FYI--toys for tots run St. Johns River

[JaxOutlaw]

Just trying to spread the word..

The 2006 Toys For Tots Tour
It is again time to get out that boat to do some good things. This year the 2006 Toys for Tots tour will take place on December 2nd. This unique event is the worlds only boating Toys for Tots Tour. It is tremendous fun and puts some nice gifts in the hands of some deserving children. .
This year’s event takes place in Palatka Fl; the event will be based at the Quality Inn [call 386 328 3481 for room reservations]. Saturday morning Dec 2nd at 10:30 am there will be a briefing in the lobby of the Quality inn for all boat captains please be present. Put a new unwrapped toy in your boat and have your boat in the water and running previous to 1:00. At 1:00 exactly a signal will be given indicating the time, and at that time participant will be free to start on the tour. This Fun Toy filled flotilla will go South on the St Johns River then into Dunn’s Creek to Crescent Lake then South to Three Bananas restaurant. There you will be received by some sensational smiling faces that will collect your gifts and impart festive greeting to you and your crew. This event will be officiated by the U.S. Marines, as this is an official U.S. Marine Toys for Tots event. After the tour very one is then invited to return in the evening to the Quality Inn to enjoy a great meal at POPI`S Seafood grille and Party at LAVA lounge. You are really great people, and you really deserve a great Party!! We would like to extend this invitation to you and all you know to enjoy this sensational event. For more information or suggestions please contact Rus Matos 5327 Goddard Ave Orl. Fla. 32810 E-mail raceboatrus@aol.com or call 407-760 3481. Please note that this is not a race or a mad speed dash. There are no set speed limits on these waterways and all participants should use the utmost care to assure that this event is safe for all concerned. Your participation in this event of your own free will and therefore your own responsibility. The responsibility for your action or miss action are solely your own. All associated with this event encourage all participants to operate their boat in a safe and lawful manner. Best wishes; please be safe.


Who ….. The US Marines Rus Matos welcome all boaters
What…. The US Marines Rus Matos and his crew will be putting on this most unique boating event. The 2006 Boating Toys for Tots Tour. Come on the tour and bring an unwrapped toy to enchant the heart of a deserving child.
Where…. This event will start in Palatka at The Quality Inn [201 N. 1st street Palatka Fl 32177] and go south on the St Johns River to Dunn Creek and into Crescent Lake [the home of the world kilo record trials] to The City Dock near Three Bananas Restaurant. There the US Marines will be at the ready to collect your toys and gifts and impart holiday greetings to you and your crew.
When…. The Boating Toys For Tots Tour is on Dec 2nd the actual tour starts exactly at 1:00 mid day but previous to the tour there will be a drivers meeting in the Quality Inn lobby at 10:30 AM.
How…. How can we make this Boating Toys For Tots Tour a success is by getting together your friends and family on your boat on Dec 2nd to come on the tour and share your generosity.
Why…. Because boater are some of the best people there is and this is only one of the many ways we can show this. Why not? What else can be better than bringing joy to a child with your gifts?

[liquidcolors]

cant wait going to be a blast!

[liquidcolors]

Ran it this past weekend nice run the the creek gets tight in a few areas.

[liquidcolors]

:booze1:

[JaxOutlaw]

Yeah we ran it too. What kind of boat were you in? I was in a 25 baja outlaw.

[signal:20]

you guys who just ran dunn's creek please speak up about safety on the creek. it would be bad to see the state turn D.C. into slow speed or idle zone, no fun at all. i can't go but if i was there i would speak up we don't want to lose a great place like D.C. thanks signal:20

[MIKES280]

signal what speed do you thank is safe through the creek i have never been there also how wide is it

[signal:20]

mike creek is narrow and winds around alot boat size and steped hulls will make a big differance in (safe speed) no side by side racing should be done. i have a 30' velocity 1981 with twin 250 evinrude t-tec's i feel safe at 60 mph but not in the tight spots. and not with a swarm of other boats. take time and injoy the view. signal:20

[cudajoe]

It's a beautiful ride, but I've already decided that we won't make the run because of the twists in that creek. The creek is probably about 35 yards wide most of the way. I just don't see anyway to make it safe with that many boats running at speed in there. A buddy of mine lives right up there, and he told me one time he had to idle all the way up the creek due to mechanical trouble, and it took him an hour and a half. I'm guessing it's about eight miles or so up the creek.

[cudajoe]

Here's a picture of how wide the creek is. This is one of the longest straight shots in the creek.

[signal:20]

:swat cudajoe i am with you. lets not forget the pt boats and fishermen on the creek most live around there. piss them off and the ball to stop this type of thing WILL start to roll. signal:20

[nortechJ]

my parents owend a house on dunns creek for 20 years.. i have spent many hours on it running 70+ in bass boats... its very deep except 1 sand bar half way down and is clearly marked with plants and grass.....from the mouth of the river to cresent lake is 9 miles... if ever body runs single file 45 to 50 mph i do not see how it could be a problem...

[nortechJ]

Yeah we ran it too. What kind of boat were you in? I was in a 25 baja outlaw.you two are gay:D

[cudajoe]

I touched bottom three times going down the creek. I was idling all three times.

[cudajoe]

Jax Outlaw, how fast do you think we were averaging in the creek? I'm guessing 40 to 45, and I still wondered what would happen if we met another boat coming the opposite direction. That was just four of us running together.

[signal:20]

nortech i think 45-50mph is ok. good space between boats a must. sometimes peoples boats break-down and you don't want to run up someones $$$. then again some peoples boats don't START. LOL. just don't want to loose dunn's creek. save the WFO for the lake. with more chop and wind =better speed. signal:20

[cudajoe]

We've done poker runs before where an LEO led us through crowded areas. I wonder if something like that could be worked out.

You can't see the LEO in these pictures, but he was right in front of the pace boat that's carrying the flag. That's his wake they are running in.

[nortechJ]

I touched bottom three times going down the creek. I was idling all three times.where?? i have been up and down that thing hundred's of times never hit anythng but a manatee once... granted its been 8 years since i have been on DC but how much could it change?

[JaxOutlaw]

shut up Pole Smoker

[JaxOutlaw]

Jax Outlaw, how fast do you think we were averaging in the creek? I'm guessing 40 to 45, and I still wondered what would happen if we met another boat coming the opposite direction. That was just four of us running together.


Yeah i would say 40 is about right. A lady in a hotbot came from the opposite direction. We didn't have a problem. I'm sure it was ruff on her hemroids in that small boat. It would of sucked if it was on a couple of those 180 deg. turns. I'm still going. I'm not worried about it.

[cudajoe]

where?? i have been up and down that thing hundred's of times never hit anythng but a manatee once... granted its been 8 years since i have been on DC but how much could it change?
The first time was right at the first series of "S" curves we were on. We had slowed down, I was on the inside of a corner. I figured after that, I'd stay on the outside of the corners, but on the way back, I was right in the middle of the creek, not far from where that tree is down in the middle coming back towards the river. I bumped bottom twice there.

[signal:20]

nice talk jacoffalot

[JaxOutlaw]

nice talk jacoffalot

So if I afended you.

[liquidcolors]

Anyone know about how many boats run this event?

[cudajoe]

I'd say between 50 and 70 the last two years.

[MIKES280]

we got our rooms so we are leaving early Friday hope to get down in time to do some boat riding that afternoon

[nortechJ]

The first time was right at the first series of "S" curves we were on. We had slowed down, I was on the inside of a corner. I figured after that, I'd stay on the outside of the corners, but on the way back, I was right in the middle of the creek, not far from where that tree is down in the middle coming back towards the river. I bumped bottom twice there.i think that is where the sand bar is you do have to watch it there... if it is the same area im thinking of...

[liquidcolors]

Who all is going?

[nortechJ]

i am.....white power!

[JaxOutlaw]

i'm in if the rain is out.

[nortechJ]

Who else????? i need to know if i need to bring my "window the block" pullies...this will be the last time out for these motors!!!!

[JaxOutlaw]

Who else????? i need to know if i need to bring my "window the block" pullies...this will be the last time out for these motors!!!!

I'll bring my tow rope.:ev1l danc :1bounce

[AMBUSHER]

Who else????? i need to know if i need to bring my "window the block" pullies...this will be the last time out for these motors!!!!

A little birdy told me you might need them:ev1l danc :ev1l danc if you plan on being at the front of the pack that is.:big smile

Better to have them and not need them, then need them and not have them.

[liquidcolors]

Dont blow my future motos I will pay you now for them while there worth something.

[nortechJ]

A little birdy told me you might need them:ev1l danc :ev1l danc if you plan on being at the front of the pack that is.:big smile

Better to have them and not need them, then need them and not have them.o no!!!! i might have to put the 35's on the boat with the 16 lbs pullies... 1.50 ratio+17.5 by 35 4 blade mercs at 6300 rpms with 15% slip.....whats that equal??
and tell that little birdy i have #6 birdshot:biggun2

[AMBUSHER]

o no!!!! i might have to put the 35's on the boat with the 16 lbs pullies... 1.50 ratio+17.5 by 35 4 blade mercs at 6300 rpms with 15% slip.....whats that equal??
and tell that little birdy i have #6 birdshot:biggun2

If they were 18X35's you might be OK, I have the left hand spare from the fountain but you might need to make 18lbs to turn it.:slaps :D

You motorboatin sob.:big smile

[MIKES280]

and tell that little birdy i have #6 birdshot:biggun2just like you to bring a pea shooter to a gun fight:boomSmili :boomSmili

[MIKES280]

what is the weather looking like for sat.

[nortechJ]

High 70's wed thur friday then mid 60's sat with possible rain.....lets hope this changes

[MIKES280]

High 70's wed thur friday then mid 60's sat with possible rain.....lets hope this changesthat will suck

[MIKES280]

well we are leaving at 6 am in the moring we will get some pics james ee you at lunch

[RACEBOAT RUS]

2007 Boating Toys For Tots Tour
The US Marines and Rus Matos invites you to the best boating Toys For Tots tour in the world. On December 1st load your boat with your friends and a new toy [without gift wrap] and come to Palatka on the St Johns River. Come to the Quality Inn Riverfront {386 328 3481} at 9:00 Am for a captains meeting, then be in the River before 10:30 AM. At exactly 10:30 AM the tour will start proceeding under the Palatka Bridge down the River to Dunn’s Creek then to Crescent Lake . The US Marines will be on the Crescent City Dock to collect your toys and gifts.

There is also an optional multi-day Toys For Tots Poker Run with lunches dinners live entertainment great parties prizes and trophies for Poker Run guests. This sensational Toys For Tots Poker Run is on Friday November 30 and Saturday December 1st. Register early at the Quality Inn Riverfront .
Contact Rus Matos for further information ,
5327 Goddard ave Orl. Fl. 32810 call 407 760 3481
Post news of this event on your favorite web site; we would love to see you on the net.

[RACEBOAT RUS]

T J give rus a call 407 760 3481

[RACEBOAT RUS]

I ran dunn`s creek last week and it looked fine. This year after all of the group goes through the creek there will be a flag boat that will be the last boat through. the flag boat will be the last one in the group. and will signal the return of the group coming back from Crescent lake... the flag boat will be my "BAD DADDY" boat. Dunn`s Creek is the point on the tour that should be navigated with extra care. we will cover this in the captains breifing

[RACEBOAT RUS]

The Tour down the river on Saturday morning is free.... comr to the captains meeting .... Also think about stepping up to the fun of the "Toys for Tots Poker Run"


2007 Boating Toys for Tot Tour and the Toys for Tots Poker Run
As always we would like to invite everyone with a boat and kindness in their heart to come and make the December 1st Toys for tots Tour . The Tour will start exactly at 10:30 at the Bridge in Palatka and then proceed all the way down to Crescent City on Crescent Lake. The U S Marines and City Mayor will be on the dock to impart kind greeting and collect your toys and gift [ please bring a new toy or gift without gift wrap ]. All Toys for tots tour participant are asked to come to the Captains meeting previous to the tour at 9:00 AM in the lobby of the Quality Inn River Front, Please come to this meeting as it is of serious importance to your safety and the success or the tour.

Many of you have ask about the Boating Toys for Tots being more than just a midday tour down the River This is the year that this will happen .We want to welcome you to a weekend long happening of food festivities and FUN. On Friday we would like to register The guests for the “Toys For Tots Poker Run” . The “Toys For Tots Poker Run “ registration is $150 per boat 1 Captain and 1 crew member. Preregister or register at the Hotel Friday all day or previous to the Captains meeting Saturday.

1 On Friday morning we will have a fun run. The “ Toys For Tots Poker Run Flotilla” will gather on the river in front of the Quality Inn to ride up to Whitie`s Fish Camp or The Landings in Jacksonville for lunch. Destination to be determined by majority vote.

2. Friday evening the “ Toys For Tots Poker Run Flotilla “ will return to Gator Landings in Palatka for Fun and Festivities on the dock with free hourdourves and partying with a live band . Gator is a great place to dine party and celebrate.

3. Saturday morning mandatory captains meeting at 9:00 AM in the Quality Inn lobby. River conditions safety and legal issues will be covered. This is an absolute MUST……….Card -”A”- given

4. Saturday morning have your boat in the water ready for the 10:30 AM start. All boats are asked to gather On the North side of the Palatka Bridge to await the 10:30 start. Then South on the River to Dunn’s Creek and then on Crescent Lake to the City Dock and the US Marines………….Card -“B”- given

5. Saturday afternoon the “Toys For Tots Poker Run Flotilla “ will gather on the water in front of the Quality Inn at 12:30 midday to ready for the trek up to Outback Crab shack……..Card -“C”-Given

6. Saturday afternoon the “Toys For Tots Poker Run Flotilla” will run up to the Outback Crab shack for a great lunch …………………………. Card - “D”- given

7. Saturday evening the “ Toys for Tots Poker Run Flotilla” will return to the Quality Inn for a sensational Free Dinner and an exclusive party with a live band. Party dine and dance long into the night. The Poker Card count will be made. Enormous Poker Run Trophies will be given to the top 3 places. The 50/50 raffle prize will be given..
………….Last Card -”E”- given and counted.

8. Optional Sunday, If you have the energy go South on the River and enjoy one of Florida’s most beautiful natural wonders Silver Glenn Springs. It is a great place to wind down from a hectic weekend and the water is always 72` perrrfect for swimming


The Tots For Tots Poker Run Package include two event T-shirts . The Gators party on Friday with snacks and a live band. The Saturday Quality Inn Dinner and exclusive live band party. The Enormous Poker Run Trophies, also the event photo CD. Other goodies to be added .
If there is something else you would like to see at this event please feel free to contact me Rus Matos 407 760 3481 or Bill Pyburn 904 388 6637

[scb2987]

RUSS............... we get it man!!!!!!

seriously tho, i cant wait, post it another 100 times on 4 more sites, i still love reading it

see you all there!!!!

[RACEBOAT RUS]

sorry my paranoya is showing

[JaxOutlaw]

If anybody is heading from the jax area, there will be about 5 boats meeting @ the mouth of black creek and st. johns around 8:00-8:30.

[liquidcolors]

How many boats did the pokerrun,dinner sat. night?