In the late 1970s Ron Miller, son-in-law of Walt Disney and President of Walt Disney Productions took young members of the Disney Feature Animation department on a chartered fishing trip. He seemed intent on bonding with the artists who would create the studio's future films - trying to fihd out what made them tick. I still have the original T-shirt (above) sold aboard their boat, the "Qualifier 105" which sailed out of San Diego. Below you will see recently restored photos from that trip.

Ron Miller teaching Darrell Van Citters how to catch the big ones.

Captain Ron on deck.

John Musker thinks he sees a mermaid. A little one. Gets an idea...

John wondering how I talked a seagull into taking the picture.

Ed Hansen, Feature Animation Production Manager,
our chaperone (or zookeeper).

Ron Miller, proving he can hold his alcohol better than his animators.

Mike Cedeno (left) and David Block (right) proving that Ron Miller (center) is one of the most tolerant Studio Presidents on earth.

Mike Giaimo turning a casual pic into the trip's stylish poster.

Mike was Art Director of Disney's 2013 feature "Frozen".

Animator Mike Cedeno taking some sort of art photo which I'd love to see. It may relate to Paul McCartney lyrics (hands across the water, etc).

Steve Hulett, long time Business Rep of the Motion Picture Screen Cartoonists' Guild, breaking down how everything works - of course.

Animator Phil Young (center) drinking and snarling like a pirate - after barfing in our cabin sink the night before. No slowing down for a sea-dog.

It was nice seeing Ron so an home. He was really in his element out there.

Old school selfie from the bowels of the boat. This is the very mirror above the sink where Phil heaved a portion of his guts.