ReScheduled 5th Annual Lake Emfred Cruise Report - March 12, 2005

The Secret Rules Committee is pleased to announce the successful completion another NCC floating, eating, and laughing event. As promised by the Admiral, the weather was fabulous. At least 48 folks came by water (16 boats) and by car to participate in a fun cruise. Even better the Secret Rules Committee provide Free Chili Supper which is really out of character for them. On Sunday morning the Donuts & Pastries Breakfast continued to be a hit. The folks that enjoyed this event are set forth in the Lake Emfred Attendees List

As is now the custom, Bob and Beverly Warren (& Miss Tee of course), on Miss Tee, along with their guests Leo & Pat Cailleteau and Leo III and Brooke Cailleteau led the Flotilla from Madisonville to Lake Emfred. Joe and Chryl on Root Beer Float and the rest of the 16 boat fleet followed close behind. Captain Bob's navigation was impeccable and no one got lost or misplaced. The water did get a little thin at the entrance to Lake Emfred and John & Ann Moores' Silent Wayfarer had to stay at Brady Island instead. Otherwise the fleet enjoyed a very pleasant run from Madisonville to Lake Emfred.

After making sure the boats were docked and anchored, the Equipment Crew, Bob Warren, Bob Owens Joe Corrizo, Leo Cailleteau, Donnie Weiss and George Courtney jumped into action and began and setting up tables and chairs and getting the area ready for the feast to come. Of particular note, is that George Courtney is the first guest of the NCC to ever return to on or our functions - kudos to George. Bob Owens took charge of the Chili operation. Donnie Weiss and George Courtney strung up lights and set up the generator for later in the evening. Mean while folks dinghied in and others took advantage Capt. Bob Warren's water taxi.

Since is was such a nice day, not only did the Cocktail Hour began a little early but the "appetizer & dessert eating" began with vengeance. A important lesson was learned this year, don't put out the desserts before the entrée other wise the desserts will be eaten early. Warren Wood had to forsake some of his official photographer duties in order to protect the "Chocolate Bark". In the process, he had to sacrifice himself and ate much of it so as to save folks from themselves. Nice weather and boating make folks real hungry.

About 5:30pm or so, Bob Owens announced that the Chili was ready. A line quickly formed and even more eating began. There was lots of serious eating for a long while. However there were no report injures during the feeding melee. As would be expected, members of the Royal Order of the Fork did themselves proud and maintained their reputation as Professional Eaters.

Again in spite of no planning or supervision on the part of the Secret Rules Committee, the food was great.

After dinner, The Admiral graced the membership with his presents. He remarked to the assembled group that the 7th Annual Breakdown Cruise is scheduled for the weekend of April 23 and all of the details would be posted on the NCC web site shortly. Out of the blue, the Admiral reported that he had re-elected himself Admiral for 2006 and had a large cake prepared to celebrate his re-election. He then presented the cake. (Normally, he re-elects himself at the Breakdown Cruise but this year he wanted to insure that he would have no competition.) He announced that the 6th Annual Lake Emfred Cruise will be held in October weather permitting. In spite of the Admiral wanting to hold the 2006 Annual Hanukkah/Christmas Gala outdoors in December and wearing holiday theme foul weather gear, it will be held at the Tchefuncta Country Club instead. He then asked Joe Corizzo to anoint the latest member of the Royal Order of the Fork. Joe in turn asked Leo Cailleteau, one of the more fuller figured founders of ROOF, to initiate the newest member.

Leo introduced previously inducted members to the assembled group and asked Byron Burkhardt to step forward and be recognized. Leo briefly reviewed the ROOF philosophy of being dedicated to the pleasures of the fork. As can be clearly seen, Byron standing next to Leo clearly has most of the fundamental characteristics of a true ROOFer. Based on past gastronomical performances, Byron will be a great Forker. Without enumerating all of Byron's fine qualities, the ROOF membership committee is certain that Byron meets are exceed most if not all of the following qualification.

• Have a waist size at least 130% of pants length.
• Have a cholesterol reading of at least 275 before medication.
• Have a minimum of two sets of different sized clothing.
• Have lied to spouse/others about amount of food/beverages consumed.
• Convince the ROOF Membership Committee of eating prowess.

On Sunday morning, Donuts thanks to the efforts of Joyce Tracey, Pastries and Coffee were set out for the fleet. Early risers ate mightily while those in need of transportation had to wait to be ferried in by the Green Limo. The Green Limo made several runs. By 10:30 am or so, everyone had at least their fair share of more of donuts, pastries, and coffee. No one went away hungry. Another great cruise! Check out this story in pictures....