Thrill's and Chill's at Bastrop
By: Art Pasley
As I had predicted in past events at Lake Bastrop, bigger and better events would take place and the LCRA Staff, Bluebonnet Electric Co-Op and the Texas / Oklahoma Reclamation Staff proved that point. Storm clouds slowly drifted from the South Texas area and Lake Bastrop while Derek Herzog, Jen Piland and Collin Balcombe welcomed everyone to another great day of fun and fishing. Since the first C.A.S.T. event, conducted by the Reclamation office at Lake Bastrop, the LCRA and Bluebonnet Electric Co-Op have provided additional funds, support and manpower to help develop an outstanding event for disabled and disadvantaged children in and around Bastrop, Texas.
As in past events, the participants and their families were greeted and sized for t-shirts and life jackets, equipped with a Zebco Rod & Reel and a Plano Tackle Box, a C.A.S.T. hat and well wishes from the volunteers. The famous Krispy Kreme donuts were available and as quickly as they were placed on the tables, they were gone. After Derek's briefing and safety meeting, the Boater Captains and their partners for the day left the docks for another great event.
The excitement really began to grow when the kids returned to the docks with stories and fish, but mostly stories. "We had a good day but the fishing was a little slow" stated several of the Captains. "I think my partner liked the boat ride more than the fishing anyway" stated another. As the lunch was served and awards handed out, the smiles continued and as always, in a short time it was over.
The Bastrop event is one that started out as a major event and has continued to stay at that level. I have come to expect nothing but perfection from the staff and volunteers and this year was no exception. As I stated a few years ago, this event will grow to a great event and it has reached that goal.
Special Thanks go to Collin Balcombe, Derek Herzog, Jen Piland, Jim Behnken, Drew Pickle, Cliff Bevel and Wes Williams. What a great event, a great day and a great group of "Special Thrill Makers". See you next year!
|
(Click on a picture to enlarge)
|
