Hey, Val, why not think about the "Reverse S1997 Plan"? You in the Caravan (for safety of numbers) and Jim flies out to be picked up in Durango!

I'm sure that's the only way the I could get Kathy to attend. She doesn't even know about it yet, but also loves that part of the country. We might be able to combine it with a visit to her cousin in Ft Collins...although that's at the other end of the state Hmmmmm... how to sell this scheme

 

It's do-able, Val! That's within a couple hundred miles of my last weekend's mileage to Cape May -- (and even from Houston the drive is 1150 miles to Durango).

Maybe you guys could hook up and caravan with other VA folks, and then hang out at our house a few days in CO. We have tons of room. It's sounds to me like a good plan. I know you guys love the West!

edit: I remember now, Jim told me he doesn't fly, so it's time for the interstate. The S is a very good road car -- just ask me.
.

 

Jim - Why don't you start a separate thread on the CO minimeet with your preferred dates? We have the Nats game on Sept 27, but if that is your preferred weekend, we could give those tix away. Certainly can't sell them. At least not right now.

 

^Looks like Jim got all the names right, so I don't have to tell my brain to, "Kick in. Anytime!" Thanks, Jim.

May I just say with all this? Every meet has a different feel and this one was no exception. It all went so smoothly and felt (to me) like it was relaxed and almost spontaneous. I know everything was planned out ahead, but it just flowed. The hotel was a fun place and I loved hearing the ocean. The Saturday night dinner was tasty and the service was perfect. The Lobster House was excellent on Fridy night. The drive was pretty and the lunch stop had good food, too. Gene was fun to ride along with and I don't think I've ever been on a drive that was as cohesive and spirited. Ken (kfg) was a perfect leader, always waiting up when the group got separated, and hitting the gas when it was possible.

I have been looking at my photos and getting them ready to post (if I get back to Gold Member and not guest status, today) and I've got new faces but didn't catch everyone's names, to go with them. It really was great to meet so many new people. I hope they all enjoyed the meet as much as we enjoyed them being there, and that they come (and post) again.

 

Yeah, Deb, I just let it slip here -- thinking people might start thinking in that direction. Sorry for the major OT. I'll start a thread soon. I have to get in touch with the Sky Ute Resort Hotel in Ignacio. That's brand new and only a couple of miles from us and about 10 or so from the Durango airport.

 

Sounds nice! Is this it? Casino, too. Uhoh...

http://www.skyutecasino.com/

 

Its just wayyyy more driving than I feel up for and Jim does not fly. In his defense and so you won't think he's a wuss, Jim had a pilot's license and flew planes for years. However, several years ago he was flying back and forth for his company to Texas every couple of weeks. Two days after a flight, he had a heart attack (blood clot in an interior artery). The physician then told him no more flying as they felt the clot was due in part to the flying. He's only flown a couple of times since then (when we were in Santa Fe). His company agreed to let me fly back home a couple of times and he stayed out there to avoid extra flying. It would surprise the bejesus out of me if he agreed to fly again.

After the Tomcatt, I am retiring from any meet that is long distance. We simply have reached the point in our lives that it is not doable for us. We've loved every single meet and both of us agreed that Cape May was reallllllly a great meet and a fitting last meet (except for Lainey's absence). There just comes a time when you have to hang up your traveling shoes and this is the time. I truly hope I can always make the Tomcatt as it is special in many ways for me and I truly hope that OhioRacer and some of the South Carolina boys can get some meets together that we can attend when we're there, but no more northern travel for us.

 

Well, I'm certainly glad Val and Granny made it to SF, since it appears we will not see them at another one. Boohoo... Granny was kind enough to postpone her "retirement" date, but she may be serious this time. I have to schedule a lunch to "discuss" it. And Val put off hers a couple of times, too. A big to you both!!!

 

and right back at you, MsP. I have to tell you that Jim fell in love with Vito's Lexus. He's been on the laptop ever since we got back home looking at them and looking for the closest dealership. If he finds one in Roanoke, we may be traveling again. I've never seen him so absolutely taken with a car!!! His only other option (he says) is buying a Ford since all the American motor companies are in the toilet except for that one. I honestly cannot see us in a Ford sedan, so it just may be a Lex. However, it usually takes a couple of years for Jim to decide on a replacement for our family car, so I guess I'm safe for a little while.

 

Vito says he loves that car more than any he's ever had.