With all the talk going on about these trips i'd like to point out the positive things that have come of these.....
1. Meeting new people that have become close friends would have to be #1 on the list. The people know who they are (friends) and I thank you for your friendship. This is in huge part to these forums. Going to Camp Far West and meeting all the Nor-Cal guys is one of the best times I can remember having with by boat.
2. Seeing the Needles trip grow over the years was a kick. The enthusiasm, the smack talk (all in fun) and waiting to see who showed up with what was always cool. Then like everything in this world times change. And with change you have to adapt or be left behind.
3. Having the local police come down and visit with us on there off time to see what can be done to make us and them happy (complaints...noise) and be willing to work out a solution was a huge step, and one that took alot of doing on both parts to make it work. Now there are some that don't see it that way but to each his own. Just remember one thing...The actions you take affect all of us. Even if you don't think so!!!!.
4. Now some of you might say that I do this from a business stand point. I have always done alot of boats in my career and yes with these boat making a strong come back it did rejuvenate the boat painting again. But your only as good as your last job, and without quality work it would all go out the window. I just love boats. I always have since I was a very little kid. And it doesn't matter what type. I can drive by a field and see a boat sitting there all jacked up and wish I could restore it. My wife (Janice) just looks at me and shakes here head (smiling). I just love the fact that you can bring these boats back from the dead and have fun with them all over again. They belong on the water, they deserve to be brought back, and we should be able to run them once in awhile. I really enjoy watching Connor (my son) at the age of 10 be able to cruise Barry Black's injected Sanger up and down the river. He drove Tony's boat, he's driven my boat, Desi's boat (tunnel ram Cole), and last but not least the "Sea Donkey". I mean these are the things these trip are made of. This is what I wish the police and the local people who complain (noise) could see. They were all kids at one time. Looking for a fun time. And now that there not there they seem to forget.
5. But when I really look back on the times that were had most of it was sitting around a fire ripping on each other, leaning against a boat while "Nutts a Hang'in King" changed gears & Tony cracked up. Playing shoes against Hud and then having him cook for all of us while getting a little love pinch from one of our group and me seeing it is "PRICELESS", are what these trips are really about.
So with that said it's been a good run and a fun one. Hopefull not the last one!!!!.