WEC - Peace River Outing

I have been a member of Women's Executive Club, aka 'WEC' since 1983. Even now, when I don't live in Fort Lauderdale anymore, I stay active as their Webmaster, and I keep in touch with several of the members. Most of these women are much more comfortable in a board room than in a campground, but a few adventurous souls decided to take a mini-vacation and come visit me in Peace River for the weekend. I didn't make them rough it too hard tho - they stayed in cabins - but I did get them all out in the river for a paddle. We had a gorgeous day. In the picture above, from left to right: Emily, Jan M.R., Jan B., Nancy, me. The photo was taken by Richard from the park who was obliging enough not only to load up kayaks and canoe and drive us to the launch, but also to make sure everyone was situated properly and pushed into the water, AND to take our photo. Thanx Richard! Did I mention that it was beautiful day? Warm sunshine, 75-80 degrees, but still with a cool breeze. I *told* 'em they might need to get their feet wet! Notice the guy in the background ... not only did he not try to help the ladies in distress - he just walked by shaking his head. The cold water must have tickled because there was lots of laughter after that! The kayaks were easier to maneuver - and they went right over the shallow parts. Emily and I reminisced about our first time paddling the Peace River ... in 1983! Our dive club organized a group outing thru Canoe Outpost, or Canoe Safari and we paddled for 2 or 3 days - camping out on the banks of the river. After a couple hours on the river, we were back at the campground and took a dip in the pool and a soak in the hot tub. Then it was off to a winery about a half-hour away called 'Henscratch Farms.' There is also a hydroponic 'u-pick-em' strawberry farm there. We asked for a recommendation for dinner, and discovered The Watering Hole in Sebring. Wow. The food was superb - I had steamed mussels on fettuccine. The huge, live alligator in a cage gave it a uniquely Florida ambiance! This morning, I found Emily sitting at my favorite sitting spot and she had her watercolors out. See more of her paintings at www.EmilyRushin.com. Nice weekend! Thanx for the visit guys ... er I mean gals.