 minutes by car north of the resort. Just make sure that your skis are topped off before putting them in the water.

Any other questions please ask, time is getting close. We'll be in those trails before you know it!!!!!!! See you soon, TJ

[Technical Support]

OK guys this one is coming fast! I'm making our reservations right now and I advise everyone else to do the same!

Todd - whats the prognosis for wave jumping in that area?

[TJS]

Depending on the weather we usually have small to medium waves out of New Pass. If a front is close we might get some really nice size waves to get some great air. Were really not know for our great waves. It is a hit or miss thing! Todd might be asleep right now. Todd what doo you think?

[Boris]

Waves???
We don't need no stinkin waves when we have our trails.

If you want waves I'll get Natasha to wave when you go by. :D
Our part of the Gulf isn't known for surf but we get lucky from time to time. The one thing we can be sure of is that the trails will be there for all to enjoy. [img]graemlins/spit.gif[/img]

[TJS]

Boris, you missed the large waves yesterday in side of New Pass. We were sitting a few 100 feet off of Jet Ski Beach rafting together with my ski, Andy and Jamie's deck boat, a 32' and a 50 some foot Yacth. We were just having a great old time when the A$$holes that ferry the rich people back and forth on those giant pontoon boats started coming through to take them back for the early dinner bell. Their wakes must have been 4 to 5 feet tall and our rafting party started banging back and forth. Did the captains get an ear full from us on their return trip, with all of the passengers aboard to here all of the nice words of wisdom. I guess we should have called water police like they did on the skiers the other weekend. Sorry I didn't get their reg. #'s.
But you should heve been there for the tour of that 50 footer. It was beautiful. Andy is gonna try to get them both to anchor out of Lovers Key for our ski fest.

[Boris]

TJ, that Yacht wasn't called "Big D" was it ???
I saw that one a 2 weeks ago and got to hang out onboard.
I missed the ride yesterday but had to work , today I made it out and just got back home.
Got my *** spanked by 4 Yamahas today and ended the day with a dead motor.
After dinner I'm pulling the head off to see the damage.
Not the best day at Jetski beach for me.

[Technical Support]

Let's get a list of who will have what there for the free radar runs!

I'll have a stock 2004 FX140 and my modified GP1200.

[TJS]

The Big D is the 32 footer .....

[TJS]

News Flash!!!!! Some lucky PWC owning person or family will not only be experiencing a fantastic weekend of blasting around our home waters with the locals and not so locals, BUT, they will also be returning at a future date to enjoy the experience again on a more quite and laid back weekend of their choice. I’m sure we could arrange for a private guided tour of the area also.
Yep, that’s right; a 3 Day 2 night stay at the exquisite Lovers Key Resort will be awarded to someone during our Saturday evening BBQ by the pool.
Oh! A BBQ doo you say? Yes, I am working out the details with the Resort and we are planning a first class BBQ poolside. Previously on Saturday nights we ventured out to a local restaurant to experience the island fare. This year I thought we would try this. Rich and Elizabeth, the managers there, have promised me an Island BBQ put on by their Chef Jason, whom has just won a local prestigious award for his culinary delights. As it is right now there will be a charge of $25 - $30 per person for the event with a cash bar (kids will be cheaper of course). Live island entertainment will be included, so stock up on your songs to be requested. The restaurant, FLIPPERS, is adding a new patio area and it should be completed by our gathering. This will be waterfront at the beach level.
Just one note, the resort has a new policy that there is no glass of any kind permitted ANYWHERE around the pool so please bring your beverages in cans or bring with you plastic glasses to be filled with your favorite libations. Plastic blenders will be allowed everywhere on the premises but must be engaged in tropical drink creation mode at all times. Sharing is encouraged!
More to come!!!!

[TJS]

More:
I almost forgot to mention about the informal mixer that will be happening Friday evening at Flippers the resorts restaurant, for all of the early PWC arrivals. Our gracious resort host will be supplying appetizers for all of us to enjoy. A cash bar will be available for those who wish to indulge.

[Technical Support]

Looking forward to the party! Just FYI for everyone, the resort webiste has discounted Internet booking if you want to order online.

[Boris]

Since I just lost a piston I can't enjoy the fine riding but will come over just to shoot the "S". [img]graemlins/spit.gif[/img]
If anyone is still on the fence on this one , than get of the fence and join in.
You will not regret this. ;)

[Technical Support]

You've got three weeks - you can't make repairs?