A Cruisers' Thanksgiving Gathering

Iain and Jan on Jock's Lodge always had the goal to be in St. Marys for Thanksgiving. A few days before arriving at St. Marys we decided we would also spend Thanksgiving in St. Marys and Windsong decided the same as well. We radioed ahead that we would attend and arranged for our dish to pass. All of the coordination is done by radio which is the way cruisers communicate. This was our first big family holiday away and this gathering was the next best thing. We arrived to find the entire river filled with anchored boats. There were in excess of 100 boats in attendance and about 250 people. The main events were held at Seagles, a small hotel in town. The gathering has been growing rapidly each year and so it was tight quarters with every space taken over. We had Happy Hour Wednesday night, but Thanksgiving was the big event. The turkey and ham was furnished but all other dishes were provided by the boats. It was an amazing feast to see as every boat brought a dish and it had been well coordinated so that the quantities were right and included all of the traditional Thanksgiving foods. We are already planning to be back next year. Friday morning was difficult as we went on our way saying our goodbyes to Jock's Lodge and Windsong. We know we will see them again soon but it was still hard. We will keep in touch and probably meet up in late December or early January. We are now off the ICW as we are working our way up the St. Johns river.