Cruise the Rockies VI — August 10-13, 2006
Attending (We had a GREAT turnout!):
- Ruth Kimball
- Felicia Allred
- Cathy Sutton & Parents
- Dale & Maxenne Redmon
- Les & Joanne Holman
- Mike &Jane Bryan
- John & April Redmon (and Dodger!)
- Butch & Jackie Watkins
We met up with the other Texas clubs at the Big Texan on Thursday morning, then took the route through Springer to Red River, NM. It was a smooth trip, until we ran into this curiously wet substance after crossing the state line. Once we realized it was rain, we took lots of pictures to show the folks back home what it looks like. (Turns out, we seem to have brought some back with us, since it’s been raining here since we returned.)
The twists and turns of Cimmaron Canyon and Carson National Forest revealed majestic mountians and beautiful scenery that included tall, green trees with a winding creek twirling around their feet, within yards of the road. Along side, you would see people fishing, or just spending time with nature.
It was all good, but then: Eagle’s Nest. We were only 18 miles from our destination, and we hit a wall of rain and hail that pounded down so hard we had to turn around and take refuge underneath a gas station awning at the turn off to Red River. It was quite a site, seeing 16 or 17 Cruisers huddling under there while buckets of cold, fresh rainwater sluiced down around us. We made sure to be good customers to the little convenience store there, since we were blocking their pumps and using the facilities it was only right to stock up on more drinks and snacks!
Soon we were making our way through Bobcat Pass and descending into the little valley that nestles Red River. On the mountains surrounding the little town, the dormant ski runs looked like green ribbons laid over the slopes. PT Crusiers from 17 different states were filtering in, getting their rooms and beginning to get to know one another, or meeting up with old friends.
Everyone was pretty much on their own that night as far as activities go. Some of us retired to our rooms, others took advantage of the cookout in the park, and a few found some good restaurants to eat at. John and April Redmon even managed to sneak Phantom Pooch and his purse-like carrier into the restaurant they chose. The owners didn’t mind, as long as he wasn’t running around (unlike the restaurant in Taos, where Dodger wasn’t welcome. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. We knew it was a chance we took. Eating outside on the sidewalk isn’t so bad.)
The next morning, everyone registered and picked up their goodie bags (David and JoAnn, we have yours for you.) The day was spent shining up the cars, shopping, visiting and relaxing. Some took the lift up to the summit for lunch. That evening there were hamburgers and hotdogs in the park, while Cruisers from all walks of life exchanged ideas, oohed and ahhed over each other’s cars with their displays and decorations and had a great time in general. After dark, a bunch of Cruisers with and without lights formed an impromptu parade up and down Main Street. It was quite a sight!
On Saturday, most of the 141 Cruisers that attended CTR lined up and took the road to Taos. Once we got there, things got a little mixed up as to where we were supposed to go, and what we were supposed to do, but we eventually fell back together. Due to unexpected road construction, and the fact NONE of us wanted to get fresh tar on our Cruisers, we took a different scenic route than had been planned. It was a little longer, but there were some interesting things to see along the way, such as the Rio Grande Gorge.
That evening, the awards ceremony was held in the community hall. A surprise to many, there was a wedding to start things out! There was a couple there who’d become engaged at CTR last year who wanted to include the attendees of CTR this year in their special moment. Sadly, earlier in the day, there was also a funeral. Longhorn Cruisers brought their beloved friend James Spiller’s ashes to the point in New Mexico where the Red River and the Rio Grande converge and set his earthly remains free over the spectacular 360-degree vista at La Junta Overlook.
Getting back to the awards ceremony…the emcee was hilarious, and made sure the whole room had a great time. Colorado PT Cruiser Club did a great job at making everyone feel at home.
Mike and Jane Bryan won a hand-carved rear shelf the commemorates Cruse The Rockies VI, and it just happens to look GREAT in their Cruiser. They had a cool rear deck display, “Blue Man Cruiser.” Jackie and Butch had a representation of Communion for their rear deck display. John and April’s display was Phantom of the Opera, as usual, with a new addition: a working candelier.
Jackie and Butch and Ruth all won doorprizes. John and April won a One Cool Cruiser Award, voted on by the citizens and Chamber of Commerce of Red River. Big D Cruisers won Club Participation and SnoopCruiser and Phantum (not the Redmons’) tied for Best of Show.
After the awards, everyone was hungry, so we did the best we could since all the restaurants were closed! Word to the wise–if you plan to eat late in Red River, bring your own food! There was another parade down Main.
The next morning, there were donuts and coffee, info exchanges and good-byes, and everyone made their way home, already thinking about Next Year’s Cruise the Rockies VII, to be held in Steamboat Springs, CO.
Please feel free to add your own recollections in comments section of this blog entry!
We did win a couple of door prizes though! The show closed up shop early due to rain.