Things I learned at AOTH XI

Well, as usual I learned a few things this year, and I felt it worthy of putting them down for all to see. Let's hear any other thoughts from those who attended.

1. If you have a Donzi, you should bring it and run it. If not, you will be shamed into doing so and will not regret it.
2. It's a dry county and booze isn't available until 40 miles away. Unfortunately this is the 2nd year that I have learned this lesson. Thanks to Hedge for bailing me out! Cash is coming your way next time I'm at the Roamer.
3. It's a great idea to have a big boat captain as your first mate on the "fun run."
4. If you're going to run behind another boat, don't pick a Cigarette throwing a rooster tail. You WILL get wet.
5...more to come I'm certain.

I also want to throw in a special thanks to everyone for their kind comments on my 18. It has taken a lot of blood, sweat, and tears by a lot of people to get it to the point that I can run it in a "fun run" with 30 other boats and arrive back at the dock without issues. So, I really appreciate all of the flattering and encouraging words. It's a special boat to me, and apparently several of you...and that means a lot.

All the best,
David

As some of you know, me, Boo Boo and the twins had been on the road in our RV for 3 weeks before we arrived at AOTH. It was a long run and AOTH was our final stop before heading back to Jackson Hole. Here are some of the things I learned at AOTH XI

1. ITTLFLI really does fly. A Donzi Blackhawk running is a beautiful thing.
2. 2 year old twins love ZX cuddy cabins.
3. 2 Year old twins also like green and white 22's.
4. Flowerpots will run 90 mph with a bent prop.
5. ZX's don't go anywhere without a prop.
6. GT-21's built by Parnell are REALLY cool. My favorite boat there.
7. Mick's boat looks amazing in pics, and even better in person.
8. I have wondered why AOTH is held in the middle of nowhere KY, after a ride on Cumberland, I now know. Amazing lake.
9. 20 ft Cigs don't like being harrassed by 2 very fast ZX's, but take it in stride. The 4 Cigs there were absolutly beautiful.
10. Every year, I get one year older and Bill (Hedgehog) gets one year younger.
11. Lenny simply does not age.
12. Scott Baxter (Mad Poodle) is the only one there without a boat that can still sandbag.
13. David (DonziVol), contrary to popular belief, does not actually break down everytime he goes out in his 18.
14. Ghost (Mike) really is a ghost, took me all weekend to track him down, but I finally did.

Boo Boo and I were overwhelmed and very touched by all the help and offers we got to help with the twins, including but not limited to-

1. Stan (Inferno) offering to let me take the family out in his beautiful 18.
2. Donzi Di helping Boo Boo on the Docks.
3. Tim (Reddog) taking us back to Jamestown after Brian broke his prop shaft. He scarificed alot of the afternoon to help us.
4. Parnell offering to take me out in the GT-21 for some needed time on the water.
5. Deb calling Tim for us, and generally helping a bunch,
6. Brian for giving us a great day on the water in his ZX, knowing he might have to take us back to Jamestown if the twins went Nuclear (they didn't).
7. Byron offering us a ride to the falls after the breakdown.

It was great seeing all my old freinds and meeting a bunch of new ones.

John, Boo Boo, Jean and Brooks

- I looovvve sandbaggers…
- But even sandbaggers have to eventually open their hatches and back it up on the water.
- Diana truly thinks a 540 is “stock” and with the AOTH crowd, it is.
- Phil’s boat can stop a loud raft-off party with a full tilt boogie in progress, DEAD in its tracks.
- EVERYBODY digs the Falls, especially after a long, five year hiatus.
- Are 18 Classics really met to run 85? Why yes they are…
- Please don’t give our auctioneer the big gulp tequila. Fan? What fan?.
- A happy hour martini takes the edge off, but quit feeding Booe that SQUIRREL sausage!
- Aaron and that pretty little lady make me feel real old, but they run a mean 16.
- I hate event t-shirts, but at least we don’t have 155 of them leftover in Jerry’s basement.
- Chicks dig Pink AOTH fleece.
- Speaking of Pink, dam that LIPSTICK-colored Lifeline was bright. You could see it from space.
- More sun block please, but man that water is cold.
- Who the heck needs a prop shaft any way?
- Did you see Lippy's new interior?
- The JRM gas dock crew is going to be there, even for those who CAN’T back a boat like me.
- Deneen can make any dock look good. New category for awards next year, People’s Choice, Ms. Chanel.
- Byron can put a boat together in the parking lot.
- The tow boat is compliant with the American’s with Disabilities Act, but even healthy people want to stay.
- What the heck is all of that stuff under the hatch of Kenny’s beast. Please bring it back.
- 26 steps don’t suck.
- What a great time!

Oh yeah, another thing. Roadtrip is indeed "the hostess with the mostest." Thanks for keeping an eye on Don and me on Saturday!