A big thank you to John Reed for sponsoring and arranging the Leesville Lake meet. Thanks also to Keith and the good folks at South Fork Marina for welcoming the Western Reserve Chapter and for making their launch ramp, parking lot, docks and restaurant available to us.

We had been keeping an eye on the weather, and it looked like we had it made for the day of the meet. There was a little sun in the morning, the lake was calm, and it was shaping up to be a decent day.

Arriving about 8 AM, I was followed closely by Bill Reed, Bob K, Mike, Paul and Old Bob Davidson. Soon, Doug, Dave, Domenic Durda and Mary Ann drove in – then Bill Mohat with Lilly and Bandit. Not long after, Dave and Connie Nau and John Reed, Rick and Al arrived. Non-member Larry came with 5 motors to sell; my favorite was a ’58 Johnson 5-1/2, and one of our members snapped it up. Two other non-members attended, and there were 18 attendees in all.

Paul launched his FeatherCraft Penguin with a ’53 Corsair 10. Paul was disappointed to discover the tiller arm had been damaged on the way to the meet, but luckily he brought a ’53 Firestone 7-1/2 as backup.

Bill Reed’s Sea Nymph 12A was soon in the water with a Mercury KG4 for power, and later a KG7. Bob K brought his AlumaCraft 14 and tried out his ’59 Evinrude 10; a really nice combo. John R’s Crestliner Commander and Mercury soon appeared at the dock, and I had my Commander with a ’59 Wizard 7-1/2 and later a ’57 Firestone 5.

Bill Mohat and I took a ride, accompanied by Bandit, a 3-year-old rescue dog that Bill has adopted. Bandit was a little nervous at first when we got out on the lake, but seemed to warm up to the idea of boating. He was very well behaved, and is welcome to a ride any time.

Just after noon, without much warning, it began to rain – enough rain that we all took shelter in the marina restaurant. We ordered food and sat at a large table, enjoying lunch and some lively conversation. After about thirty minutes the rain stopped.

By about 2 PM our group was packing up and heading for home; it was sprinkling and it looked like a wet afternoon was in store. The size of the group is not important, but the common interests and friendship of those who attended is what will be remembered. Any day around friends, boats and motors is a good day ! Thanks to all.

–John Hagerman