REPORT: The 2004 Lake Winnepesakee Poker Run

[Team Jefe]

This is a long one and I still haven't finished it, but I thought I'd get the ball rolling since it will be several parts. Alos, don't forget to check out the shots in the Photo Gallery

OK boys and girls, its story time, so lean back in your chairs, adjust your monitors, and settle in for a fanciful tale. Our saga begins in October of 2003 when, my then brand-new girlfriend Amanda (Aqua V) took off on a 3 week cross country road-trip for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons was to visit her Alma Mater, Bentley College in Boston, and look up old friends left behind. Of course, as all new relationships go, I could not stand to be without her for such a long time. So I took a day off, hopped a jet, and boggied to Boston’s infamous Logan Airport to spend a long weekend boin…um,….….getting reacquainted.

Since I was going to be in the neighborhood anyway, I checked the Donzi Boards to see if we could hook up with any Donzi Brother’s and Sister’s around the North Pole. I got response from Ken Lessard (Donzi) and Dave Wood (Woodsy). We had a great evening in Boston with Kenny & Martha, and accepted Woodsy’s invite to take a tour of Lake Winni. Once on the lake, I was so impressed, even through the frost bite, that when Dave mentioned the Poker Run in July, I knew we had to come back…..And of course it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t up the ante. So, I decided to drag Jefe’s Revenge with us and attend the run in my own boat. Over the next eight months, the story grew of this Crazy Texan who was planning to bring a 30 foot, fish-boat no less, to Winni for the Poker Run. We even got the moniker “Team Wacko”.

Never tell me I shouldn’t do something, cause I’ll do it just to show you I can. Sure enough on the evening of 28-Jul-2004, Me, Aqua V and the HabaMasta, tied Jefe’s Revenge to the Team Jefe F-350, pointed her East and took off for Winni. The initial part of the trip was very exciting as AV & HM presented me with my B-day present of an XM radio, all set up to be used on the trip….and it was a God send (at least for me, more on that later). We traveled into Louisiana and made our first pit stop. Scot took over driving and I was put in charge of the XM. Since this is my story, Scot will be the one who caused the XM antenna cable to be torn apart. Never mind that I actually opened the door when the cable snapped…it is still all Scot’s fault.

I was not really bothered since I promptly fell asleep as we traveled through LA, Ole’ Miss and into Alabama by the early morning. I took over driving again, and noticed that the XM was working…sort of. So, we fiddled with the antenna again and got it going. Great, XM radio to keep me awake in Georgia onward,…what, so he didn’t have XM through the long night….he broke the antenna.

We traveled the rest of the day NE through Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia Maryland and into Pennsylvania. We stopped at an Arby’s outside Philly for supper and then Scot again took over and traveled through the night (yes with XM) into Jersey, New York and Connecticut. In Hartford I was awaken by some…..heated discussions on lane choice and similar driving skill issues. The discussion ended very suddenly with the statement “can it Amanda” (not spoken by me). So, since we had been on the road for over 30 straight hours and I couldn’t sleep with all this fighting, we decided to get a room and crash for a few hours. Everything looked better Friday morning and we saddled up for the short run to Winni. Just south of the Mass. state line, we passed the John Kerry motorcade and joked about them sending the cops back to check out the rig from Texas…..that was when I noticed the Hell’s Angels in Blue coming up behind us. There must have been 40 Mass State & Boston Motor cops traveling back from escort service. Of course they could have been there to ensure we kept moving north as Senator Kerry moved south.

We finally made it to Laconia and pulled up to Woodsy’s house to a raucous welcoming party. Woodsy and Sweet Princess, Bertram Boy and Donzi Di, Tom Davis and the lovely Miss Kim, Pete and his way better half Momodahomo; Princess’s friends Miss Lori and Miss Julie…and a bunch of other Donzifiles were there to welcome Team Wacko from Texas; it was all very overwhelming.

Stay tuned

[Team Jefe]

We wasted no time and headed for the ramp to get some water time. At the ramp was Dr. Dan (having issues), Crazy Horse (Trish was NOT there), Bverd and the Stunning TangoAmy. So we launched and started to get reacquainted with the awesomeness that is Lake Winni. We tied up with several other Donzi’s and enjoyed the afternoon on and in the Lake. On the way to the ramp we stopped by the Marr camp and got to meet Mustang Susie and Little Filly…………………oh, sorry, and Stevie as well as Boxy, DonRatto, Robbie, and John Wayne.

We finally took off for the ramp and left Scot with the Marr’s. Bertram Boy followed us in his….I mean Diana’s….16. On the way Cliffy did a great job of hanging with the Revenge, but at one point he hit a wave, jumped, throttled back and killed the engine. We didn’t know what happened so I thought we should go back and see if Cliff and Diana were OK…….Those of you who have had the unequalled pleasure of riding in Jefe’s Revenge with me at the helm know exactly how I turned around. But, for those who have not had that pleasure, imagine cruising along at 50+mph, and your captain saying “hang on” as he gets a devilish grin on his face, then reefs the helm round as tight as it will go. The boat slams up on it side and turns in a radius of about 50 feet. at 50 MPH, no slip, no spin-out, just boom and we were going the other way. I think it is safe to say Woodsy was impressed…and that ain’t easy to do…Did I mention I love this DONZI. Cliff was OK, and we were able to get the boats loaded without incident

Friday night we headed to Christmas Island and hooked up with all the Poker run folks for a fun and festive evening. I finally got to meet many more people I already knew from the Web. Digger and Darcy, George and Bonnie, Donzi Trish, Lizard (Dr. Dan’s far better half), Fast Eddie, Ken Goldberg, TuxedoPK,…and on and on. AV and I didn’t stay out very late, as we still were “jet lagged” from the trip, and I needed to be on my game for Saturday….I mean I was representing Texas and had to make a good showin’. On the other hand there was no dissuading HM. He tried to go one-on-one with Waleye…Scot they don’t call him “Yeager” for nothin’.

Saturday morning came very fast, and I had to hustle to get to the drivers meeting. Now remember this is my very first Poker Run…ever…anywhere. So I go to the drivers meeting thinking we could launch the boat afterward…..Wrong. Luckily Woodsy showed up, because I was sitting around fat, dumb and happy, just talking to everyone and meeting new people, when I should have been getting the Revenge launched and over to the marina. So, Dave and I hauled ass over to the ramp, launched the boat….and I got…..to do…what I do….best…….GO FAST ! all the way over to Weirs Beach. In fine Lake Winni Bandit style, they all waited for me. So Dave and I got AquaV, Lori and Heidi (another of Princess’s friends…Julie had a little too much fun the night before) and we got things going with only a slight delay.

As we got back out onto the lake, the Fish-cops made a beeline right to me to check things out. “Are you guys really from Texas”…yes sir, “You dragged that boat from TEXAS?”…yes sir; “You guys are crazy”….yeah, so I’ve heard…they wanted to be sure we knew about the 150’ proximity rule, and that we were going to be safe…..and they shadowed us All Day (probably just admiring the only other Center Console on Winni).

The fish cops were a very minor nuisance. The Poker Run was GREAT, boats galore, Donzi’s of all shapes and sizes from a Sweet 16’s to 33ZX’x, even a Daytona; and everything in between. There was even this fish boat….with clip on’s.

We took off from Weirs Beach and flew down the lake, Donzi’s all around. I was at the helm, AquaV was straddling me in the bolster, Miss Heidi was in the other bolster, while Woodsy and Miss Lori were on each side. We had a slight Livewell overflow issue to deal with on the way to the first stop, and were the next to last boat (a sweet 16 was behind us) to get the first card. Well in the back of the pack is no place for me…especially flying a Texas Flag.

This is the point it became a race for me…..I know…I know…it’s not a race, it’s a fun run where we all stay together as a group and enjoy the lake. Well that’s just fine and dandy….as long as I am in the FRONT part of the group. Besides, its safer that way, the bigger boats are cutting down the lake chop for our little brothers and blazing a trail to the next stop…..Not buyin’ it huh? Eh, it was worth a shot.

OK, so I have this need for speed….whatdoya want?....I own a DONZI.

As we came away from the first stop, I weaved my way through several other boats, beautiful classics, a few Z boats, most with lovely, scantily clad Donzi Girls on board……..

……Allow me to digress here for just a moment.
May I just say that the ladies who put up with this Donzi obsession are the world’s best…hands down. They put up with the huge budgets….even if it is unlimited its still kind of a budget. They put up with all the time on the water (and the road). AND, they strap on these tiny little outfits that makes us want to do things to them we wouldn’t do to a farm animal (I stole that from Waleye). My point here is, with all the DG’s around, I had to be out front. It was hard enough to concentrate on Captaining the Revenge with the 3 hot babes I had on board. But, throw all those other Hot DG’s into the mix, and I was concerned about being distracted to the point of being unsafe….Seriously….I’m being serious here. I mean Mustang and Filly (after the Stevie costume came off), Darcy and Diana on Freedom II, TangoAmy (talk about Red Bikini Team), Rayna, Miss Kim, Lizard (the naughty nurse…), JP’s Ladies, Princess in the M&M costume….admit it, you know you’ve thought about that sexy little green M&M, melting in your mouth. Then there was Pete’s girls in Card Costumes….and I kinda had this little “Alice in Wonderland” kinda “Queen of hearts” on the chess board thing going…..What?, all right fine I’ll get back to the report. Just let me say thank you ladies, we may not always make it clear, but you are much appreciated. You know we even had a 26ZX with nothin’ but girls on it…..OK, OK, OK, back to the report.

More to come

[Team Jefe]

…..Meanwhile, back in reality, I was able to maneuver my way up front and get along side Digger in Freedom II. Man what a sweet ride. Sleek, clean, and super fast….for sure a 33 ClaZzic. As we are hurtling to the second stop, Digger starts to pull away a little and suddenly Freedom hits a wave and launches into the air. HOLY Soaring Eagles Batman. I’m talking completely outta the water, airborne, I saw props for several seconds. This was a poster shot, Sweet ride, Good Looking crew (at least the ladies were anyway), FLYING 33ZX, On a beautiful lake with a post card background….I just wish I had a video of it. Very, Very Cool ! We cruised on the rest of the way to Card Stop two in fine style and milled around for about 3 hours waiting on the smaller boats…Kidding, I’m just Kidding…it was only about an hour….OK, 20 minutes and I was happy to wait cause everybody waited for me earlier. Besides I got to admire all the Donzi Gi…Boats.

As we got ready to take off to stop number three, Woodsy had a great idea, and we moved out away from the pack so we could get up on plane fast and avoid issues with the Fish-cops and the “Proximity Zone”. As usual, Hank is out front in his 28ZX Scorpion, and Dave tells me Hank does not like to get passed…hey who does right, but we decide to have a little fun on the way to Card Stop three and I pull out all the stops to stay with and try to pass Hank. 6300 RPM’s, Evirudes wound up tighter that Virgin’s Pu....well you get the picture…we were hauling booty big time. As we came up on Hank, everybody waved and smiled like nothing was happening. Hank & his crew waved back then he looked forward, shoved the throttles down…and…was…GONE. Whoa dog, you da man, that Scorpion is a Bad, bad ride. We got Card Three and headed out to Ken Goldberg’s Island for Stop Number four.

Yes I said island, the…man…has…his...own…ISLAND. How cool is that? The Harbormaster had accepted an invitation by Ken to assist in issuing cards and taking pictures at this stop, and he got some great shot (some of which are here), but check them all out. Stop four went pretty quickly and we shot off to Stop five.

The run to stop five was pretty long and we got a good look at another section of Lake Winni. Again, this was a fast flyby stop cause there was no waiting for everyone else here. We got our card and pointed Jefe’s Revenge toward Weirs Beach so we could get a good dock spot. On the way back to the marina, I caught a big cruiser wake and did a little Superman act of my own. I always like to achieve Negative G at least once on each ride, and this was it for sure. I think I scared Heidi a little, but she was a trooper and held on as beverage cans went flying all over the place. We made it to Weirs in no time flat, and began our cruise through the No Wake zone to the marina. I guess the Northern Folks ain’t real used to another boater bein’ so danged friendly and saying “howdy” to everybody, but they took to it pretty quick and only a few gave us a weird look. Our goal was achieved and we got a prime spot right on the end of the dock. Woodsy and I helped several other boats get tied up and the ladies went to refresh themselves and get some cold adult beverages. I joined AquaV for a quick bite of lunch and then it was back to Poker Run Central to turn in our cards and enjoy the rest of the activities.

Princess was tabulating the hands, and we opened our cards to 4 hearts and a Spade…..Well now Jefe, would you like to buy another card?…Um…...let me see…..YES ! and Bam, just like the “Gambler” there was the Ten-of-Hearts for a ten high flush. Best hand turned in to that point. Whhooop ! The Texans Came, We Saw, We Kicked Its ASS! …Oh but wait there is still one hand to be turned in. No problem what are the odds it could beat a flush. Well the odds were pretty good as they got a Full Boat. Dang, but still Second Place is great and I was proud to do that well.

We then settled in for the auction and prize ceremonies. Mike Miller was the MC and took to it like a duck to water. OK, maybe I can understand a little of what Angie sees in him as he did a great job and was able to get…a lot of money…out of my wallet for the Winni Bandits. No worries as I can always use a Fleece Sweater, and Golfing Jacket on the 2 days a year it actually drops below 60 degrees in Houston. The after run festivities were wonderful, we met even more people and had a really good time in between all the pestering Miller gave me about coming to ‘Sota. Yes, he convinced me so that will be a report to look forward to soon. After the awards ceremony we took off over to Waleye’s camp and hung out for a while visiting with him, Mustang, Filly, Boxy, DonRatto, Robbie, and Pilgrim. Finally, we spooled it all up and headed for the ramp to get ready for the clam bake that evening.

The boat loading and related tasks went off without a hitch. Princess and Diana had left early from the festivities and were already heading out to the Clam Bake when we got home. Quick showers, change of clothes and we zoomed back to Christmas Island for the Clam Bake. The fun was in full swing when we arrived and we quickly joined in. Man what a good looking crew, the guys all studded out and the girls looking as Hot as ever. We all lined up for the Clam dinner with all the trimmin’s. corn, potatoes LOBSTER. That’s right a HUGE crawfish, and I due into that bad boy like a man possessed. I even managed to steal a little of AJ’s lobster when she wasn’t looking. It was nice to sit down and enjoy a fine meal with such fine people. Afterwards we all visited and swapped lies. Great people, that’s all that can be said, just a great group of folks.


Still More

[Team Jefe]

During the party, somebody had the BRILLIANT idea of heading to Weirs beach to ride the Bumper Cars (or as we Laconians say, “Bumpa Ca’s”). AND off we went. I found out that the NH banking system does not like Texas ATM cards and I could not get any cash. So, once again, Dave comes to my rescue and funds the evening so that Team Jefe would not have to miss the hair raising excitement of Bumpa Ca’s. What a hoot, I haven’t done that in years. Way too many years, ‘cause it was a blast. Imagine about twenty 30-40ish year olds crashing around the floor while about 100 kids watch from the sidewalk. We made two rides in a row before we let everyone else have a chance….Hey money talks. We then had to say our goodbyes to Angie and Mike Miller as they were calling it an early evening and traveling early the next morning. Cliffy was also calling it an early night since he was not feeling well, so Diana got to hang with us.

After our goodbyes, we slid over to The Paradise Beach Club to consume many adult beverages. We got there to a huge line waiting to get in. Well Waleye and Woodsy don’t wait in lines. This is their town, and we are their guests so we strolled right in past the line (and several dirty looks). When we got inside there was a cover charge….Cover? what do you mean cover? These boys don’t pay no stinking cover either…..It’s nice to have the help of the local talent. Paradise was a blast, great bar, good live band, hot ladies…many of whom we brought ourselves, for sure the Hot spot tonight. So, we dive into the party, drinks all around, talking about the poker run, photo shots, dancing (all the girls had da masta out there), Miss Kim showed us her thong….oooeee that was hot. At one point DonRatto, or Boxy or somebody asked about Cliff, “Where’s Cliff?” Well where was Cliff indeed. Home, Sick, resting……sucka, you mean you left you lovely bride all alone with US. Oh boy, not good. We might just do something “Bad”. And we did. Donzi Di was the center of attention, we took turns with her, tongues in the ear, kissing the neck, groping her boo….well…I heard there was a little groping or something. Even Aqua V got in on the fun….now there’s a fantasy for you just look at the pics. And I must say Di looked like she was enjoying herself. Now I KNOW she wasn’t since Cliff was ill, he was on her mind the entire time, but she did a great job of “putting a face on it” for the rest of us. Just keep on believing that Cliffy. Finally as all good things must do, we came to the end of the party and closed down the Paradise. By then we had all had a very long day and headed for home to crash.

The rest is pending and will be out soon.

[Digger]

more! more!! very nice job Jefe!!

[boxy]

4 or 5 more chapters, and I should have the whole weekend pieced together. :D

Keep it up Jefe, it's great reading....

[txtaz]

AND I thought I was verbose. :wink:
Great story Jefe, Wish we could have made the trip with you, perhaps next year.
Now come on and bring the "Revenge" to the SA river for the lighting of the lights on November 26.
Wes and Jenn

[donzinh]

:ribbon: Great story Jefe... You haven't missed a detail.. We had 14 states (NH, ME, VT, MA, RI, CT, VA, PA, FL, TX, NY, MD, NC, GA) and 2 countries (US and Canada) represented. Thanks to all that made the trip. The Lake Winni Bandits love to throw a party.....

Can't wait to hear the rest of the story.... Will it be the one you told me Sunday night????? Please, Please, Please????

-Bonsai

[Crazy Horse]

Jefe & Amanda,
Your reflections were great to read... sounds like a movie! It was great to have met you and all of us Bandits appreciated your efforts in making the long trek across the country to be at our Poker Run. Hope you will join us again and hope to see you at more events in other regions.
Horseman & Donzi Trish
Ps: Can I play Crazy Horse in the movie?

[TuxedoPk]

:ribbon: Great story Jefe... You haven't missed a detail.. We had 14 states (NH, ME, VT, MA, RI, CT, VA, PA, FL, TX, NY, MD, NC, GA) and 2 countries (US and Canada) represented. Thanks to all that made the trip. The Lake Winni Bandits love to throw a party.....
-Bonsai

Actually 15- Add NJ to the list.

[MissRepublican]

16. Add Kansas to the list....

[TuxedoPk]

16. Add Kansas to the list....

Who was there from Kansas?

[MissRepublican]

Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[El Bandido]

Actually 15- Add NJ to the list.
Who was from NJ ??

[Team Jefe]

Thanks for all the compliments, its nice to know I’m not just doing this to hear myself talk.

Never fear, the rest of the story is on the way, but I have to get away from the frozen lands of Yorkshire first. :frown:

[Team Jefe]

Well the long plane ride home afforded me an opportunity to finish out this little tale so here are the final two chapters.

We awoke Sunday to another beautiful NH day. Nobody was moving very fast this morning, but we were still feeling great from the wonderful few days we had spent together. Today was to be no exception. As we got coffee in us and started to gear up for the day, we decided that a nice greasy breakfast was just what the doctor ordered. We got our stuff ready and headed out toward Christmas Island to a nice restaurant near there. I have forgotten the name of the place since they would not serve us. Bastards, the place was about 70% full of people enjoying their breakfast, but it was CLOSED. We never did figure out why or what was going on. Woodsy came to the rescue and we headed back toward Weirs Beach and found a great place right on the canal. Eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, hash-browns, French toast, biscuits & gravy…we had it all, and plenty of it to boot. After breakfast we all felt like a million bucks and headed over to get the boats launched for another fun filled day on Winni. We launched and made the short run to the Winni Bandit rendezvous location. Since we were running just a bit later that most everyone else. They were already there anchored out and having a great time. We pulled up into the pile like we owned the place and gratefully accepted the assistance of George and his minions in getting the anchors set. Then it was into the 33 Degree water of Lake Winni (well it couldn’t be quite freezing since there was no actual Ice in the water). Talk about shrinkage, I think my entire body got smaller. But I soon remembered my Laconian roots and adjusted to the water. Of course hugging all the Hot Donzi Girls in attendance helped to keep me warm as well. We settled in for a great day of visiting, laughing, and having a wonderful time. We talked mostly about our two favorite subjects, Donzi’s and Donzi Girls. Both were represented in fine fashion that day. I once again got to admire the Freedom II, man what a cool ride. I can not say enough about the ZX wrapped in such Classic Style. The captain ain’t such a bad guy either. But Freedom was not the only fine ride there, and I checked out them all. Of course George and Bonnie’s Red 22 with the Whipple caught my eye….RED and FAST just the way I like ‘em. And speaking of Donzi Girls, well some of them...instigated by a certain Texas DG we all know….started to try and Dunk several of the guys, Woodsy and Cliff being the main targets. Soon we had an aquatic version of the WWE Smackdown in full swing with Darcy, Donzi Di, and Aqua V teaming up to take on Woodsy and Bertram Boy. As the festivities heated up, I’m not sure who was having a better time, the Lads or the Ladies. I do know this, none of them were complaining. The girls got to jump on these studs and feel their beefy manness and the guys got to basically cop unlimited feels without getting slapped…that’s what I call a Win-Win situation. I took advantage of the distraction to get a little grope time with Princess, Filly, Mustang, Trish…..let’s just say a great time was had by all. Also, we found out why Darcy is dating Digger, she ain’t afraid of nothin’ and can hold her own with the best of them. Just ask Woodsy because she basically used him as her smackdown dummy. Between you and me, I’d say she kicked his ass. But don’t tell Dave I said that, he’s my friend and I don’t want to degrade his manhood……Seriously, you should have seen Darcy, she gave Dave all he could handle. I mean I wouldn’t take Woodsy on, he’d sweep the floor with me in less than a minute, but Darcy, whooohoo, remind me never to piss her off. Good thing Digger is a Marine…though I hear she doesn’t “Fight him off” at all… if you know what I mean, Semper Fi ! The fun went on for several hours, then we reluctantly had to call it a day and head for the docks. Fortunately, it wasn’t goodbye to everyone, as we planned to meet up at the camp for dinner that night. Cliff and Diana, followed us to the restaurant since they were headed home right after dinner. The camp was a really nice place, and we all had a wonderful time, once again, enjoying each other’s company and reliving the memories of the past few days. Unbeknownst to us all, it even turned out to be AV’s birthday. She was presented a really nice piece of Double Dutch Death By Chocolate Cake (at least that’s my name for it) which we all shared. Still her Texas DL says she was born on May 17th, but I think the Da’ Masta’ was behind this little rouse. It sounds like his style. After dinner some of us diehards decided to head over to Rita’s for one last bang. AV, HM and I rode over in style with the Marr’s in their Wine and Cheese boat. We met Woodsy, Princess, Pete and Mo for one last Margarita. It was hard to say bye, but eventually we had to head home for some much needed sleep before the long trip home.

[Team Jefe]

Monday Morning came very early. Dave and Scot, were kind enough to make a run to Dunkin Donuts for some essential supplies….DD Coffee and Sugar saturated Donuts. These should keep us going for several hours. We said a last goodbyes to Dave and Nancy, pointed the rig south and headed out around 0800. The day was beautiful and we relished the trip along the lake shore as we started the long journey home. The trip back was much the same as the trip up. Many long hours of four lane highways, down through NH, Mass, Conn, NY, NJ and Penn. We stopped about every four hours for potty breaks and to top off the diesel. I settled in to driving and drove most of the day into Monday night. The trip continued through Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tenn and GA. As you can imagine, the long hours and fatigue started to take hold of us and nerves were a little short. Several times there were little skirmishes between one or the other of us, but we were able to refrain from killing each other and traveled on southwest towards home. The long hours and lack of sleep finally put Scot up against the wall. He took over driving for me in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, but simply could not keep his eyes open and had to pull over after just a few hours since he was afraid of having an accident. I drove on into Tuesday morning and took us through Alabama and into Ole Miss. Around 0900 I too hit the wall and we had to stop for breakfast and a desperately needed break. We hit the Cracker barrel east of Slidell and took our time enjoying a good Trucker style breakfast with lots of southern cream gravy….well at least I did, Scot had about a gallon of strong coffee and AV ate a very sensible light breakfast.

After breakfast I drove on a few more miles to get us out of the tricky construction area around the restaurant and into a nice gas station to refuel. After the fuel up Scot was feeling much better and I needed sleep bad so he took over the driving…..then things went radically wrong……Scot was not used to pulling such a large trailer and I had been watching out for him through the whole trip, but this time I was so tired I just crashed in the back as we were pulling out of the station. Well Scotty misjudged the turn and caught the trailer on the curb, which it jumped and went right into the ditch, Scot was on the power and dragged to rig through the ditch and jumped it back onto the roadway. Just as it happened I knew it and came up yelling to watch the curb, but too late, so now we had to find a place to check things out. Needless to say I was upset, Scot was Upset and AV was trying to stay out of the firing line. We finally checked the tires and they seemed OK, but I noticed the boat had shifted on the trailer and was now sitting on its side….NOT GOOD. Of course this gave me an even brighter disposition, and I got out to wedge some towels between the hull and fender to prevent any damage. I took over the driving again and had Amanda call Danny Franz to see if he knew of a ramp in the area we could use to reset the boat. Dan was a big help and put us in the right area around Slidell, but it turns out the ramps are not big enough for a boat my size. We searched for about an hour with no luck. Also, all the marine shops in the area are closed on Monday and Tuesday as their “weekend”. All of this just made me happier and happier. Finally, AV saw a house with a large boat on a trailer and decided to stop and ask where they launched it. This was another boondoggle as she had to endure about 30 minutes of ranting from the crazy lady in the house, just to find out she had no idea where the boat was launched since it was her ex-husband’s and he had been having an affair with her friend and his best friend lived across the street…..blah, ,blah, blah. Bottom line she was no help at all. Finally, we found a marine shop that looked open and Scot jumped out to get any info on a launch we could use. The mechanic was a big help and pointed us to a lift in the area we could use. Once we got there, of course the place was closed, but fortunately the lift operator lived on the property and agreed to help us out. 30 minutes and $20 later we were headed back to I-10, with me at the wheel. We had a two hour delay that provided the biggest bit of excitement for the whole trip home. Scot was convinced I was pissed at him, and I was a little since I had been preaching about watching the trailer as he turned. But more so, I was made at myself. I knew Scot was not very experienced and I still let myself succumb to the fatigue before I got him lined out on the highway. And this little bit of anger and adrenaline was enough to keep me going the entire trip. I thought it would be a good idea to make up some time so I put the hammer down and wasted no time in getting up west toward home. This portion of the trip was not as jocular as the early parts as everyone kept to themselves for most of the time. After our next stop we got some food and things started to lighten up a bit, but I was still determined to get home as quickly as possible. We traveled on through LA. and into the Texas. Once we crossed the Sabine, and were finally back in Texas, things started to get better, the trip across to Houston went very quickly and we made one more quick pit stop in Baytown before the home stretch. We dropped off the boat, took Scot home, I dropped off AV at her house and I was home by 2100 Tuesday. 37 hours including the two hour stop in Slidell and the getting our gear squared away at home. Not bad.

Whew, what a trip over four thousand miles, 15 states, and a boat load of memories. I want to thank my Team, Scot and Amanda, for tagging along on this crazy adventure. I know we weren’t always happy with each other, but it would not have been the same without you. Thanks to the Winni Bandits for taking in the Wayward Texans and treating us like family. You are all great folks and we will be back, none too soon. George & Bonnie, what a great Poker Run, we had a blast and all the fatigue and long hours were well worth it for such a great run. Mustang, Waleye and Filly, thank you so much for your friendship and welcoming Scot, and us all, into your home. I know his time spent with you is precious to him. Digger and Darcy, First Class all the way, it was great to finally get to “meet” you and spend to real time together, not just in cyberspace. Mike Miller, it was an honor to meet you as well, your enthusiasm for all things Donzi, especially the Donzi family was intoxicating. We will see you in ‘Sota. Last, but not least, Woodsy and Princess. You started this whole thing with your great hospitality last October. Thank you so much for all that you did. Your selfless generosity and friendship is rare in this world, and I can not really express in word what it means to me. Until our next adventure, may God keep you in the palm of his hand and watch over you – Via Con Dios Amigos.

Team Jefe – Defending Silver Medallists, Lake Winnepesakee Donzi Club Poker Run.

[TuxedoPk]

Who was from NJ ??

My girlfriend.

[Digger]

Jefe, what an incredible adventure superbly told. That trip home... man I don't envy one second of that...

Thank you for capturing it all!

I don't remember exactly when, it was sometime on Tuesday, basically a day and a half after you guys had left, probably with a beer in hand and/or on the water reminiscing about a great weekend, and I remember looking at my watch and saying to nobody in particular "holy s*** Jefe and crew are STILL DRIVING home".

Not to get too gushy, but what the hell I'm home sick and drugged up, higher than a U-2 over red China, so... Make sure you keep a paper copy of that story somewhere, it'll be fun to break it out 5-10 years down the road and have you read it aloud to the gathered throng at some gathering, "gather around, Donzi crew, that ye may hear a story told well and true, and so hear the hilarity ensue..."

[Dr. Dan]

:wavey: I can hear it now....it'll start somethin like dis!

"Tyrone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get Ah Da Waha!".............etc. etc.

Doc of Not a F'ing Thing! :bonk:

[DonRatto]

Great story man, just got a chance to read it tonight, been on the road since I left winni, good to see you guys up there, Got the Pilgram hooked, he has been looking for boats ever since, he found one down in Georgia, but the person wanted to much. I think Jefe and Digger got him hooked on the big boats. PS, Waleye got a Moose this week hunting up in NH, its around 700lbs. Talk to everyone later :eek:

[boxy]

PS, Waleye got a Moose this week hunting up in NH, its around 700lbs. Talk to everyone later :eek:

Congrats Walleye, save a little piece for the Friday afternoon Happy Hour.
The Venison Walleye cooked for us Friday before we went to the Christmas was some of the best wild game I have ever eaten.

Donnie Ratto..... a 700 lbs Moose, it'd have a wrinkled ballon knot the size of a basketball, and could you imagine the size of his turkey skin hand bag.... :eek:

[DonRatto]

Its wrinkled penny and ballon knot, or whale eye, or puckered starfish but its ok I get the idea, and Boxy I didn't want to tell you how Waleye made that Deer meat so good :eek!: Good to hear from you, my fur bearing buddy :biggrin.: