I'm two weeks late!
A scary title most of us fear......I kid, i kid.
I needed some time to take a deep breath, decompress, and relax a little. What an amazing time I had.
It's been almost two weeks since the last M/V's and their fantastic owners pulled out onto the highway. Was i sad to see them go? No. Only because visions of next year are dancing in my head.
I find it very difficult to put into words how amazing this years convoy was. It's equally difficult for me to express to all of you who turned out how much Amber and I appreciate all the effort each of you put into making this a huge success. You wowed an entire town. There is still local hubub about all the "Army Trucks" that came to town.
The size of this yars event more than doubled last year's. I believe we had 24 rigs in the parade. 25 if you count the 715 loaded on Hammer's trailer. I was just finishing the route while those in the rear were just starting! Our (mile long?) convoy after the parade was something to see. The looks, smiles, waves, and thumbs ups make it all worth while. Plus, we get to really get out and drive our rigs.
I learned a lot that will help with planning for next year. For example, one port-a-pot is NOT good enough for 40 people for 3 days! If we double this thing again, I'm thinking 3 restrooms would be a better choice. Sorry for any trouble this might have caused. Also, 20+ vehicles in a single convoy group might be just pushing it. If we have 30 next year, two groups of 15 seperated by 10-15 minutes will be a better way to go. Thanks go to those who helped in the rear and on the radios.
I'm sorry if I didn't get around to talking very much to all of you. I enjoyed seeing everyone who returned this year. Even better was all the new faces. It really takes a group effort to pull off an event like this.
Special thanks go to Mike(wsucougarx) for all the planning help and help with the parade. Special thanks also to Ed(Hammer) and Danielle(jeepn_girl) for all the prep work and tear down. Who enjoyed an elk burger? Thank you to Walter(elkhunter) and his wife Phyllis for the gift of yummy elk and for watching over the campground. I'm sure I've missed some people here. Take no offense. I thank you all. Al(kaiserjeeps), your volleyball is safe and secure. Thanks also to Mike(Medic5050) and Jackie for lighting up the night.
Thanks also to all who have posted pics and video. Maybe these will help bring in more people next year.
The awards. Congratulations to:
Best looking truck-wsucougarx M35A2C (binoculars)
Most unique m/v-mikkelborg M37 (radio set)
Spirit(hard luck)-Josh M35A2 (first aid kit+trophy) (Thanks to Hammer for making the trophy!)
I'll add more here if need be.
'Till next year!.....and see ya at the mini rallys.
p.s. Scott(srodocker), do you have my 1/2" deep well 3/8's drive socket? Did you drop it in the sand you you you long necked bird?