November 3rd

The first real fall day, the temperature wasn't to get any higher than 80 degrees. There was quite a wind blowing out of the North. Steve Mc would meet us on the "Parkway" for this particular pilgrimage to Old Town in his '41 Willys. Gary C cheerfully greeted us at the gate, Dusty was ahead of us in his '65 Ford, first time he had been out in a while. Bratt was down by the clock today to sign us in. Roger D was getting ready to park his '55 Chevy in it's place of Honor. "Big John" had that great '56 Buick on the corner. There were a lot of cars already in place by the time we arrived just before 2:00. It was going to be a large Cruise tonight. Bruce was out in his "Split Window" 'Vette, the summer had been just too hot for him to be out regular. Roger P had his lucky 'Vette in Block 3. Kathy C had the Fairlane back in it's usual spot. We crossed Florida Parkway and took our favorite spots behind "Black Market Minerals" as we have done for a few years now. It was a beautiful day, Ed M called us and said that he and Sarah, in their '70 Chevy pickup, along with Ed & Evelyn in her '64 Corvair coupe, would join us in about an hour. Bill & Doris stopped by for a chat, then Linda & I headed out to see who was in "Town" and drop off the newsletters.

A few of the "Drop your Top" bunch from the Vintage Vehicles Car Club from Brevard county were out today, the first time we have seen them since spring. They are kind of like local "Snowbirds". The summer weather is too hot and wet for a weekly 60 mile plus trip. Bob, the ole "Parot Head", had his T-Bird out. There were 2 other members, sorry I forgot the names, that is what happens when I don't see you guys regularly. Hope to see you all back every week! Tony & Marianne were in the Monte, Bobby G had his '54 Chevy out, Russ & Phyllis had their Chevelle. Ralph & Shirley were under the stairs visiting with Bill & Doris. Emil was up in Block 1. It was filling up quickly today. We headed back down to the car. It wasn't long and The Ed's arrived and parked next to us. Dan Z was out in the "Grinster". Jeff was in his latest Edsel and parked next to Dan. We visited for a while and it was time to head out for dinner at "Flippers". By now there were even more "Regulars" in place. Shane made it out and was parked next to Emil. Bob was there in his '63 Corvair. Ken, Mark & Mike had their cars at the bottom of Block 1, right where they like them. Gary & Helene were in their Mustang. Quintino had his dad, Brian, take the day off so he could have his '67 Chevelle out to Old Town for the first time. He and his mother Lisa, came out in the daily driver. His Chevelle was parked in the first spot at the top of Block 1. He was supervising the "Dusting" that dad was doing. "Flippers" was already busy, Linda & I took a table outside as usual. Jane came out to take care of us as usual. Most of the "Regulars" started to stream in. Ron & Renee took the table next to us. Pep & Nancy were out with Lynn, by now they had a bit of a wait for a table. Shortly after we were served our food, much to our surprise, Mike, N4HHA, & Annette, N4HHI, joined us. Kristen stayed home today. Tomorrow they head out to bring back their "New", '63 Corvair Spyder convertible home. Earlier they delivered the "hurt" '64 Convertible to my house for a few days. She just couldn't bear to see it leave home. While we ate, many of the other "Regulars" started to make their way down the bricks. "Bo" in his Corvair followed by Bob in the '36 Ford Humpback. Doc & Suzanne in the '72 Mustang, Roger F in his '56 Chevy. Larry V followed him in. Joe & Harriet in their T-Bird, Mark in his T-Bucket, it seemed like just about everyone would be in "Town" tonight.

On our walk back to the car, we noticed that the top 3 blocks were full, Dave was in his "Mint Julep" '57 Chevy, John B not too far away in his 'Vette. Cris & Larry were in the "Looney Bin". T Rod, KI4GJS, was walking towards us taking photos, he and Ted, KE4TTE, fellow HAMS and friends of the Cruise were meeting up to join us. Bruce, KD4KXE, was out in his '65 Cobra. Neil & Elaine had their '63 Healey and '62 Triumph down in Block 4 for the first time this season. "Big Jim" and Norma had their '57 Chevy just down from Dan Z. Bob & Marje were out in the '68 SS396 Chevelle across form him and Nick & Francine were in the '32 5 Window coupe next to him. Rodger had a Jaguar behind the Rollercoaster. While I was visiting with all in the "Back Rows" Linda called me on the radio, Josh, KI4UCB, and Vince, KI4VSR, more HAMs and friends of the Cruise were out for a visit. "The Dukes" were set up on their corner, they had their audience dancing in the streets. The night flew by, visiting with all of our friends, Cruisers as well as spectators. Graham, G4HFG, from Oldham, England checked in and talked with all of the HAM's out tonight and got the "Color" of the event at 8:10.

Nikki stopped by with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:20. November, "Cruiser of the Month", Roger Dussault* in his '55 Chevy, would be led to Block 4, that becomes the staging area at this time, by Bratt, Lee, Dave and Gary. Followed by other members of the "Redline Rodders" and the rest of the cars from the top 3 blocks. Chris who had been playing a mix of Nostalgic music and radio spots, got word that we were ready to Cruise, he then gave the safety announcements, played "The Dukes"  version of the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack" proclaimed, "It's the Saturday Nite Cruise", right on time, for this the 906th running of this tradition. Bratt & Lee escorted the '55 Chevy followed by the rest of the 340 cars, rolling up the bricks of "Deac Hundley Avenue", delighting an extremely large crowd of spectators. "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.

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.

Tom  Kosiorek 
  1950  Ford  Custom

Conrad  Matos 
  1957  Chevrolet  Longbed P/U

Kathy  Kaufman 
  1967  Pontiac  Firebird

Tim  Sea 
  1962  Ford  Thunderbird

Ozzie  Rivero 
  1964  Chevrolet  Corvette

David  Perez 
  1963  Ford  Pick Up

Jon  Fogel 
  1970  Chevrolet  Chevelle

Walter  Levy 
  1972  Volkswagen  Bug

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.

Photos from T-Rod

 See you all "Out there".

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