February 2nd, 2008
Linda & I arrived at our usual time, today Mike, N4HHA
and Kristen, on the Motorcycle, would follow a bit behind us. Lee was at
the gate with his welcoming smile, of course the first question I had
was, "How is Bill?" Doing fine I told him, Bratt was in her
regular registration spot across from the "Haunted House". She told us
that there were more than 30 cars waiting in line at opening. "Big John"
had the "Baldwin Motion" in place, the "Looney Bin" had Cris & Larry in
it. Bob is still out with his Mason Installations, we should see him
back in a few weeks. Roger, Bill, Ron and a few other of the Block 3
bunch were in their favorite spots. Kathy was setting next to the
Fairlane 500. Shortly after we arrived and parked "Elvira" in our
favorite spot behind "Black Market Minerals".
Much to our surprise up walked Bill &
Doris, we couldn't believe our eyes. It was just 3 weeks ago that he
underwent his surgery, he needed to get out and do some walking. It was
so good to see them, I am sure it won't be long and they will be back on
their Friday Nite excursions. After a brief visit with them and the
first radio call from Graham, G4HFG, from Oldham England Linda & I
headed up to the top 3 Block's of "Trophy Row". Shane had his '57 Chevy
across from Roger's 'Vette. Brian had his Chevelle parked by the Cruise
office. Most of the Regulars were out, Dennis had his '63 'Vette out and
it didn't even look like rain. John was out in his '66 Chevelle. Bill
had his Pantera nearby the rest of the "Rat Pack". Tony & Marianne, Russ
& Phyllis, John & Terri, Bob & Marge were in place near the steps. Ralph
& Shirley were under the steps. Darrell had his Galaxie 500 just down
from the stage. Emil with his "Ol' High School Flame" was behind the
British Store. Ken & Charlene and the Monkey were waiting for Mark &
Mike up in block 3. The list goes on and on and it was still early.
We went back down to the Ranchero to see
who might join us down there. We had a first time visitor to Florida,
from Iowa, Jim, KB0ZDI, yes another HAM, that had been listening to us
talk about "Cruising" over the local repeaters. He just had to come and
see for himself. Mike & Kristen had arrived by now and a few of the
other Block 4 regulars made their way in. Dan Z was then spotted in his
Edsel, Jeff was riding with him. His Edsel is in the paint shop for a
little freshening. Ron was following in one of his great old Fords.
Then this little itty bitty two toned roadster came across Florida Plaza
with Dave & Nancy in it. I thought it was a Bantam. I was wrong it was a
1930 American Austin. it was a few years later that the American Austin
became American Bantam. Dave K would bring out the Avanti, Jo
Ellen and Morgan would join him later for the evening. Bob & Marge would
bring out the Z-28. Nick & Francine in the '32 Ford. By now it was time
to make our way to dinner, Jim was going to join us but he just wanted
to check out the "Town". So, Linda, Kristen & I would head up to
"Flippers". Kevin, KJ4AYR and Lindsey would already be setting at a
table when we arrived.
Jane took great care of us as usual. While we were there,
they kept rolling into "Town" almost a continuous stream of cars for the
hour we were watching. Roger in his '56 Chevy, Larry in one of his
favorite Fords. "Big Jim" & Norma in the '57 Chevy. I spotted Mark
without a car, I know he was in town all night but I didn't see him
until Cruise time and he was riding with Nick. Doug would be in his '68
Bronco, Trish was in their new '68 Camaro. Tom & Chris were out in the
'Vette. Tonight would be one of regulars and "Snowbirds" like Bill with
his '63 Pontiac. Neil & Elaine along with Steve & Cheryl Mc came up to
"Flippers" about the time we were ready to leave.
Kevin & Lindsey would make their way back to the car with
us. I think they were both in "Sensory Overload" as well. Tonight they
would have just about any car you could think of. John, KG4BFJ would be
waiting for us, Ted, KE4TTE joined in a little later. Tony, K4AVD from
Wisconsin would check in with all of us. Linda & I ran into Emil &
Charlie way out back. Poor Dave S was also stuck back there along with
Gary C and Shawn taking care of the steady flow of cars. Almost the
entire area behind "Kids Town" was occupied with Cruisers. George & Mary
were out with her brothers in the '72 Monte Carlo. Joe & Kay stopped by
for a visit. I mean tonight it was very busy and a lot of fun. It is
amazing how many people stop and look at our old Ranchero and share
stories with us about the one they had in their lives at one time. Wally
a subscriber from Ohio who is in town stopped by to see us, he will be
picking up his newsletters for the next few weeks and even join us on a
Thursday in Saint Cloud. We hope to see you every week while in Florida.
Sarah stopped by
with the "Flag Winners" just after 8:20 Joe & Debby February's
"Sweetheart Cruisers of the Month", Joe driving the "General Lee"
Charger and Debby in the Daisy Duke '70 Roadrunner was led to
block 4 that becomes the staging area at this time, by Bratt, Gary, Dave
& Lee. Allan who had been checking in on the Auto announcer all day
along with all of his other duties made his way to the controls of the "Blue Room", got word that we were ready to Cruise,
he
gave the safety announcements, played the National Anthem, "Wolfman Jack" proclaimed, "It's the
Saturday Nite Cruise", right on time, for this the
919th running of this tradition. Bratt & Lee escorted the
the "Sweetheart Cruisers" in those great Mopars up the even side of
"Deac Hundley Avenue", followed by the rest of the nearly 400 cars, delighting an
extremely large crowd of
spectators, several rows deep on both sides of the Avenue, "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. Tonight Jim, KB0ZDI, rode in the back of
"Elvira" waving at the crowd. I quote him " I have been spending my
first vacation in Florida this week. I have done all of the Major Parks.
Today was the best time I have had, the shops the people, the cars!
Great. The best entertainment value in town. I will be back."
Thank you Old Town for letting us, the
curators of this "Rolling Display of Automotive History", the cars that
are the "Stars", to be their guests this evening. Thank you to the Old
Town Merchants Association and the Sponsors of this event, "Valvoline",
the "General Store", the "A&W", "Tags With Class", "Wound and Around", Pepsi, Roberts Brothers,
Race Depot & "Flippers" just to
name a few. Thank you to, Joe, Ron, Lee, Bratt, Gary, Dave, Nikki and the entire Cruise Staff and fellow Cruisers for
making this our 271st consecutive Saturday a fun and
safe one. Get Well, Mike Singer, we all miss you!
On to the Flag Winners
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