The Potluck that became a LEO

It seems that when a Potluck Dinner grows up it metamorphosizes into a LEO (Lets Eat Out). Sharon Gilbert and Judy McClure hosted an organized dinner at Driftwood Bistro on March 28, virtually the end of the winter season. A bunch of hungry campers showed up, even some who don't like potlucks (possibly because they serve martinis at the Bistro). As always, it was a chance to greet and talk and such. The staff did a bang up job of getting everybody served. Thanks Y'all! See Y'all next year!
Photos courtesy of Sharon Gilbert

Breaking Camp

The annual snowbird migration is underway. Some flocks that wintered here have left already, winging their way north (though a few have compass troubles and headed west, or south... hopefully they'll ask for directions). Other suntanned flocks from south of the (Florida) border are stopping here to roost for a few days, recharging their batteries. All of the roosting poles with state signs are disappearing from the byways. Temperatures in the 90s have been noted. Golfers are losing the last of their golf balls, and refrigerators will be tossed for the last potluck next Monday. Fledglings from the local flocks of native birds are riding bikes and playing in the streets.
Here, the tents begin falling to be stored for another summer.

Winter Guest Appreciation Party

Ronnie Douglas, campground manager, got together an acknowledgment party to thank the long term campers for their business. It was held at one of the larger temp tents in the Convention Campus in the Historic District. Appetizers and sweets were provided, a cash bar was available, and Ronnie thanked everybody for staying here in a tough year. Door prizes completed the event. Thanks, Ronnie, we had fun!

Erin Go Bragh!

OK, we're not really pledging allegiance to Ireland, but we are celebrating along with the best of the Irish! Monday night's pot luck, hosted by Clive and Sandy Henery and Art and Janet Clark was the greenest festival put on this year, with lost of corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and a tent full of hungry O'Reilleys. Completing the fest, we had Irish lullabies, Danny Boy on the pipes, the Jekyll Island Kazoo Band, and even an award winning Irish kick dancer imported from a foreign country. Wow. 

Announcement: Campground Winter Guest Appreciation Party

Ronnie Douglas has arranged to put on a little party to acknowledge the Winter Guests for their business and making this such a great place to stay. Please join him on Monday, March 21, at 5:00 PM in the Convention Center Campus. Cheese trays, sweets and finger food will be provided, along with a cash bar. Mark your calendars now!

Hot Dog!

With an open pot luck night, Sam McInroy reinvented the Hot Dog Roast with free hot dogs, sure to be a crowd pleaser. About 80 folks signed up and showed up to fill their buns and then their faces. Sam corralled some wood from Ronnie for a nice campfire, Bob Ditton piped us a few tunes, then the Traveling Homeless Singers, Sharon Gilbert and Brian Hiebert got the crowd singing along in great fashion. Kudos to the setup/teardown crew, Jim Over and Don Morder for cooking the brats/dogs, and all the cooks who filled out the menu. What fun!

Call for Photos

Lydia C. Thompson, artist and the author of Bird Chat column in the Jekyll’s Golden Islander newspaper is designing a chart to identify many of the birds that visit the campground bird sanctuary. She is prepared to use stock photos, but she thought it would be nice if some or all the bird photos came from folks that camp at the campground. If you have photos to contribute, please email them to: artworksbylydia@bellsouth.net

The campground is building a case and stand for the chart, and it will be placed on the left side of the swing. The Winter Guest Fund is paying for the materials.

The Last Jam Session for this Winter

Some of our regular band has left, but Allan Newland corralled the stragglers to play one more time for a highly receptive audience of about 30. We had lots of good bluegrass, some folk, and some camp songs. You ain't seen nothin' until you've seen Canadians singing Western Texas songs with a Scottish Accent!

Sharon Gilbert, Brian Hiebert, Ed Birdsall, Bill Van Slyke, Allan Newland

Bill Crooning

The happy crowd

Keeping the stuff

A major issue for the winter campground guests was where to put stuff, like all the equipment for the pancake breakfasts. The campground was kind enough to provide space for a shed where everything goes in the summer. The guys built the shed several years ago, but it needed a bit of upgrade to use the space more efficiently. Ron Anderson, Brian Hiebert, and Sam McInroy tacked that task today, adding shelves above to store the lighter equipment. Thanks, guys. Now we can get more stuff!

Book Group

The next meeting of the Book Group will be Monday March 21, at 1:00 PM in the community room.
We will discuss "Tried By War" the book about Lincoln as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.
We will also talk about books for next season.
Hope to see you there.

Fly Fishing!

Bob Hoffman, an avid fly fisherman from Connecticut, gave an excellent overview of the art of fly fishing, describing the equipment, technique and dangers of the sport, with great anecdotes of his fishing adventures. Brian Hiebert brought along his rods, reels and tackle to exhibit. A dozen participated, and a hands on follow up has been scheduled for next Wednesday (3/10) at 10:00.

Bob Hoffman (left) and the men and ladies of fly fishing