Pacific Northwest Meet, 4/14/07

[rowhard]

So, you in the Pacific Northwest that have a current email address listed in the vehicross.info membership should of received a email from me today. (some were PM'ed since no email address was listed) I propose that we have a luncheon meet (4/14/07)(changed to 4/21/07) in Olympia WA. Agenda will be lunch and discussion (bull session) about future get togethers, roadtrips (convoys) and off-roading. Some of you might be involved with other 4x4 clubs that actively off-road and can take the lead in this. Many would enjoy a weekend event and camping. We just need to fan that spark for why we bought our beloved VX

[PHO2GR4]

Wow, this time I'M going to be the first one to bail. I could make it the NEXT day, April 15th, but on Saturday the 14th I'll be photographing a wedding.

Any chance of having the meet on Sunday instead of Saturday? Maybe?

:cool:

[rowhard]

Okay, this will be fun. Who is up for Sunday, the 15th of April?

Will make a final decision in one week dependant on the number of responses and for which day and will go with the majority.

[PHO2GR4]

Well, I'm voting for the 15th!

And since this is my second VX, I'm casting a second vote for the 15th in honor of my previous IronMan. That's two votes for the 15th! Woo hoo! In your FACE!

USA! USA!

(That's, um, in my best Homer Simpson voice.)

[rowhard]

bump (now that I know what it means)

[kpaske]

I'm interested, but the 15th is probably not going to work for me. We're 3 for 3!!! I could do the 14th. The following weekend I may be out of town.

As I mentioned in email with John (rowhard), a concern for me with most of these types of events is whether or not there will be anything for the families to do. Am I the only PNW VXer with young kids?

By the way, another great spot for a meet might be Point Defiance in Tacoma. There are plenty of spaces to park, and probably some good scenic shots if we get there early enough to get them all lined up. We could rent a picnic area if enough people were actually interested.

Maybe we need to offer free beer and backrubs.

;Db;

[rowhard]

free beer, back rubs, oh boy

[PHO2GR4]

Mmmmm....baby back ribs, soaked in beer...


...what's that? Back RUBS?

That's different. Meh.

I didn't mean to throw any monkey wrenches in the works. It just sucks that I have to work on the 14th!

[rowhard]

Wow Eric, guess I have to move back east to get any interest.

[JAFO]

Sorry I'm going to Phoenix on the 12th for approximately 1 week.

Is it possible to shift forward or back a weekend?

[JGeorge264]

I'd love to catch up with ya'll if you ever come through the Portland/Vancouver area. Can't make it on Sundays since I work Sun - Thurs. Maybe sometime I can make it up North although the thought of the drive (I commute 1 - 1 1/2 hrs each way to work as it is) doesn't sound that appealing. It would be great if I could convince my boyfriend to come with me and check out all the great mods you guys have done so he might be encouraged to do some to mine (vx that is :winko: ). He doesn't share my love of my ride though so it might take alot of convincing. (not my fault if he hasn't figured out how to duck when he gets in :laughg: ) When I mentioned a convoy to Crater Lake he did seem to show a spark of interest so maybe theres hope for him yet. Hope to catch up with ya'll one of these days,,

Jody

[rowhard]

Jody, I totally understand, I drive a bus for a living so seat time isn't my favorite way to spend a day. But Hey, is there someplace in between you and Olympia that would work. Maybe we can talk those guys and gals north of me to drive that extra little bit like maybe Centralia or something. Or maybe you can oragize a Saturday meet your way for you and the OR VX's, I'd be up for that - John

[Baxman]

Well, I think I'm in, but it's not clear to me if it will be Saturday or Sunday, and wether we'll have free ribs or free back rubs :p

It's been my experience as organizer of two past PNW VX meets and countless trail runs, to just set the date, time, and place, because you won't be able to accomodate everyone. Thanks, John for working on this.

[kpaske]

Saturday, April 21st looks like it would work for the majority... yes?

[wekilled]

Kpaske: Can we switch it to end of 2007? I think I will be back from Baghdad by then.

First restaurant I am hitting is either "The Rock" pizza in Tacoma, or a little hole in the wall Korean place in the international dist. (sorry, hungry right now).

-Doug

[rowhard]

Hey Doug, first weekend your free, bring a designated driver cause you ain't buying

[rowhard]

Okay, one and only change. April 21st in Olympia at the RAM. Why the Ram, it's easy to get to and there is a car wash close by for those of you that are like me. I''d run a car off the road to avoid a mud puddle, well almost.:_steering

[Bulldoggie]

I will be there.
I might bring my brother from Ca.

[kpaske]

Wow Doug, the end of 2007? Doesn't that make this almost a 2 year deployment?! On my first deployment to ***-Cracka-Stan we were extended on almost a week-by-week basis. The worst part for me was getting my hopes up that I'd be home soon. I only did four years, so I have a lot of respect for guys that can put up with the B.S. for so long. I don't think you'll be buying drinks for a LONG time my friend.

John, the RAM sounds great. It's on my calendar!!

[wekilled]

Sorry for the hijack-

Nothing official yet but 99% sure to be extended till Oct. That makes about 18 months. Strykers are the latest toy for the bigwigs.

Anyway I head out on a combat patrol tommorrow. Gotta say its getting a little old though, left my last command about 2k from where I am typing here on Camp Striker. Dont get too uppity on me-started out enlisted before I joined the "dark side" okay?

The Ram has an awesome blu cheese topped steak- had one the night before I flew, and one of their microbrews in a big frosty mug-Mmmm. Beer. I am boycotting near-beer here (all the calories and none of the fun)

Anyway, if you guys want to get together after I get home and do the diamondplate decking some weekend I am for that. I dont mind using my VX as the guinea pig. It'll look nice, trust me on that.

Like to actually meet some VX owners in person, not just online, see ya later.

PS-rowhard, whats up with owning a VX and avoiding mud?! Thats what the danged thing is for! The little warthogs need a good mudbath every so often.

[Bulldoggie]

Do you have an address for the Ram?
or a nearby landmark? for gps

[rowhard]

Doug, Warthog, your right, it does have somewhat of a resemblements. And it does get muddy,.... when I drive it in the rain.

Why the Ram, it's easy to find, The burgers ain't bad for designer burgers, don't really know about the rest of the chow. The micros ain't bad, well the porter anyway. After 13 years in England, I do find the american micro brews a bit unfinished tasting.

BullDog, will provide directions here soon, it's dead simple to find. It's right next to Northwest Harley Davidson, same building actually with their preowned bikes.

Kpaske, glad it's on your calendar, looking forward to meeting you finally.

Diamond plating. Have a work shop with air and what have you if needed

[rowhard]

bump

[JAFO]

I will mark my calendar. Looking forward to the meet.

Is this the place?

RAM Restaurant & Brewery
8081 Quinault Dr NE, Olympia, WA
(360) 413-1245

http://www.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=ram&near=Olympia,+WA&radius=0.0&cid=47038056,-122899444,17432099634387498213&li=lmd&z=14&t=m

[rowhard]

Yep, thats the one, just need to move that bubble with the letter A to the top of the roundabout right at the stub. Parking will be off to the left. Will try and get a designated area for us to park.

[Baxman]

Is the Ram "family-friendly" - can I bring my 14 y/o daughter?

[rowhard]

Yes, it is.

[Bulldoggie]

Is the Ram "family-friendly" - can I bring my 14 y/o daughter?

Mine are 8 and 11yr olds. they will be there too.

[kpaske]

I'll be bringing my wife and two kids (2-1/2 and 9 months woopee!!!). We'll see how long they last... ;Db;

[rowhard]

bump

[Bulldoggie]

I'LL BRING QUARTERS FOR THE CAR BATH, BUT THE KIDS HAVE TO DO THE SCRUBBING! UNLESS SOMEONE VOLUNTEERS TO HELP THEM :confused:
STILL LEFT HANDED SO CRUISE CONTROL AND WIPERS STILL AN ISSUE.
sorry about the caps lock....

[Baxman]

Okay, one and only change. April 21st in Olympia at the RAM.

Looks like I'm out, can't make it on the 21st.

[rowhard]

Baxman, truely sorry you can't make it, was looking forward to checking out your ride and the mods you have done.

BullDog, 2 kind of car washes close by. The quarter kind or one of them that you get dragged thru. It Ain't gone to rain, It ain't gone to rain, it better not rain. Wait, what am I saying, it always rains on the weekends in Washington.

[rowhard]

bump bump de bump, sure don't take long to get bumped to page 4 around here

[Bulldoggie]

Baxman, truely sorry you can't make it, was looking forward to checking out your ride and the mods you have done.

BullDog, 2 kind of car washes close by. The quarter kind or one of them that you get dragged thru. It Ain't gone to rain, It ain't gone to rain, it better not rain. Wait, what am I saying, it always rains on the weekends in Washington.

I added the roof basket (load warrior) so no dragging through.
I used to manage a drive through carwash when I was young. Don't trust them!!!!!! Too many get damaged!!!!!!!

[rowhard]

Just thought I would bring this back up to page 1 since the 21st is only 4 days away. Hope to see you there.

[Bulldoggie]

So, luncheon time = High noon?

My brother is not going to make it, snow in the mountains, so just me and the girls, like always.

[kpaske]

bump

Myself, the wife, and two boys are still planning to be there.

Noon works for us! Is someone planning to call or show up a little early to reserve us a good table? John, I think you said you were trying to reserve us some parking spots - did you have any luck with that?

[rowhard]

Still working on it. I will be there when they open at 11. Was going to email all and get a head count tonight, was waiting to closer to the date. Will also do directions.

[rowhard]

Just a heads up for you that will be coming down for I hope one of many get togethers in the Pacific Northwest. You will be entering the #1 speed trap on I-5 for the State. Starts about Lakewood for you southbound VX'ers and Tumwater for you Northbound. I make the trip from Olympia to tacoma twice a day during the week and they are thick and unmarked. Suv's, dodge chargers, even pickup trucks so be ware, see ya tomorrow - John

[totallto]

Hey, guys got the vx all cleaned up and ready to go.
Yeah, I could use a cold one on Sat too.
Don't forget the cameras!

[Bulldoggie]

40 miles to go.

[rowhard]

Hey Bulldog, since your traveling on-line, if your up for coffee, I can meet you at Ralphs Thriftway right at 9:40 for coffee. (Starbucks) Can't be there before, 8:30 dental appt.

It's Easy to find, just head east on 4th Ave from downtown, it's a one way street, top of the hill, few blocks on the Left - John

[Bulldoggie]

I'm visiting my mom, the girls are still sleeping, they don't have a crippled shoulder to keep them awake.
My laptop is wireless, but not broadband wireless. :(
I have to park next to McDonalds or Best Western... to log on while on the road.
I will be up for showing the girls the '"Oly" can lable' view,(Tumwater Falls) after lunch.

[totallto]

See ya guys soon!

[PHO2GR4]

Well?

How was the meet?!?

Where are the photos?!?

I'm just sorry I couldn't be there...

[Bulldoggie]

Well?



Where are the photos?!?

...

Here is the first ten:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P4210064.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P4210064.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P4210074.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P4210074.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P4210062.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P4210062.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P4210051.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P4210051.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P4210050.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P4210050.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P4210036.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P4210036.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P4210020.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P4210020.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P4210083.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P4210083.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P4210017.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P4210017.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/P4210002.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/P4210002.JPG)

[JGeorge264]

Sorry I missed the meet. Was planning on showing up but my son's car broke down so we had to help him get it back up and running. You know how tragic it is to be 17 with no wheels on a saturday... :eek:

[PHO2GR4]

So, what was the head count? Who showed up? Whose debadged Ebony is that? Those wheels still look awesome, John!

[totallto]

Wow, I never looked so good! Rowhard, Your 20s looked so good I had to go
out and buy some too! Looking good! :cool:

[rowhard]

Andrew, hope yours fit since mine are 18's. So,... pictures?

[totallto]

I get em on tomorrow, have an offset of 18m. what do you think?
I don't want em sticking out.
I knew your wheels were 18s after I sent the post :eek:

[Bulldoggie]

Just wanted to thank you guys for inspiring me to tint my windows.
I did all five back windows for $115. Looks great!
I have more pictures to upload, just being lazy.
if anyone wants me to E-mail all the pictures my daughter snapped that day, let me know. Took some pictures of the falls and some of a elk herd of over 30 head also that day.

[rowhard]

well done BullDog. So how is the shoulder doing, getting some more movement? Have you tried that product I use on the cladding? Here is the name and site - John
I buy it by the gallon and just refill the sprayer
http://www.carcareonline.com/detail.asp?product_id=10229

[Bulldoggie]

I haven't tried it yet but I saved the link you sent me.
Tryed to upload some more pictures, and photopost froze on the second one.
AAarrrrggghhhh!

Oh I forgot
The shoulder still _____s!
I'm improving about 5 degrees a week, too slow!
I think the Therapist is trying to rip it off
still hard to sleep still using the left arm to lift the right

I could just bring an empty spray bottle to the next meet....?