As we grow and change over the years we sometimes make the decision to try something new. Come out of the box, venture into new territories and thats what we have done with Winter Retreat. Oleno State Park has served us well but was not by any means perfect. We had issues after issues and there comes a time when we have to make a change. In April, after 2 months of nagging voices in my head, I decided that I really didn't want to go back to Oleno. I didn't like the week we had, even if we never have a repeat of the winter we experienced last year. I was tired of trying to make the Craft Hall work, with its cold, dampness and poor lighting. I was tired of dealing with the clean up man. And we won't even get into the primitive cabins and the bath houses, or breaker boxes.
With all that said I must tell you that I loved Oleno at the same time. I loved the park, the bridge, the scraproom and the kitchen. Well except that 1st year the heat didn't work in the scraproom was not one of my fondest memories. I loved seeing the deer and the many birds. I loved hearing about the ravine adventures, bridge stories and the walks on the trails. I never made it to those places but I am glad some of you did!
After our weekend at Sun-N-Fun and how perfect it was in so many ways, I thought why not give it a shot? I went up to check out and book for next year. I know it is heavily used in the winter but what is lost by just asking? So we checked dates and decided on a weekend.
Winter Retreat 2011 will be held January 7-8-9 2011 at Sun-N-Fun Resort in Sarasota. It will start at 3pm Friday and go continuously until 3pm on Sunday. The cost will be $85 for the crop portion. Reservations for vacation homes will be made through them at 941+371-2505. Connie is our group consultant but I am sure you can speak to anyone and tell them you are with HilltopMemories.
It is important to make your vacation home reservations by December 15th. We are in the Winter Season and they will release any unbooked units to be available to others.
I hope you will all find our new location fun and very comfortable for scrapping. Yes, it is much different but sometimes change is good.
