Monthly Visitors
 

Linda. K4EIO and me, K4SLB headed out in our '60 Ranchero, to the,  "Top of the Hill" to meet up with Mike. N4HHA, & Kristen, KJ4BST in their '63 Corvair convertible, we headed down US 192 for a change of scenery. Laura, KI4ZJX and T Rod, KT4ROD would be a bit ahead of us and stopped for lunch, they were coming out with equipment for "Field Day". Gary was at the gate with his welcoming smile. Bratt would be in front of the Coffee Shop, staying out of the hot Sun. As we made our turn by the Clock we noticed that the Loony Bin contained Cris & Larry in the '70 Mustang and a '39 Zephyr. On our way to Block 4, Doug would have Bill's Chevy next to Roger's Camaro on west side of Block 3, Gary & Kathy's Fairlaine was across from it, James was there but he came out without his Cruiser. Shane with his '57 Chevy was in his favorite spot nearby, sporting a new exhaust system. We'll just see what the day has to bring us. The Weatherman promised over  50% chance of rain, the sea breezes were setting up to collide over us. It was going to be just a matter of time before we got wet from precipitation.

Because today is the first day of the ARRL "Field Day" and the fact that the Amateur Radio Operators that have been coming out to the Cruises or are Cruisers themselves have adopted Old Town as their "Home Town", block 4 would be soon turned into "Geek Central". Not only for this International event but to also kick off the newly formed "Old Town Amateur Radio Cruisers". You will hear more about this organization in upcoming publications. Anyway Laura & T Rod dropped off the equipment they brought out, Radio's antennas, emergency power and other related things. Mike, T Rod and I would temporarily string up a G5RV/Jr. antenna between the railing of the balcony and a tree. This would put our HF station on the air. Mike would go over the rules for the event and started to make contacts on 20 meters and 40 meters. We set up lots of literature from the ARRL and opened for anyone that felt free to ask about HAM radio. "Roberta the "Beer Lady", just back from a trip to Michigan, was setting up behind the General Store.

We Linda & I would trek to the top of "Trophy Row", most of the "Redline Rodders" would be in place, Bob & Marge were with them as well in their '40 Buick, "Pearl" was now all dressed up as a Taxi, Don & Jackie just finished up the lettering. Darrell had his LTD just where he likes it. The "3 Amigos" were in place in their spots in Block 1. And those 3 Guys from Winter Haven were at the top of Block 1. Bill had his "Show Time" pickup along the fence, the other Bill would have his '54 Merc pickup next to the stairs and Leon would have his '57 Chevy pickup next to it. It's been a few weeks since they all have been out together, it was good to see them back on "Trophy Row". There just weren't too many cars out yet, the rain was keeping them away. We would meet up with Bill & Doris on our way back down to Block 4, Graham, G4HFG from Oldham, England would check in over the radio. Just about 4:00 we would make our way to "Flippers" for dinner. It was nice enough to dine alfresco and  Jane would take good care of us as usual. Nick would arrive in the Deuce Coupe, Mark, who had his new Falcon, in the trailer less the engine, from Parrish Florida was riding with him. Francine and the Grandkids would join him later parked near us in Block 4. "Red Racer"  Ted, KE4TTE would make his way to Old Town. Dave would have his '65 Mustang in the "Cruiser of the Month" spot. Joe & Kay were out in the Camaro, Louie & Linda were in the Nova "Grocery Getter". John B was in his '66 'Vette and by now the top 3 Blocks were starting to get well populated.

Then the Rain came, lots of it, lots of lightening a regular summer thunderstorm that lasted for about and hour and a half. A few of the Cruisers would leave and yet a few more would arrive. Tom in his yellow 'Vette, Tony in his Mustang and Doug & Trish in the Bronco. The Buckingham's would park their "Land Yachts" in their favorite spots near the beginning of the parade route. All of this foul weather shut down our makeshift HF station. Just too much lightening. Roger in his '56 Chevy and Larry in his '56 Ford would be just down from us in Block 4. Mark would have his '56 Chevy parked by Dave's Mustang. The rest of the night was spent as usual visiting with everyone, the spectator crowd was bigger than I thought it might have been.