Midwest Gathering 2011 - June 9-12 - Branson, MO

[TSuppa]

Pics from first day

[TSuppa]

A few more

[ngpmike]

LOOKIN' GOOD !!! Fine looking bunch of autos. Hard to tell from the pic, but how many do we have so far? Looks like, what... 8 or 9? I SO wanted to be there today. Can't wait for Friday.

[dhempy]

ok... no more pictures...you guys are killing me!

-dave "jealous much?" hempy

[TRX]

Hey! Who has the six cylinder car?

[ngpmike]

Hey guys! Just had a talk with one of the reporters at the local newspaper, told her about the Locost Gathering, and she plans to come to Tony's tomorrow to check it out. I realize the "Ozark County Times" isn't the "Washington Post", but it's the only game in town. Shine 'em up guys.

[TSuppa]

Rumor has it that Russ Amos was sucking on his gas tank today. Tryin to find pic.

[TRX]

ok... no more pictures...you guys are killing me!

I'll be there Saturday morning with the camera, if everyone hasn't already taken off for home by then...

[JULIAN DZ]

Miss ya Dave! Maybe next year? Rumor has it we may be heading back north next year. Take care of those twins, when your old and soggy, they will make the decision which nursing home to put you in!
Julian

[JULIAN DZ]

we plan to push out about 9-9:30 Sat. am. Just a heads up. We'll be in Eureka Spring for dinner at the Bavarian Inn. 5:30-6:00 ish

[TSuppa]

More pics

[ngpmike]

Had a wonderful time at the Gathering today. Met up with the gang at Tony's Pizza in Protem, Mo for lunch. After lunch, caught a ride with Graham in his Leitch back to The Hub. Well... not quite. Made it from Tony's to the Peel Ferry (about 1 mile), then after waiting about 45 minutes or so to cross Bull Shoals Lake, the heat, humidity and bad planning on my part had my head swimming. So, with discretion being the better part of valor, I traded my seat in Graham's Se7en for one in Larry's A/C equipped P/U truck. Maybe not as sporty, but after a few miles and a few Gatorades, I was feeling fine and enjoying Larry's company. Thanks guys.

When we arrived at The Hub, I checked out all the other cars, and then had dinner with the group. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming, making us (my wife Carol, myself, our son Erik and his two kids) feel as if we were spending time with old friends.

After dinner was the auto cross! Nothing high stress, just a bunch of folk getting together and having some fun with their cars. Don't even know who posted FTD, but had a good time and shot a few pics. Can't wait 'til I've got a car to join in the fun!

[TRX]

I picked up AB from her family reunion and we made it up there a little after 8 AM. Julian took her for a spin in his Datsun Z-powered car. She came back with a big grin, she definitely wants a 7 now.

I thought I was taking pictures of all the cars as they were lining up and taking off as they left for the morning run, but somehow I got the camera into "movie" mode and I have a bunch of 5-second video clips of my feet and the sky...

We ate breakfast at the Hub after everyone else left. The dark-haired waitress was really interested in the cars, and it would make her day if someone offered her a ride.

[Tailwind]

Just a quick note to let everyone know I made it home safe and sound.

Thanks, again, to Julian and Russ for the planning and execution of this gathering. It was outstanding.

Thanks are also in order to Russ, Chuck and Brent for the rides. Now I've got more changes to make to the car (after I get it running again!!)

It was good to see folks again, and am looking forward to next year.

Bill

[rx7locost]

Just a quick note from me too.

Thanks to Russ and Julian for putting on a great Gathering. I LOVED the blats - great roads!! I had a great time and met a lot of really neat people.

We got in about an hour ago. Had managed to thread the needle between rain up to Springfield MO. Then had light rain on and off for about 150 miles eastbound. As we approached St Louis, the skies started to clear and had good weather all the rest of the way. I even had to throw on a light jacket to keep warm. We were very lucky with good weather for the entire trip. I'm not sure that I'd attempt that long a trip again without any weather gear (and aspirin) . But then again, time may change those thoughts.

Thanks for the Iron-Butt tee-shirt. It will become a very treasured one I'm sure.

Chuck