Big Weekend in Old Homosassa

Terry and I are in the habit of riding our bicycles down to the public boat ramp in Old Homosassa on weekend mornings.  We like to visit with our neighbors and watch the boaters put their vessels into the water.  On typical days, experienced captains quickly maneuver their trailers into the water and launch their boats.  Calmness ensues.

The boat ramp
The boat ramp last Sunday morning.
View from the ramp to the river
View from the ramp to the river.

This Saturday will not be one of those typical days, as we have two popular events taking place in Old Homosassa.  The first is the Homosassa River Fireworks Fest and the second is the opening of scalloping season.  Usually the season starts on July 1st but Gov. Scott has moved it to this Saturday, June 28th.  Both occasions bring masses of people to our little village. 

The fun for the festival starts at 8 AM with the poker run registration and the day culminates in a fireworks display scheduled for 9:15 PM.  Many of the local bars and restaurants have joined in the festivities with events scheduled throughout the day. 

Meanwhile, scallopers will be trying to put their boats in at a public boat ramp then find parking for their vehicle and trailer.    We have two county boat ramps, one right in Old Homosassa on Cherokee Way and the other at the end of Mason Creek Road.  Neither ramp has adequate parking for the demand. 

So now we have trucks with trailers trying to find spaces to park plus the visitors coming in just for the Fireworks Fest.  Could be chaos! 

There have been plenty of issues in the past—long lines of vehicles with boats blocking the streets;  fights at the boat ramp; parking illegally on the sidewalks and private property; and trash thrown about indiscriminately are just a few examples.   There is also the impact on the Homosassa River with all these extra boats. 

This year is supposed to be different.  During  scallop season there will be county staff stationed at the boat ramp from 7 AM to 7 PM on weekends and on holidays to keep traffic on the boat ramp flowing and scallop cleaners off of the public dock.  In addition, the Sheriff’s department will be patrolling the area. 

I love the fun opportunities we have in Old Homosassa and usually try to attend all local events.  I think it’s great that the influx from the scalloping helps the local economy, but the local homeowners shouldn’t have to suffer.  Optimistically, additional county staff and Sheriff Patrols will help keep things under control.

New Paver Patio
New Paver Patio at the Shed
Sunday
Last Sunday morning calmness at the Shed

 

Home

Saying we’ve had an unusual amount of rain this year is an understatement.  And the rainy season is just starting.  We were hit with thunderstorms several times this weekend which turned Maggie into a quivering bowl of jelly. 

Before the Storm
Ominous

Thanks to all of this rain, my yard has never been greener. I’m always threatening to just rip up all that water guzzling grass and replacing it with pavers, but it’s looking great this year.  After the above storm passed and the sun returned, Maggie and I went out to get some photos.

Firepit

Sweet MaggieBack yardBoat Lift

Back yard

Back yard

That big yard is a lot of work, but occasionally I get an afternoon like this and think, “it’s all worth it.”

Our Weekend

Our weekend started with picking Jes and Andrew up at the airport on Thursday.  Followed by them picking up friends, Cat, Steve and baby Lucy.  They didn’t make it to the Jesandy Jubilee last year because Lucy was born in April.  So they all got together to experience Homosassa.

It was also Jessica’s birthday week so we had a surprise party at the Shed!  Everyone was required to wear crazy hats!

Surprise bday party

Birthday cake

wine
Official wine for upcoming event????

Saturday was the annual family cook-out and corn hole tournament!

Jack and Grandpa

Willow

Lu

 corn hole

Three monkeys

cake stand

Group

 And then it was Sunday, Father’s Day!

Lu’s first boat ride and dip into the spring.

Homosassa Springs

Anyone that might have looked at this post before 8 am on Monday might have thought it looked at little incomplete.  While I was working on it Sunday evening, happy hour started and I thought I’d be back, but no.  Here I am Monday AM!  Yawn! 

We had such a great Father’s Day Weekend.  We had SO much fun.  (Did I mention that Steve, Andrew, and Jes are awesome chefs and besides what I threw in the crockpot, did all the cooking? So besides shrimp brought in from the Freezer and chicken wings from the Shed, all meals were made right here in my kitchen.  So much YUM!)  Jes, Andrew, Cat and Steve are already planning a reunion next year!