September 22nd

Today was the "First Annual Pirate Cruise" in honor of the "International Talk Like a Pirate Day" September 19th that also happens to be Allan's Birthday. Mike & Kristen would be joining us a little later, "Linus" their '64 Corvair convertible has a very sore nose. Seems like trying to eat a trailer hitch on a rather high off the ground, Tundra pickup was a little more than the sheet metal in the front of the car could handle. No one was hurt but the car will not be on the "Bricks" anytime soon. However that will not stop them from spending their time at Old Town on a Saturday night. It was just Steve, K4SKM, in his Willys pickup truck and Linda and I in our, "Eye patched", for the event, Corvair would be heading out on this day. The weatherman was promising a 70% chance of rain. When we arrived we were greeted by the Pirate Lee. We were given an eye patch a couple of Jolly Rodgers and a few pieces of 8 by the Serving Wench and a Female first mate think she was a cohort of GC Fairlane that was trying to pry Linda out of the car with some beads. Anyway as we made our turn by the clock, coming right at us was Cap'n Joe in his "Dingy" along with anther Pirate in the "Crows Nest" then we spotted another Wench, she was also tempting all the cruisers with beads. "Big John" had a '71 Camaro parked in his favorite spot. Bob had the GMC in the "Looney Bin". Roger was in his favorite spot at the bottom of block 3. We crossed Florida Plaza and positioned our cars right were we like them behind "Black Market Minerals".

Linda and I headed up to drop off some newsletters and visit with the Cruisers that were along "Trophy Row". The count was pretty low, the rain chances must have been keeping the cars away. Ken & Mike were parked in  "Cruiser of the Month" area, Mark was at a wedding. Bob & Marge were out in their '41 Buick, Jon had his "Double Nickel Express" in his spot. Darrell had his Ford North of the stage. Emil's "Fat Fendered Ford" was next to Shane's '57 Chevy at the top of Block 1. When we got back to the car, Bill & Doris were there waiting for us to return. Mike called on the radio to mention that he might not make it in time for dinner so we headed to "Flippers". Larry, WA3PGL and Linda, KA3BRP were back in town from a vacation trip to PA and Indiana. They had to go back to work tomorrow so they thought they better take a Saturday and come out to visit. They would join us on the Patio. Several of the "Regulars" were already in side eating. Mike managed to join us after all. Jane once again did a great job as our server, Thank you. While we were eating Pep & Nancy took another table near us. We would then split up a bit and head back to the cars.

At the very top of Block 1 there was a' 51 Ford. There was a baby squirrel that had fallen out of a tree and had adopted this Cruiser. He was taking care of it hoping that it's mother would return. I am not sure how long that his shirt pocket was home for his baby but it sure seemed happy with him. Mark would join us in block 4 in his "Pirate T-Bucket". Ron & Rose were near the "Beer Tent" in their Ford coupe. Nick arrived in his '32 Coupe. Fran and Fanny came out in the daily driver. Don & Lara had the '67 Acadia just down from us tonight as well. Bob would be out in his '36 Ford Humpback and "Bo" in his '64 Corvair would park across from us. It was a great night for friends even if the weather continued to threaten rain. Lot's of spectators with lots of questions. Graham, G4HFG would check in over the Radio as usual. Bill, AK4C would stop by and admire the Willys and the Corvair and talk a little radio. Shane spent quite a bit of the night talking cars and the possibility of becoming a Amateur Radio operator. The rain came back about 6:30, many of the Cruisers left early, Mark put the T-Bucket back in her box. but stayed as usual.

Ester, Nikki & Micha stopped by with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:20. Ken & Charlene Paparella in their '68 Camaro RS, would be led to Block 4, that becomes the staging area at this time, by Bratt, Lee & Dave. Followed by the rest of the cars from the top 3 blocks. Allan made his way to the "Blue Room", to announce the "Cruise", got word that we were ready to Cruise, he then gave the safety announcements, played the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack" proclaimed, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", right on time, for this the 900th running of this tradition. Osceola Counties finest would escort the '68 Camaro followed by the rest of the 120 cars, rolling up the bricks of "Deac Hundley Avenue", delighting, what turned out to be a large crowd of spectators, despite the rain, "Rain or Shine" every Saturday night of the year, there is nothing quite like it for the "Cruisers" and it is always a treat for those watching it from the sidewalks and boulevards. "Cap'n Bligh" would take over the controls to announce the flag winners and the upcoming events.

We came back for "Part 2" tonight, the Old Seadog and his crew had a few special things for Allan as we were celebrating his Birthday tonight, however due to the small crowd and wet streets Allan has agreed to let them "Get him" next week. Allan gave his high energy presentation with Joe on stage. "Eddie and the Cruizers" played a special "Happy Birthday" after the presentations. They too were in the Pirate regalia.

On to the 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 Valvoline and a drink from the Tropical Breeze.

Gary  Feight 
  1936  Ford   

Jim  Rouse* **
  1967  Pontiac  GTO

Roger  Fasnacht*
  1956  Chevrolet  Belair

Dino  Palermo**
  1965  AC  Cobra

Robert  DiFanceso 
  1971  Chevrolet  Camaro

Ron  Bozarth*
  1964  Chevrolet  Corvair

Doug & Trish  Cain*
  1964  Pontiac  GTO

John  Pullman 
  1969  Ford  Mustang

On to the Photos... after this.

 Here are the Photos.
Click on any photo for a larger view.

Click on any photo for a larger view.

 See you all "Out there".

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