Olde Pharts Ken Moody, Bill "Frosty" Thomas, Bob "Admiral BIrd" White, Ben Guenther, Larry Ross, Dick Selensky, Tom Hall

The annual business meeting of the Olde Pharts Club took place aboard SeaBird II at Vinoy Marina in St. Petersburg on April 19, 2005. A quorum was present, with members  Wren and Cassidy deemed as having excused absences an thus not subject to forfeiture of membership. Member D. Lawrence was cited for an unexcused absence and was within a pharts knuckle of forfeiture, however it was pointed out that a case could be made for retention (the case in question being brought aboard on behalf of Mr. Lawrence by Mr. Hall). Upon careful, in depth, review of the case it was determined that Mr. Lawrence's membership would not be forfeit and in fact an upgrade in membership status was discussed, provided that similar case law would apply to future meetings. 

There being no other business to discuss, the members adjourned and commenced with the traditional pharting around. After pouring over the Lawrence case for some time, the members went ashore for an excellent dinner at The Terrace Room restaurant at the Vinoy Hotel across the street.  A surprise guest for drinks and dinner was former Kansas Citian, Mike Milvain, known to several of the pharts and a resident of St. Pete for the past couple of decades.

The following day we departed the Marina at 1000 and cruised down Tampa Bay, under the Skyway Bridge and anchored off Egmont Key where we launched the tender and went ashore for a modest hike on this mostly uninhabited (except for harbor pilots and park rangers) key at the entrance of Tampa Bay.  The key includes a bird sanctuary and the remnants of Ft. Dade and gun emplacements built in 1898 to protect Tampa Bay from the Spanish in anticipation of the Spanish/American War.  

Following lunch and the usual nap we motored leisurely past Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach on the ICW to Sarasota Bay and our berth for the night at Marina Jack.  Prior to dinner at the MJ Restaurant, the group was entertained by Dave Pitchford a "cardmeister" who amazed the group with some truly impressive card magic.  Admiral Bird performed a few routines as well, some of which he even remembered how to do.

Thursday was fishing day with hook baiting scheduled for 0800.  Two fishing guides picked up the group for a day fishing in and around Sarasota Bay.  All returned to SeaBIrd for lunch at anchor just north of the Siesta Key bridge, returning to the chase in the afternoon.  It was a less than stellar day of fishing, although we caught more than enough for a fish dinner that evening.

After fishing we motored to Longboat Key Moorings for the next two nights.  Debbie, assisted by Ken, grilled fish and chicken on the grill on the bridge.  A really old phart, Bud Kahn, another KC Ski Club past president, who now resides in Longboat Key, joined us for the evening.  A great evening of laughter & reminiscing ensued.

Of Friday, following the script, we spent the day on shore, visiting the Mote Marine Aquarium in the morning, followed by lunch at the Salty Dog and an afternoon at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Dinner Friday night was at the Winter White House, with a Tunefishe prepared dinner, ably assisted by Debbie. (Debbie was berthed ashore during the nocturnal portions of the voyage, despite some protests from the members).

On Saturday, following a large breakfast we sailed back to Marina Jack and dispersed, to meet again at the whim of the President.

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