Florida Corvette Club Inc. - The Most Active Club In Florida

Mystery Trip III
Sept. 14-15, 2002
Punta Gorda, Florida

Story & Photos by Carl Smith
Additonal Photography by Kerry Decker

Saturday morning 33 members in 18 cars gathered at Connie & Greg Carter's home between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m., to enjoy a continental breakfast and contemplate their destination. Once all guesses were in, the group headed south.

The first stop was at the Orange Growers Visitor Center on Route 27. Though closed to the public this time of year, the woman in charge, an ardent Corvette lover, and her staff were waiting to greet the group (and their Corvettes). Enjoying juice and orange glazed popcorn, the group toured the museum and shopped in the gift shop. Having enjoyed her gracious hospitality, and the facilities, the group continued the journey south, stopping at the Sebring Veterans Park for a picnic lunch.

Shortly after departing the Sebring area, still heading south. After a brief fuel (and pit) stop, the journey began to head west, arriving approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes later at the Best Western Waterfront in Punta Gorda, Florida. As a conference facility, the Best Western offered all the amenities in one location, as well as rooms at or overlooking a lovely pool area all on the harbor. Once checked in, the group gathered in the lounge to relax and mingle. At that time the identities of the best guessers were revealed, and yes, there were several. Greg & Connie also provided prizes, to all actually, as one by one the raffle tickets, enclosed in each sealed itinerary, were drawn.

Pool time followed until everyone retreated to freshen up for the evening's activities, still a mystery. The group drove a very short distance to the Fisherman's Village Marina for a Sunset Cruise on one of the King Fisher Fleet of boats. Although the sun was unable to reveal itself for the "set", rain was avoided and the cruise of Charlotte Harbor was breathtaking. Everyone worked up quite an appetite sitting and standing on the boat, so it was off to The Village Oyster Bar for a delicious dinner. Although everyone enjoyed their meal, at a very reasonable price, the 7 ounce prime rib dinner, weighing in well over a pound, appeared to be the best bargain in town, just ask Marjean!

Being all well fed, everyone headed back to the hotel - lounge to round off the evening. Sunday began with the breakfast buffet at the hotel at 9:30. After breakfast, most of the group headed back to the Fisherman's Village to shop, while others headed home to get an early start on the week. On behalf of all participants in Mystery Trip #3, sincere appreciation and thanks to Connie & Greg Carter for all their efforts coordinating a trip to remember!