www.sun1.net ........ watch for more info. Plan your Florida PWC vacation NOW! Why wait? For Three solid days of on the water fun check in the evening of July 20 , and check out the morning of the 24th. Or just come for a day or two. Life is one long weekend, so just DOO it!

This is year # 6 for this event. It's not a race or poker run. It's basically open riding and guided tours of our fantastic riding area between Naples and Ft Myers, Florida. Wide open blasting through the Gulf of Mexico, sightseeing around Sanibel Island. Trail rides through miles of cave like mangrove trails. Open river riding for miles and miles. Wave jumping when we get lucky and have waves.
This is open to the experienced rider as well as the novice. All ages are invited. We leave no one behind!
Here is where we stay, www.loverskey.com. Tell them when making reservations that you are with the Naples ski group.
I stopped by Lovers Key today and talked with Elizabeth and Rich, G.M & A.G.M. Our group rate/discount for Friday and Saturday night is 15% off regular. For those of us who want to check in Thursday and check out Monday they will give us another 10% on top of the already 15% for Thursday and Sunday nights. Friday and Monday morning ski excursions are turning out to be some of the best going if you prefer smaller groups and longer distant open water rides. Just a thought!

OK, Here we go for the sixth year!
check out my site, "www.sun1.net"and watch here for updates.
Look for past posts on many pwc sites, search for "southwest Florida summer ski fest" in google and read what has gone on the past 5 years.
This is a family level gathering of PWC enthusiasts from all over. We gather for a loooong weekend and share our great times with each other. Guided tours of our fabulous riding area. Superb accommodations and food. All are invited. It cost you nothing but your typical vacation expenses. You do not have to belong to any club. Even though it would be nice and to all of our advantages if you were a member of the AWA. Support our sport! http://www.awahq.org/ Tell Cris that TJ sent you.
A little bit of agenda: Thursday night 9 PM at Flippers outdoor bar, or pool side. Start your weekend of ski pleasure off right by kicking back and enjoying your favorite beverage bayside. Buy your drinks from the bar or bring your own for around the pool. Please, NO GLASS OF ANY KIND is permitted by the pool. Bring plastic cups to enjoy your drinks. Remember the early bird gets the good parking spots. Arrive Thursday and park close and get the discount on your room. I worked this out with the resort, New this year.
We'll go out for our Traditional "Race to Sanibel" ride Friday morning through the Gulf of Mexico. Chop or no chop! Hoping to do a BBQ for lunch on some deserted Island, then it's off into the Mangroves for a "try to get lost with TJ leading" return ride to the resort. We'll have a GPS, "locate the right trail" contest in Todd's famous "maze" area. Back at Lovers Key we'll jump in the pool, get gas, hit the hot tub, get more gas, grab a drink, and head back out for Nudie Beach and some wild and challanging mangrove trails. Please bring your own BENO or GAS-X for those who misinterpret the previous directions.
PS.. this year we WILL be doo-ing a {scheduled} low tide mangrove trail run for the Aqua challanged at heart. First ski to get stuck buys first round back at Flippers that evening.
Last year we did it but I forgot to mention that it was scheduled.
More to follow.....
For those of us who really enjoy socializing and also those who check in Friday, we'll meet again Friday night also,8/9 PM at Flippers outdoor bar, or pool side. Start your weekend of ski pleasure off right by kicking back and enjoying your favorite beverage bayside. Buy your drinks from the bar or bring your own for around the pool. Please, NO GLASS OF ANY KIND is permitted by the pool. Bring plastic cups to enjoy your drinks. Wear you bathing attire, the pool and hot tub are both heated.
Check out the resorts web page. www.loverskey.com , tell them that you are with the "naples ski group" to get our special discounted rate.
Saturday, Sunday and Mondays itineraries to follow.

Schedule of Events for the Lover's Key (Fort Myers Beach, Florida):
Southwest Florida Summer Ski Fest
July 21st-25th, 2006

****** This schedule is subject to change, but it will give you a good idea of the rides that we will be doing. Times are subject to change so ask before going to your room.
Friday:

7-9 AM: Continental Breakfast for those staying at -LOVERS KEY RESORT.
All others hit your local 7-11 or Donut shop for a quick breakfast and get those skis in the water.
8-10AM: launch and prepare to ride.
9-10 AM Quick ride up the Estero River while others arrive.

10AM - 1PM: Depending on the chop, if any, on the Gulf, we’ll depart for a sightseeing ski cruise across the Gulf of Mexico to Sanibel Island. We’ll follow the shoreline north enjoying the many sights along the way. Manatee, dolphin, sea turtles, large rays and more are often seen in the waters that we will be playing in. Maybe a quick stop at the Lanai Kai on Fort Myers Beach will be in order for some live island music and a bathroom stop.

1:00 - 2:00 PM
LUNCH AT THE LOVERS KEY RESORT
Feel free to purchase some grub at Flippers Grill, Daily Specials are great, Blackened Seafood or Chicken Sandwiches are highly recommended, Burgers are good there as well. The view from the Tiki bar overlooks the Bay and is simply amazing. Dolphins can be seen passing by and frolicking in the Waters.

2-5 PM Excursions into various territories around the Resort. Mangroves, Rivers, the Estero bay and who could pass up a slow ride past Nudie Beach!
While exploring the Area on your PWC, please stay in the channels in the Estero Bay area, this is a shallow area outside the channels and the speed limit inside the Bay is 25 MPH (we usually go 30 MPH in these areas.)
Launch Area:
Boat Ramp is 1/2 mile due South of the Resort, on the same road “Carl Johnson State Boat Launch and Ramp" (No Fee or Charge) Ramp is a FREE Ramp, NO Charge

Watch the Dolphins or relax by the pool, as most will be arriving later. Food is available at the Hotel's Tiki Hut Bar/Restaurant- Flippers, or you can head a mile or two North to any Restaurant on Ft. Myers Beach.
Have fun and relax, I believe there is a shuttle that takes you up and down the strip for a small fee, like .50 - 1.00.

SATURDAY:

7-9 AM: Continental Breakfast for those staying at -LOVERS KEY RESORT.
All others hit your local 7-11 or Donut shop and get those skis in the water

8:00AM-9:00 AM:
Launch your skis and get them running and tuned up, head over to the Lovers Key Resort. Meet in the front of the Tiki bar at the Lovers Key Resort.
Plenty of time later to relax, so please get out there and launch your ski, it'll be a fun day

9-10 AM Quick ride up the Estero River while others arrive.

9:00 AM-1:00 PM:
ROUND UP IN FRONT OF LOVERS KEY HOTEL BY 9:00AM-
We cannot wait for those who slept late or who forgot to Fill up with Gas, Please Launch your skis with tanks full or fill up before 10AM.

"Tour of the local Bays and Backwaters"
led by Todd Munch and TJ from Estero Bay through the Rivers and Creeks of the Estero Bay area, Natural Mangrove trails run right through the woods, deep into unexplored and uncharted areas you won't find on any Tourist Maps.
This will be a nice tour open to all age groups, taken through the Backwaters and Bays.
Max speeds in the public channels will be 30-35 MPH, with lots of woods and scenery surrounding on both sides.
This is a true 3 Hour ride, it's not a huge distance away from the Resort, but it does cover a large area of backwoods trails and requires your full attention to safety and Lawful Speeds, we will let you know when you can Go Full speed, until then please stay with the group.
You are in for a real treat here,
Be led on a Trip back in time Hundreds of years into the deep depths of the Natural Mangroves Forests and Tunnels created by the Tidal Currents and Mother Nature. We will take a headcount of riders before we leave and at each stop along our journey to insure we have not left anyone behind in the back-woods. We will be entering single file into the tunnels and trails that few have ever seen. Please keep a safe distance between you and the ski in front of you for safety reasons in case the rider in front misses a turn or has to stop. Please keep your eyes on the trail and your finger/thumb ready for the throttle, as the turns are tight and you really need to slow down fast at times and at other times you will need to accelerate quickly and make sharp turns as the trail winds.

This will be a nice opportunity to experience the quiet backwaters. Please stay in the marked channel at all times, as the water depth is extremely tide sensitive and you should be able to see the bottom in most places . We will be stopping at the end of each trail or River segment to make sure we have our complete Group and everyone is ok.
Bring something to drink to replenish those fluids and quench your thirst.
Even though it will be Saturday, you will be surprised at how quiet and calm these waters are.

1:00 - 2:00 PM

LUNCH AT THE LOVERS KEY RESORT
Feel free to purchase some grub at Flippers Grill, Daily Specials are great, Blackened Seafood or Chicken Sandwiches are highly recommended, Burgers are good there as well. The view from the Tiki bar overlooks the Bay and is simply amazing. Dolphins can be seen passing by and frolicking in the Waters.

3:00PM Ride up to Ft. Myers Beach

Round up as many Riders as we can and head into the Gulf of Mexico for a ride up to Ft. Myers Beach, and the World Famous Lanai Kai Hotel. This leg of the trip will be in the Gulf of Mexico "NO SPEED LIMIT", and may be rough enough for you hard core riders. We will stop at the Beach for a drink and some relaxation.
This is a must do Ride if you are attending, please join us for this one!!!


4:30 PM - 6:00 PM OPEN RIDE AND RELAX BACK AT THE RESORT.


6PM or so: DINNER AT LOVERS KEY, Either on the deck of Flippers Restaurant or On the outdoor patio, Bayside.
ORGANIZED BY TJ AND MANAGER OF THE LOVERS KEY RESORT.
TJ has organized a private buffet meal for our group;. This will not be hot dogs and burgers. Were working on a kids price. Non alcoholic drinks are included.
All are invited.

7 PM-? RELAX, PARTY Meet new friend and share stories around the pool or in the rooms at the Lover's Key. There is a Hot Tub and a waterfall at the pool which is very refreshing.

Please, there is NO GLASS allowed around the pool. Bring your own drinks but they must be in plastic or metal containers.

Sunday:

7-9 AM: Continental Breakfast -LOVERS KEY RESORT. All others hit your local 7-11 or Donut shop and get those skis in the water. Meet in the front of the Tiki bar at the Lovers Key Resort.

8:00AM-10:00 AM:
Launch your skis and get them running and tuned up; head over to the Lovers Key Resort. Plenty of time later to relax, so please get out there and launch your ski, it'll be a fun day

ROOM CHECKOUT.:
For those checking out of the resort on Sunday,
Please checkout of your rooms on time and load up your vehicles with your clothing and stuff.
Even if you have checked out, you are still welcome at the Resort in the afternoon, feel free to use the pool and Tiki bar and you can come and go from their Beach.


10:30 AM-12:15 PM: ROUND UP IN FRONT OF LOVERS KEY HOTEL BY 10:15AM:

"Tour of the local Bays and Backwaters"

led by Todd Munch From Estero Bay through Bonita Springs to Wiggins Pass State Park in North Naples and Back. This will be a Nice tour open to all age groups, taken through the Backwaters and Bays.
Max speeds will be 30-35 MPH in the public channels, with lots of woods and scenery surrounding on both sides. We will pass by some beautiful Houses and there will be ample time to talk and share ideas, as we will pass through a few "idle-zones", with none being longer than a few minutes. This will be a nice opportunity to experience the quiet backwaters. Please stay in the marked channel at all times, as the water depth is extermely tide sensitive and you should be able to see the bottom in most places .


12:00 - 3:00 PM
MANGROVE RIDE


Ride leaves at 12:00 Noon from the Lovers Key Resort. You are in for a real treat here, Be led on a Trip back in time Hundreds of years into the deep depths of the Natural Mangroves Forests and Tunnels created by the Tidal Currents and Mother Nature. We will take a headcount of riders before we leave and at each stop along our journey to insure we have not left anyone behind in the back-woods. We will be entering single file into the tunnels and trails that few have ever seen. Please keep a safe distance between you and the ski in front of you for safety reasons in case the rider in front misses a turn or has to stop. Please keep your eyes on the trail and your finger/thumb ready for the throttle, as the turns are tight and you really need to slow down fast at times and at other times you will need to accelerate quickly and make sharp turns as the trail winds-you also will need to duck under branches, quite a ride for all who get this great opportunity.
After we finish the trails we will Head back to the Lover's Key Resort to pick up some Lunch .
From there we will pick up whoever is left and head into the Gulf of Mexico for a ride up to Ft. Myers Beach, and the World Famous Lanai Kai Hotel. This leg of the trip will be in the Gulf of Mexico "NO SPEED LIMIT", and may be rough enough for you hard core riders. We will stop at the Beach for a drink and some relaxation.
This is a must do Ride if you are attending, please join us for this one !!!

Monday:
Gulf Run 9:00 – 11:00
If we have some stragglers who didn’t want to checkout Sunday. We will be doing a Gulf ride down along the coast to Naples as long as the weather and surf permits us to. Last year it was glass smooth out in the open water all the way to Naples.

******This schedule is subject to change, but it will give you a good idea of the times and rides that we will be doing. Departure times are subject to change so make sure you ask before going to your room. Normally we will give 10 to 15 minutes notice around the pool of a ride getting ready to leave.


Sorry for not getting back here sooner. My Mom passed away from cancer in April and I have been up north since March taking care of family matters. Man, do I need "SwFSSF" right about now. If anyone needs quick info please call me at 1-239-826-5216 cel or home 1-239-482-2576 thanks, TJ

I promise you will love this gathering. Unless you don't like crowds! E-mail me at tj@sun1.net, or creativede@aol.com...... If you have a marine radio, bring it with you.
We have a nice showing of Honda ski's. Hello, Barb, are you there?
If you can't make it down for ski fest but will be traveling this way with your skis another time, let us know, we'll give you private tours of the area.

Actually we have just about every manufacturer and model of ski out there show up. Last year there was over 100 skis’ in the water Saturday afternoon with our group. Also, all ages participate. We've had a 90 year old grandma piloting her ski and kids about 2 or 3 years of age along for the ride. Some of us drive like we're 2 or 3.

Ok, BIG NEWS, I just got back from Lovers Key Resort and there were no dead fish or smells anywhere to be found. And I'm not talking about the restaurant. Speaking of that We will be doing our SATURDAY NIGHT feast mainly on the restaurant deck with over flow on to the side patio. Due to the crazy laws of Bonita Springs and the popularity of the nice white tent in which we ate under last year, Lovers Key was not able to get any more permits to put up the tent for our get together. They did about 15 or so tent events and just ran out of slots for us. SO, they will be closing down Flippers Restaurant to outside guests and only operating it for Ski fest guests Saturday night.
Also, The local Seadoo dealer which I contacted many moons ago called me today and we will be getting together tomorrow to discuss their participation in our event. They are very excited in joining up with us to promote a safe and enjoyable PWC get together. If any other groups or dealers wish to join in all it takes is a phone call or e-mail to me so we can coordinate participation.

No radar gun checks this year. I haven't heard of anyone bringing a radar gun to use.

there are already 50 some rooms reserved with a few left at our discount rate. call and mention that you are with the ski fest.....

http://hometown.aol.com/creativede/skipage.html



copy and paste above if you can't get on www.sun1.net

TJ,
Count me in, looking forward to a great weekend!

Todd, we guarantee you will have a better than great weekend!

i wish i could go. im going to be at the keys for a week while you guys are out there riding in naples

Ski tips!

It works out best if you bring along gas jugs to fill your skis with. We usually run to the gas station up the road between runs or at night. It’s quicker and cheaper than the 45 +/- minutes it take to get to the local marina through the slow zones. But it can be done. Not sure if the marina’s carry high test gas, might only be 89 octane.
Bring a good anchor with you to secure your ski at Lovers Key resort. You can beach the ski right there by the pool and restaurant, tie and lock it to a tree for the evening Tie it up to a large pole in the water or anchor it. The current does move pretty fast there at time so please have a good anchor and watch the tides and your ski while beached during off riding times. At night a lot of us leave our toys on the beach or in the water, but we do secure them together and to stationary objects for safe keeping. Bring with you some long ropes, cables and a lock. We have had in the past one or two ski’s start to float away, luckily someone saw them departing. The tide varies 2 – 3 feet where we beach our skis.


If anyone has a first aid kit, please bring it with you, we never know when it may be needed. If you have first aid experience, nurse, doctor, veterinarian, magician, please let me know, just in case.

WHO'S GOT GAS!

For those of you who will need gas in and around Lovers Key this weekend. Here is a rundown on what’s available. On the water about 30 minutes south by ski, slow zones, is Big Hickory Marina, ouch! 89 octane.

About 45 minutes ,round trip north by ski, short slow zone, is Fish Tale marina, 89 octane

Now by car or truck, maybe even by motorcycle:
2 miles north of Lovers Key is a 711 gas station/mini market.
The following stations you will pass on your way to Lovers Key from I-75. All are on Bonita Beach Rd.

7.5 miles south is 711 gas station/mini market.
8 miles south, BP
9 miles south, Sunoco
10.5 miles south, Shell
12 miles south, Albertsons
13 miles south, Hess @ the bottom of I-75 ramp


There is a Chevron gas station to the East of exit 116 on Bonita Beach Rd.. .. You can turn left at the end of the ramp go 1 mile and there it is on your right, in front of a Publix super market to pick up any needed essentials, like beer, food, wine, did I say beer, etc…

Then just turn around and head back, west from there and you'll see Lovers Key on your right about 15 to 20 miutes.
I know some guyz are picky about the brand of gas that they use so I hope this helps.
There are a few more stations north of lovers Key but not many. SEE YA SOON! TJ

REMEMBER: Bring plastic drinking cups for use around the pool!

***** NO GLASS *****

Talked to Rich at Lovers Key, Dinner Saturday night will require you to get tickets at the reservation desk when you check in for the weekend.. Jayson, the award winning chef, promises this will be another really fantastic meal. It will be hard for his chefs to top last years culinary creation.


Other places of interest: Ace Hardware down on the North side (right) of Bonita Beach Rd. right before Rt. 41, for Salt eliminator to flush out your ski. Price is about $$28.00 a gallon. They haven’t had it in stock since I’ve been promoting it. Other boating and fishing needs also.
Advanced Auto parts across from Ace Hardware on the South side (left) of Bonita Beach Rd., for spark plugs and whatever?
West Marine is down Rt. 41 south from Bonita Beach Rd only 1 mile on your left. Tons of fast and slow food places along there. The AmericInn is down this way on the right.
If your in the market for a new tow vehicle, the HUMMER dealer is also right there. Along with Starbucks a little further down. If your going for coffee let me know, I could use a Latte.

i will be moving to that area in the next 6 months so count me in for next year really sounds like a good time

Nater can't wait till you get here my neck of the woods we can make them faster

Local gas prices as of Monday July 17, 2006

2 miles north of Lovers Key is a 7-11 gas station/mini market.
87 oc. $2.97 89 oc. $3.07 93 oc. $3.17

The following stations you will pass on your way to Lovers Key from I-75. All are on Bonita Beach Rd.

7.5 miles south is 711 gas station/mini market.
87 oc. $3.00 89 oc. $3.10 93 oc. $3.20

8 miles south, BP
87 oc. $3.05 89 oc. $3.15 93 oc. $3.20

9 miles south, Sunoco, Bonita Beach Rd & Rt 41
87 oc. $2.97 89 oc. $3.07 93 oc. $3.17


On the water:
Fish Tale Marina 89 octane only $3.95


Big Hickory Marina, 89 octane only $4.27

No signs or smells or red tide around Lovers Key Resort as of yesterday.

We'll see you all Friday morning. Todd and I went out and checked most of the trails and the resort today. Had lunch at Flippers, which is the resorts resturant. Not many people out on the water today. No dead fish around lovers key.
The resort is in the midst of building a mini marina/dock for a new "boat club" that will be based there. So we will have some pile driving equipment off of the be