Veterans Day

What a Veterans Day! Jersey Jeff took delivery of his brand new Tri-Toon last week and she's all they said it would be. We loaded 10 Dead-enders on to it and didn't complain a bit. We decorated 'Toony Toons" with bunting and flags for a one boat parade around the island.

The Club consists of half veterans and half draft dodgers who were represented by Cap'n Crunch and Run-aground Ralph. They never miss a boat ride especially if they aren't paying for the gas. We left from Jersey Jeff's dock around ten thirty in the morning and headed south along the back side of the beach.

Several other boats sounded their horns in salute and we hooted and hollered like we were kids coming home from war. This was a long delayed home coming for those of us that were denied a celebration in the 60's and early 70's.

 "Let's get around to the 'Hawiian Hotel' and get the party started," said Cleveland Jack.

"We're just stopping to hand out flags and then we're going up the 'Boardwalk Caper Canal' and walk over to the American Legion. They have Fried Chicken starting at noon," said Jersey. We were on his boat.

"We have a lot of flags to hand out," said Run-aground Ralph. 

"We can give 'em away at the Legion," said Jeff.

When we stopped in shallow water in front of the hotel we were swarmed by a hundred high school girls in bikinis begging for flags for their boyfriends who were waiting patiently on the dry sand. How things have changed? I felt bad for not giving as many away as wanted but I wasn't sure why they wanted or how they would use them. We hoped for the best.

Once the cheerleaders dispersed, a few 'more mature' women approached. They must have been between 19 and 22 because the jail bait alarm in my head stopped blaring. They were appreciative and so were we because even Cap'n Crunch had enough oggling.

We had half a box of flags left when we got to the Pukin' Pelican so we divided them up, half to the Legion and the rest at the Pelican. "I'm not against going to the Legion but the smoke makes me ill," said Cleveland Jack.

 The bartender drove us out with his 'do it in the dirt road' style of modern rock and roll played LOUDLY over his I-pad hooked to the sound system. I never understand why these places let the bartenders select the piped in music but it's always that way. Then the entertainment comes in and plays what the crowd wants to hear. If I don't like the music, I don't tip!

To the Legion we went. The wives came over for the dinner and we even danced to some oldies. More retirees than younger peoples but everyone had a good time!

Boatguy Ed ( boatguiEd@aol.com ) is the manufacturer of the worlds BEST anti-fouling bottom paint, www.supershipbottom.com.... Former Producer, Director, Co-Star and the guy who swept up on the "Boating Show" 1995 to 2000. 

Producer/Director/Editor of "Dining out SWFL" and "Boater's Treasures TV." TWEET me @boatguyed and a corresponding web site is http://www.boatingbyboatguyed.com/ ........ NEVER, EVER TRY TO BUY HIM A DRINK!

This blog/column is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. Do not read while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Keep sending those great questions and comments to boatguiEd@aol.com.