The drive out east was fairly uneventful (if you don’t count the rush at the prospect of getting out of dodge for a while). And we had beautiful weather for the long drive. I don’t know what it is about roadtrips with The Gearhead, but I always have a great time just watching the road and talking about whatever. Doesn’t even matter where we are going really; getting there is more than half the fun!
We spent the night in the comfort of a fellow Opeler’s house…along with about 6 other Opelers headed out to the show. The next morning was an early rise, but we were all up and at ‘em, ready to hit the road in a caravan. We picked up more Opelers along the six hour drive to show. I think we must have had about 15 cars in the caravan at one point.
Made it to the show without any mechanical issues whatsoever. Checked into the hotel (and were told that we were given a room with a “good” shower by the hotel staff, whatever that means) and took a quick nap before dinner and drinks with the Opeler group.
The next day we headed out to the show and spent a grand weekend in what I can only compare to a state fair. There were lots of import cars to run around and ogle as well various fair food and vendors (much like a swap meet) to peruse. I discovered a love of peanut butter ripple ice cream at the fairgrounds and I will never be the same. There was even a variety of bands that played.
Basically, we parked the car with the other Opels and then took out the lawn chairs and sat around chatting with people the whole time. A few breaks in there to tour other cars, get some grub, of course, but for the most part it was a lawn party with some really nice people.
Most of the car clubs had big party tents set up on one end of their designated spot on the fairgrounds too, for registration, in case it rained, and/or to provide some shade (it was hot and lots of sunscreen ensued). The Opel club also did an auction of car parts and other Opel collectibles in order to raise money to host the web site that everyone uses to communicate.
Since most of the Opelers were staying at the same hotel, we reserved a conference room for everyone to get together for a few drinks and shoot the breeze some more. People brought microbrews from their local breweries to share too and it was nice to get to know them on a non-car level. This is one great group of folks.
Beyond that, I took tons of pictures (of course) while at the show…over 1200 actually. I’ve been whittling that down and cleaning up the images this past week. Check them out!
We are definitely going to the show in September; this one is a little closer to home so we’re hoping to drive our finished Kadett there. Here’s hoping!!
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