This is my account and remember "My perception is my reality".
Saturday morning we woke at 6:30 with the hotel fire alarm going off.
False alarm, but I got to check out a late model pumper.
After stopping by Red-X to get some last minute supplies, we got to the park about 9am.
On a side note, we got free ice, because they were filling the freezer and had some busted bags they gave to us.
Pulling into the park I had pre registered and in just minute we were headed to our area. The same place that it has been almost every time.
Started activating HQ as more folks were showing up. We had the Stovebolt awning and three more to make us a place to stay out of the drizzle rain.
Duties were assigned as folks arrived.
Ron (WeBold) as the parking director.
Jeff (RustyRod) as the official photographer/director.
Mike (Wahl4Wahl) as the seminar director.
Pat Wahl and Vicki took over the t-shirt distribution.
I sat back and watched the team work.
The Stovebolt day schedule was made up and posted.
Jeff was taking pictures of everyone in front of their trucks as they showed up.
And if they did not drive a truck, in front of the Stovebolt banner.
Seminars started at 11 and ended when the drizzle started to get a little thicker for a short while and then it ended.
Started to get nice after that. Mike also did another one after the meeting.
12 to 2 was the show walk-a-bout time, with the group photo and meeting starting at 2pm.
There was still a lot of activity at HQ during that time period.
Group photo was beside and on Joe's (GMCJoe) new truck.
I forgot the year but it was a 1-ton dually.
Meeting started and introductions were made.
Galeen pulled up and spoke about the show, charity's and the changes to the park this winter.
Idea's asked for and the passing lane remembered.
Numbers were passed out as well as the customary tape and shop towels.
For a change there were no youngun's so, Mike drew, I yelled them out and Jeff was giving other stuff away also.
With their help, the meeting lasted less that an hour, just in time for the burnout contest.
Long distance went to first timers, Tom (1954MI) and his Dad Jim, they drove from Detroit, Mi. I'm thinking they will be back.
Jeff was second, from Loveland Co.
Ron was third from Marian, In.
A lot of new young faces this year.
There were at least four. Skeet, Tom, Rielly and another one and sorry I don't remember your name.
Great to see younger folks getting the disease.
Also, several others and I don't remember their name either.
Due to the rain about half of the gang did not bring a GM truck. Including me.
But we had a good turnout anyway and when Jeff starts posting pictures, we can get a head count in the group photo.
And the special thanks go these folks that really helped everything run smooth.
Mike and Pat Wahl, Mike did the seminars and helped with the meeting. Pat organized the shirts and brought goodie bags for the Stovebolter's.
Jeff, taking all the pictures and also helping with the meeting.
Ron, parking trucks like a traffic cop, next year he needs a whistle and an orange vest.
Also those that just pitched in, when something needed to be done
And thank to My wife Vicki, for being there, helping and keeping me in line.
Our 23rd wedding anniversary was Sunday, so on the way home, I stopped at White Castle and let her get all the double cheeseburgers she wanted.
Extra onion and extra pickles with horseradish mustard. Don't worry, we were close to home.
THANKS EVERYONE FOR A GREAT WEEKEND!!!
Don and Vicki King
My room smelled like baby poop and the carpet was so dirty I did not take my socks off until I went to bed. You decide.