We idled out to see 22 boats (is the number I heard, we would make 23) boats all floating fairly spread out just outside the Marina. There was little time for socializing as we showed up last, and the entire group started the journey in short order. One thing about this run is the variety of different boats that show up, and the amount of distance that is covered. The Dam run is approximately 60-65 miles each way, and there is everything from a 160 mph DCB to a pontoon boat in the group. The group spreads out fairly quickly with several miles between the front runners, to the guys in the rear with the gear. Our boat was in no hurry, and Mike set a nice easy pace of 40 - 45 mph to make the ride enjoyable and make sure we didn't miss any of the scenery.
We got to our first stop about 20 minutes into the ride, and I have to admit the front runners were exceptionally patient. They waited for every boat to show up, and even though they must have been sitting there awhile, waited for everyone to go swimming and enjoy the lake before we took off as a group again to the next stop. This really stood out to me, as at a lot of events there isn't that kind of camaraderie, and making sure everyone is catching up. To Don Johnson and Pat Richter whom both showed up with DCB's I thought it was pretty classy you guys waited.
I have always been somewhat of a party hopper, and at the first stop I dove out of Mike's 240 Hallett, and ended up in CampbellCarl's new to him Hallett 210!