Hontoon Island Chili Cook-off Cruise Review

Cruise Leader: Ron Moffitt
January 15-17, 2010

Ten boats and four drive-ins came to Hontoon Island to enjoy homemade chili and fun on the dock. We had a total of 28 people, plus numerous visitors from a local dealership cruise club. In spite of dire predictions, the weather was great except for some rain late Saturday night. Most boats arrived Friday, and we spent the time socializing and playing Mexican Train dominoes. On Saturday, we played some Corn Hole and held the chili contest in the afternoon.

This year we had a few chili cookoff entries from the other cruise club, which added to the fun, but they couldn’t seriously compete, and first place went to Peggy Jamison. Second place went to Carolee Bavaro. While not officially awarded, prize for the spiciest must go to Peggy Peterson. I brought some of that home to use as paint remover, and, as an added bonus, I don’t need to add spices to anything anymore (won’t taste them anyway). Nick Peterson brought some representatives from the United States Power Squadrons in on Saturday, and they did boat safety inspections for us. The 50/50 of $36 was won by Mike Fleming. Saturday night was spent watching a lop-sided football game under the clouds out on the dock and playing more dominoes. We departed at various times on Sunday, some to the North and some to the South. “Just Add Water” may need to be re-christened “Just Add Halon” after this trip, as they experienced an engine fire on the way back to the ramp. Fortunately, they were able to get the fire out and return home safely. Thanks to Ron Moffitt for leading – it was another excellent cruise and a great start to the year.