Summer 2003

We are always closed during the month of August, and we are reminded why again today - hot and humid with a good chance of some thunder rolling in this afternoon.

More of you than ever are finding your way down to Stegbone's dock, including many of our "old timers". From that important SE corner of Alabama, Bobby (Stegbone's first ever customer) and Ed came with Jerry and Curt. (Pastor W.L. Sheffield retired from our devoted Southside Baptist in Ozark, and we wish Gracie and W.L. all the best). The Kentucky boys of Pete's Fishing Club made their annual pilgrimage from the Covington, KY area, as did the Good Ole Boys from the Panhandle, the Pinnell group from Macon, Donnie Lankford and family from Valdosta, and Tommy Duckworth and crew from Warrenton. The Nicholson gang with E.W. and Ralph Tucker couldn't keep from discovering what other surprise awaited them this year (only a trailer coming unglued).

Our big project this summer is to renovate Cabin #3. When you come back, Cabin #4 will no longer exist. We have turned that whole cabin back into more like what it was 50 years ago, except a bit better. It now is one unit with two porches, two separate bedrooms, two full baths, and a large kitchen open to the living room. The main entrance is now to the north. It will be set up much like #5, only with more porches, baths, and that "old pine paneling" feel to it. Also, no more window units and gas heat -- you'll find a new central unit instead. We know you will like it.

That step at the bottom of the dock ramp is gone, making it easier for wheeled or slower moving guests to join the gang at the dock. And we moved the shed out of the front of #7 and have gathered all of our storage needs onto the north end of the grounds.

A note about our prices - we have been holding the line on them ever since we arrived five years ago. At that time, after many long overdue repairs and renovations, we increased them only slightly and have not since. This year, our slip rentals will be going up slightly, but cabin prices are all staying the same. We will be charging significantly less for the combined Cabin #3 than the cost of #3 and #4 separately, even with all of the renovations. Stegbone's is still a great vacation bargain.
One thing to remember, though, due to extensive new paperwork requirements by the State, we are no longer issuing fishing licenses at the dock -you need to buy them in advance!!!

Even more than the physical part of the camp, Stegbone's really comes down to a terrific team. At its heart is our manager and king of the dock, Mike Upton, who steadfastly attends to all of our guests' needs. Mike is now going into his fourth season at Stegbone’s, and we all appreciate the dedication he shows to our campers. His trusty canine aides - Sadie, Goldie, and Mocha - are always nearby. Cindy is that rarely seen but wonderful lady who cleans the cabins, once you all have headed back home. Bob Mathis, who has been cutting the grass that never stops growing and doing odd jobs, been working steadily for the past year. Stan Plaisted, brother of Lloyd (our neighbor to the north with the old cars), is our jack-of-all-trades and can fix just about anything, and has had to. Terry still takes care of the books and does a lot of the phone calls and the business-side of things. And Jim gets involved with oddball projects and some of the maintenance. It is a great team.

As the summer begins to cool and Florida's wonderful fall season comes around, give the St. John's a thought. We believe that the fall fishing season is our best-kept secret.

Thank you all for your continuing support. We appreciate every one of you.
Catch ya later -

Mike, Terry and Jim