This is it!
BTer's Welcome to the 2nd Annual Florida Maximum Meet
Hosted this year at Timmy and Angela's House in Beautiful South West Florida.

Mark your Calenders -
Sat. JUNE 21st 2008
2:00 until when

Bring your favorite drinks & Some nibbles to share.

Bring your swimming suits and your floaties and sit in the waterfall.

We will have some assorted wines and some grillable meats...

Possible Diving Sunday in Venice for Megalodon Shark Teeth and other fossilized specimens or East Coast Drift Dive.


Sign up below

WAHHHHH I want to come!!!! you are going to have such a great time.. Maybe next year...wahhhhhhhh

Double that WAHHHHHH - I wanna go too!!!!!!!
Anyway, sounds like a great plan - hope it turns into a Mega-Maxi Meet

Well, I wanna go too! And I think I WILL!!!
Timmmy, you'll have to send me your address so I can "mapquest" it...and I WILL be there!!!
Now-
What to bring? Hmmmm.... Let me think on this one for a little while, I'll get back to ya!

I will try but can not promise anything yet. Sort of in the middle of a heavy work time.

Count me with those who are WEEPING UNCONTROLLABLY!! I want to GO!!

Bummer....I'll be in Bonaire. Maybe next year.

Poor Tribs on Bonaire instead of at the meet in Florida....now I have something ELSE to cry about!

Luv ya Donna! You know, you could just come join me in Bonaire.

goodmorning! I would love to come...hmmmm
have to find out where this will be...someone want to PM me or whatever so maybe I can plan a weekend trip!! what fun!

Kristi - YGM

no fair i am there the week before!!!!
AND i just bought my tickets to get to tampa!

Tribs....I would LOVE to join you in Bonaire....but the chances of that are ALOT slimmer than the chances of getting to Florida...I could use checking out Grad Schools with Amanda as an "excuse" to go to Florida if we had the time and the $$$.....hey but who knows.....

but I'm alive and well and here chatting with friends, so It's ALL good...oops...sorry got carried away - this is the "mini meet" thread!

Looks like it will be the Florida maxi meet for me. Them people on the west coast can't seem to get there act together for some of us to plan to go there.

Working on the air fare as we speak.

HEY TIMMMY MAKE ROOM FOR ME AT THE GRILL, CAUSE HERE I COME.........

Woo Hoo!!! Soundin' good so far!!!
All of Patrick's Peeps, gonna be a PARTAY!!

WOO-HOO!!! I am going to be attending two mini-meets with Florideans. The first will be when Timmy and Angela are on Bonaire, the second will be when Kathy and Larry are on Bonaire. Any others going to be on island Sept 3-20? P.S., don't you have a business trip to schedule? We can go snowboarding. Well, we can snowboard until we get kicked off of the salt piles anyway Freddie, ya coming down, we can tell my boy's father that you are at a candle convention (heck Sweetie, we could even burn some candles

Back to cylinder duty - play nice. WAIT, I am not a mod anymore so... RAISE HECK EVERYONE.

I need a business trip...I have business in Ft. Meyers in June, I need to take one in July and I believe a trip should be scheduled for Sept.
Let me sell some duct tape grass skirts and I AM THERE!!!

Summer Bummer.
I will be on/in Bonaire hosting the 3rd Annual Jelly Jam and Sting Feast.

Bud

OMG...we grilling Patrick??

I can get tix for 69 each way on Allegiant air to ST. Pete...not bad at all!!! Is there a better airpost to fly into?? Suggestions on place to stay near you and Angela, Timmmy??? heir flight leaves early on sunday tho...bummer

Kristi, Fort Meyers is the best to fly into for the party.

Yay, we have a plan!!!!


We'll be there!!!

Terry and I are there! Yea!! E-mail us your address. tl_raz@yahoo.com

Bud...YGM.

Angela & Timmy --- Assorted Wines , grillable meats
PegiSue & George -
Kathy & Larry ---
Linda & Terry ---
Patrick --
Kristi ---

Fort Myers Airport info

Linda & Terry ---finger food and bottled water and maybe a key lime pie or two.

Angela & Timmy --- Assorted Wines , grillable meats
PegiSue & George -
Kathy & Larry ---
Linda & Terry ---finger food and bottled water and maybe a key lime pie or two.
Patrick --
Kristi ---

Timmy...you live in the same town as my "seester" she will be here first week of June...
Sounds tempting!
I have a Megaladon tooth on our wall! Where's the dive site on the west or east coast?

Meryl - Venice Beach ( the Gulf of Mexico ) is half way between Fort Myers and Tampa. It's a very shallow play on the bottom and fan the sand kind of dive.

There is great East Coast Diving off Fort Pierce, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Boynton Beach ...

I think Linda can tell you better than I can on East Coast Diving.

Meryl, I love to dive both coasts of Florida. The Gulf coast is shallow - to get depth you need to motor out quite away (20+ miles), but there are some fun & interesting artifical reefs up in my area (Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Dunedin). I love the Veterans reef 10? miles off of Honeymoon Island.
The east coast of Florida gets to depth quickly - a 5-10 minute boat ride. The Gulf Stream (I think that's what it's called) keeps the water temperature at 72ish in the winter and brings in da fishies. We did a New Years Day dive off of Pompano Beach when the air temp was in the 30's, wind was cranked up to 18-20, but the water was a nice 72. I wanted to stay in the water and hand my gear up for a tank change, but the dive operator wouldn't go for it. :-) Anyway here's a web site with some great information on east coast diving. http://www.force-e.com/index.shtml
My vote is for a West Coast shark tooth dive.
Linda

We were in Ft. Lauderdale last Feb. My Aunt and cousin live just north. We stayed at the Yankee Clipper?
Steve dove...I visited! And we have dove in Key Largo years ago. But never knew that there was diving near Ft. Meyers. Thanks for the link..the flights from here to Ft. Meyers are very resonable too!

Now tell me about the gators!

Well, I will swim in the ocean, but won't set foot in fresh water south of the Dixie line. Gators scare me more than any shark could - unless the shark was a big one coming at me with it's mouth wide open.

I dove with gators as a teenager in golf course lakes while collecting white dimpled gold - they were much more friendly way back then.

you are a brave brave guy Timmy! I'm with Linda* on the shark vs. gator issue!
So you are gator safe in salt water? Or are they less friendly and salt savvy now!?

Gators live in fresh or brackish water - Salt water crocs are very rare (and small) in Florida unlike their nasty cousins Down Under.

I would dive with sharks over Alligators any day !

Me too, Timmmy!

It's kinda early to know exactly what we'll be bringing, but I'll think on it. I talked to Vira today and I hope we'll be bringing her.

People should know that viz at Venice ranges between 0 and 20 ft. Most days....5. lol But once in a while you get lucky. I have tons of great pics from last year on a few good days. Looks like we'll be diving there next weekend...water's almost to 80, so wetsuit diving, but we'll check it out.

Oh, and I think the deepest we get at Venice is about 17 ft, more like 14 on the little reef.

Here are some Venice pictures on a good day last summer.
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AZsmzdo1ZNGSx


just click on the picture and then view slideshow.

(Message edited by recdivers on April 27, 2008)

Yah I talked to Vira this morning too and she's trying to work it out so she can drive down for Saturdays party. I mentioned to her that you said she could stay over with you. Don't worry about what to bring yet, I just put it out there for fun.



(Message edited by muddysoapfish on April 27, 2008)

Timmy,
I don't know what I'm bringing as "finger food", but I will be bringing lots of water, plain, sparkling and flavored. The Key Lime Pies will be there, too.

Kathy, I want to go next weekend, too. But I won't get my regs back till May 15th. The dive shops service department has been slammed, as they normally are in the spring.
I'll be diving soon enough. It's all good.
I don't mind the 5' vis. It just makes me slow down and look more closely for creatures.

I'd kill for some of those Key Lime pies...my absolute fav LOL!
Will be in Dallas that week but can't wait to hear about all the fun y'all are gonna have

Kobi, I can freeze you a pie and FedEx it to you?!?!

Well I'm bummed. I'll be in Atlanta taking an exam on the 21st. Oh well - maybe next year

Well my pig is supposed to be crying but I am inept and can't take a bmp and turn it into a gif.

Just realized that that day is our granddaughter's dance recital....... Try explaining to an 8 year old why you'll be out of town that weekend.

es will be in bonaire aug22 thru sept 6 with andrew(H) and craig(S) where is everyone staying. were at divi (timeshare)
elaine sculley

Gail, I can't believe you can't go..to me, it's not a mini-meet unless you are there!!! I've grown quite used to meeting new people with you and John! Except for the time I met BH, but that was ok because it was BH!!!
Maybe by then we can all figure something out...Like a special dance recital in Ft. Meyers...Entertainment for the Maximum FL Mini-Meet!!!

IT'S OFFICIAL

AIRLINE TICKET PAID FOR

FLORIDA HERE I COME

GET THE GRILL READY

PATRICK!!!Yeah!!! I finally get to meet you!!

Timmmy,
Dang, I can't make it! I have a trip planned for Dallas that weekend. I will be in the Ft Myers/Naples area Aug 7-10 for a wedding... Maybe I can meet you guys then!

That would be great Yana - I'm pretty sure we are home then. PM me when it's gets closer and we can set something up.

Patrick the grill is ready for the GRILL MASTER !

Hey y'all - first, thanks to Linda for the email... I didn't see this post because I was actually in Bonaire when it started!

Anywho, I'm in Tampa, so it's a short drive there for me. However, I work that Saturday, but I may ask for the night off so I can come. Also, I've been shark tooth diving in Venice and it's lots of fun and you always find something worth bringing home!

I'll let y'all know for certain in the next day or so - work has been -hectic- for the last 4 days so I think I deserve an extra day off next month!

Teri, that is no excuse. I have to work. You need to come and be with your new family.LOL

I took off of work and flying down from Louisville Ky. for this meet. So you can drive from Tampa and come bond with us.............

Oh, I'm definitely going in tonight and checking the calendar to take the weekend off - hells bells, after this week, I think I should take the month off. :P

Unless my squadmate has put in for that weekend (which I don't think so), I will be there.

Okie dokie, time off has been requested, so I can certainly attend. Timmmy, look for a PM from me.

Way to go Teri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Teri - PM me your e-mail address and I'll send you directions.

Unfortunately, aka fortunately, I will on Bonaire. I am sorry to miss it 2 yrs running.
I will offer the same 3rd Annual Jelly Jamboree to all Florida BT folk. JJ is a continuation of jelly sting research. This year I have added fire ant and insect stings. If you are interested in participation, drop me an email. Here in SE FL, sea lice season is upon us. Wild stuff those jelly larvae!
Bud
Boca Raton

So besides Timmmy, Angela, and me. Who else is going to there. Just trying to stir up some excitement here.

Well, Patrick, LINDA & TERRY, hopefully Teri, Kathy and Larry, PegiSue & George.

and my Key Lime pies!

Now that's what I'm talking about Key Lime pies.............

I think Christine is going to try to come down (scubabanker). I don't think Vira is gonna make it. Airfare just from there to here is crazy high. Driving would be very difficult.

Has anyone heard from Dr. Doo?

I'm getting excited!! Can't wait to meet everyone.

Just remember there a lot of me to go around!!!!!!!!!!LOL

Can't wait to meet you in person Patrick.

I'm bringing Jello Shots and Jerry's monkey!!!!

We love that about you Patrick!!

I must post this here also...I don't want anyone to think I'm not bringing anything...

I guess I'll have to drink his favorite wine while making the Jello shots...

Angela & Timmy --- Assorted Wines , Tri-Tip & Ribs

PegiSue & George - jello shots

Kathy & Larry ---

Linda & Terry --- finger appetizers and key lime pie, waters

Patrick -- Appetite

Teri ---

I'll let you know more about what I'm bringing once I know for sure that we will be there....
I'm thinkin' potato salad, my mama's recipe!!
Does Jerry's monkey drive for extended periods of time?? Hmmmm......

Angela & Timmy --- Assorted Wines , Tri-Tip & Ribs

PegiSue & George - jello shots, Mama's potato salad

Kathy & Larry ---

Linda & Terry --- finger appetizers and key lime pie, waters

Patrick -- Appetite

Teri ---

Timmmy, not been feeling well, don't know if G has to work, and that's a long drive ALONE with Jerry's monkey....LOL
I'll do my best, that is a PROMISE!!!

Pegi Sue, if G has to work you can SURELY make it to Tampa and go with us from there!

That is I-4!!! I don't do I-4. Isn't there some way that just goes straight to Timmmy's from here, all back-roads?
_{We really need a "blonde" emoticon!}

PS you should have Kayla drive She's a BTr too!!

:P at Patrick for not mentioning initially I am going, especially since he gave me trouble about work being no excuse.

Poor PegiSue! At least I only have to be on I4 for about 10 miles before I get on 75...

I am bringing curried couscous salad with dried cranberries (yum). I'll also bring Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and other assorted fizzy drinks.

Yay!

Angela & Timmy --- Assorted Wines , Tri-Tip & Ribs

PegiSue & George - jello shots, Mama's potato salad

Kathy & Larry ---

Linda & Terry --- finger appetizers and key lime pie, waters

Patrick -- Appetite

Teri --- curried couscous salad with dried cranberries, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and other assorted fizzy drinks.

Hola, I have not found a good fare to go and I have to think about the driving, if I can make it-I will - if not - next year. I am going to Germany at the end of June so..... I know you guys are going to have a ball.

I still don't know what I'll bring....sorry! lol I'll commit to something. Why don't y'all make it easy on me and just TELL me what to bring?

NOTHING HEALTHY THAT'S FOR SURE!!!!!!

Angela & Timmy --- Assorted Wines , Tri-Tip & Ribs

PegiSue & George - jello shots, Mama's potato salad

Kathy & Larry ---

Linda & Terry --- finger appetizers and key lime pie, waters

Patrick -- Appetite

Teri --- curried couscous salad with dried cranberries, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and other assorted fizzy drinks.

Mike - "Dr Do's" World Famous Cheese Cake

Yay! It's going to be a fun party.

OK, I just talked Jim into blowing off the market for another week. We'll be there. Send me an addy and any other pertinent info.

CindyR

Angela & Timmy --- Assorted Wines , Tri-Tip & Ribs

PegiSue & George - jello shots, Mama's potato salad

Kathy & Larry ---

Linda & Terry --- finger appetizers and key lime pie, waters

Patrick -- Appetite

Teri --- curried couscous salad with dried cranberries, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and other assorted fizzy drinks.

Mike - "Dr Do's" World Famous Cheese Cake

CindyR and Jim -