Lake Geneva/Lake Delavan Wisconsin Reunion 2023

Twenty three members gathered for the reunion which started on Tuesday, September 12. We had the Meet and Greet at the Hospitality Room which was an extension of Ray and Sue Jones suite. The Jones served finger foods, desserts, snacks and drinks which was sufficient enough to just stay and chat there the whole night. People gathered around the cozy living room, sat around the kitchen bar and some outside overlooking the garden and the beautiful Lake Delavan.

Most people arrived the day before and drove to the town of Lake Geneva and walked around. The town was very busy so boat rides on the Geneva Lake has to be booked ahead! The Yerkes observatory was a spectacular place unfortunately they only open on the weekends. Some stayed around the resort which is situated on a huge property on the shores of Lake Delavan. 

Wednesday morning, we had breakfast prepared at the Hospitality Room because we had an early start! The Jones had bagels, donuts, cold cuts, cheese and coffee before the trip to Milwaukee to visit the Harley Davidson Museum and the Miller Brewery. Instead of the bus, people who had cars took passengers with them. Unfortunately, at the Meet and Greet on Tuesday, the Jones announced that we cannot visit the Miller Brewery due to lack of staff so we can only go the Harley Davidson. The Museum was a huge building showing the history of the founders Harley and Davidson plus all the collections of motorcycles through the years. There were also two shops selling only Harley Davidson products where we went after going through the museum. Instead of having lunch there, we all drove back to Lake Geneva and while on the way sending messages to the other cars where we planned to meet for lunch. 

Back at the resort after a late lunch, a bonfire was arranged for our group. It was a cool but beautiful evening. Most gathered around the fire and some stayed at the Hospitality room. The Hospitality room always offered food and drinks for everyone so it was the go to place when you needed something to eat or drink.

Most of us had pre booked a boat cruise on Geneva Lake for Thursday. There were several choices, some took the morning mail run tour and some took the three hour narrated tour in the afternoon. It was a warm day and the boat cruise around Lake Geneva was relaxing although quite full! The narrator was great in talking about the history and all the villas and mansions around the lake. It was our last day, so we gathered later to board another cruise for our dinner and farewell on Lake Delevan. After the dinner, most of us went upstairs to watch the last of the sunset and the beautiful homes around the lake. Geneva Lake is much bigger than Delavan Lake but this lake has a lot of beautiful views and homes as well. 

After the dinner cruise, we gathered one last night at the Hospitality Room. A major decision has to be decided….where would be the next reunion? Cheryl Jackson offered to host Chattanooga next year. The Browns will host Huntsville in 2025. And it was decided that in 2026, the 25th year of the reunion, we will meet back where it all started, in San Antonio, Texas! 

We thank the Jones for organizing a very memorable reunion. 

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