"DUCK IN A STORM AWARD" awarded to TX National Cre

[Warren Platt]

My highest verbal award! The whole crew at Columbia Lakes has earned this. I've attended NFLCC shows for the last 20 years (all the Nationals and most of the Midwest shows) and I haven't seen a better run show than this ORCA National. In case you've never watched a duck in rough water you might not know the reason for the name of my award. As you watch the duck all you see is a calm, unconcerned bird, but under the water he's paddling like hell! I'm sure this is what we all saw at Columbia Lakes. Congradulations to all of them.

Warren Platt

[Jim Madden]

You're right, Warren. The Southern hospitality was at its best, but that doesn't happen without planning. Many heartfelt thanks to the Texas crew. I was fortunate enough to fish out of Tom and Jay's boat, and I can tell you they were much more relaxed than that duck in a storm. It was so well planned that it ran itself for the most part. Just add the good friends. I actually fell into a kind of withdrawal when I got home. Bass out your front door, gourmet meals (even in a cookout), a seminar where a guy casts 700+ feet, and friendship (and good beer) available in every room. It's hard to let go. Robyn and I even found a little place in Angleton where they gave us free beer with our meal. My roommate Harvey had a thousand reel stories that I probably should have written down. I didn't arrive till almost midnight and my rods didn't make it till 3:30 in the morning, but I'd pack up and do it again tomorrow. I added some reels but more importantly was able to tap into a wealth of knowledge. So many members made sacrifices to attend and none went home dissapointed. Salute! Jim Madden

[Warren Platt]

Jim,
Great to meet you and many of the others that I didn't know. The fishing tournament was great fun, I also enjoyed watching your casting style in the accuracy contest - very smooth and the best that I observed at mid-cast corrections. Easy to see why you're a champ. By the way, anyone know what award the Talbot display was given? I had to leave early and only know that it was awarded something.
Warren

[Reel Geezer]

Warren: You won 2nd place. The winner was John Gland & Bill Land's Meisselbach automatic display, and third was Jim Schottenham's display. For those who didn't attend, those were the finest displays we have ever had at an ORCA Convention, and all who displayed should be commended. Just as we seem to up the bar at each convention, we have also improved the quality of the displays each year.

You guys better start planning your vacations next year. You'll have the time of your life at an ORCA Convention.

[clinton_beeler]

Father and I enjoyed the convention enormously! It was nice to meet you guys at last. Kudos to everyone involved.

Regards,
Clinton

[Warren Platt]

Phil,
Thanks for the news! Needless to say any award among those displays would thrill anyone. I thought John and Bill's disassembled reel sure put an already great display over the top though. My thanks to all that shared through their displays. Something to be learned from each of them.
Warren