July 1st

It was our regular time to head for the Cruise, most of our other regulars that head out with us were staging for a FACACA caravan to Winter Haven, so Linda and I stopped to see Bert on the way out. Bert wanted to make sure for us to say hello to all his friends out at Old Town tonight. He was going to make a break out today to go over to "Duke's" service at 6:00PM and maybe even get a chance to eat out before returning to the Palms.

We encountered some rain on the way out, this would continue off & on for the next few hours. We arrived about 2:15, Joe & Kay were right behind us in the Camaro that was sporting it's new paint job, "Trophy Row" looked a little bare. Shortly after arriving the skies opened up, Richard arranged for a free rinse! Most of our regulars were not in place when we went out for our first delivery round. Bob rolled in, in his Camaro and joined out lonely Corvair in block 4. Many of the other "Regulars" that we stop to see were headed to "Dukes" memorial service at 6:00. Those of us that came to Old Town and that went to Winter Haven were Cruising in "Dukes" honor. He was a friend to all he met. He will be missed.  4:00 would be the arrival of Chuck's Cruiser brought out by Rutha and family that included, Daughter's Robin & Cathey, Granddaughter's Tasha Nicki Amanda, Grandson Steven and Great Grandson Taylor. They would "Cruise" in honor of Chuck right behind the "Cruiser of the Month".

Mike Singer could be heard over Old town, playing his normal mix of nostalgic music. The T-Birds were due on stage at 7:00 and the "Dukes" would now be performing up near "Fred's" next to "Flippers". Sure miss them by the A&W.

We were all disappointed that the weather stopped this afternoon's launch of the "STS-121 Discovery Space Shuttle" launch from the Cape. It will be tried again tomorrow at 3:26PM. It is always a magnificent site even some 80 miles away.

After we had a meal served up by LaClaire at "Flippers", apologies to Jane, I called her Brenda in last weeks report, we made our way back to the car. We ran into Bill & Doris at the bottom of Block 3. The gate was re opened just after we got back to block 4, the cars just trickled in after that. The rain had stopped and the evening was turning out to be very nice. It took a while for the first 3 blocks to fill up. Don & Leona were able to park their '59 Metropolitan next to us. Gregg Sr. and Ken made it out as well tonight, they had been to pay their respects to "Duke" as well. Tony & Marlene stopped to see us, I think she was looking for her voice. She said she had lost it. While Linda was giving her a few tips on knitting Tony and I went to look at a few cars. Then just before 8:00 Mike and Carol stopped in. This was a surprise for us, we had heard that they were in from Tennessee and trying to see everyone plus get to "Dukes" memorial service. They are now involved with a monthly get together up there and were asking for some hints on how to get it going better. Linda and I reminded them that they will always be part of this bunch down here.

Much to the delight of a very large crowd of spectators. 8:00 gate closing brought them 125 cars. Once again, right on time, this Spectacle that is "The Saturday Nite Cruise©" got under way after a moment of silence to honor Chuck, the "Safety Rules" and the howl of Wolf Man Jack. Thank You to Old Town, it's merchants and sponsors for having us out again and a Big Thank You to the "Cruise Staff" for another fun and safe day.

Tonight's Flag Winners

Tonight's random drawing winners that and received the coveted "Old Town Checkered Flag" along with $25 cash, A Case of Oil from NAPA and a drink from the Tropical Breeze.

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