“Penticton
or Bust!” had kind of become my motto for going to the Western Meet
this year, being as how my wife Janet (Mrs4Fifty4) and I had attended
both the 2004 inaugural Western Meet and last year’s western
“mini-meet” without my Monte Carlo. This year I was able to spend some money on the car in order
to get it trip-worthy, however, and I’m pleased to say that my goal of
having the ol’ Monte carry us up to Penticton, B.C., Canada for this
year’s Western Meet became a reality.
With
our kids delivered to Janet’s aunt & uncle for our long weekend
away and the Monte’s trunk packed full, we left sunny Seattle on
Thursday afternoon and made good time once we were north of a couple
major western Washington cities. We
crossed the United States/Canada border at the town of Sumas, and a
while later stopped in Hope, B.C. for a “last chance” gas fill-up.
Janet wanted to drive by that point in our journey, so when we
got back into the car she took her turn behind the wheel.
She drove from there all the way to Summerland, which includes
the long and desolate-but-beautiful stretch of B.C.’s Coquihalla
Highway 5. And what a
stretch it is; there’s a reason why Hope is considered “last
chance” before heading northeast on that route, let me tell you. We saw several abandoned vehicles that had been left on the
side of the road, and as I was riding shotgun in the passenger seat I
found myself glancing over at that little fuel gauge every so often and
thinking, “Exactly how much
further is it until civilization?”
The orange-hued light of the setting sun shone onto the beautiful
scenery all around and there were some spectacular views that made us
feel as if we were the only lone travelers on top of the world.
We
made it to Summerland shortly after nightfall and the Monte’s dual
exhaust system announced our arrival at the Heritage House Bed &
Breakfast as we drove up the curving driveway.
Aaron (Canuck) and his father-in-law Mike (who along with his
wife Lesley own and operate the B&B), came out to greet us and help
with our luggage. This year
was the third time that Janet and I have stayed at the B&B, and it
felt good to be among friends again.
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After greeting
Aaron’s wife April, April’s mother Lesley and Kevin (Colonel) &
Sandy on that sunny Friday morning, we all enjoyed an excellent
breakfast before driving our three Montes to the Rosedale Motel to meet
up with FGMCC members who were staying there.
As we pulled into the parking lot we saw quite a few first-gen
Monte Carlos, and they all looked fabulous!
It was wonderful to see people again that we knew from prior
get-togethers as well as meet others for the first time.
When we left from the Rosedale Motel we drove our eight Monte
Carlos caravan-style from Summerland to Penticton, where we pulled into
a parking lot near Okanagan Lake and those who hadn’t registered to be
a part of the Peach City Beach Cruise 3-day event could do so.
There we met up with Rod (Mo’s 70 Mcs) and his wife Janet from
Norwalk, California, which brought our total car count up to nine.
Many passer-bys (including the local law enforcement) took notice
of all our Montes parked in the same area and gave us many positive
comments.
With
our Peach City Beach Cruise and FGMCC goody bags along for the ride, we
headed out on the event’s Poker Run.
This led us from one local winery to the next – where we would
stop to check in, draw cards and sample wines if we so desired.
To see so many Monte Carlos invade the parking areas at each
beautiful location was really something.
Somewhere along the way, though, we missed a turn or two as well
as a couple of wineries and soon realized that a group consensus was in
order; should we backtrack and complete the Poker Run or should we bag
it and head to the Heritage House Bed & Breakfast for the FGMCC
barbecue? Sitting on the
side of the road in the hot sun, the decision was made to forget
completing the Poker Run and to head to the Heritage House.
After all, we were starting to get hungry. We may not have completed the Poker Run, but at least the
incompletion was a team effort. All
for one, and one for all!
As
we arrived at the Heritage House, we drove the cars one after another up
the driveway which encircles the restored 1907 home, and proceeded to
have our own car show. It was fun being able to check out the Monte Carlos and enjoy
the excellent barbecue lunch all at the same place. This was also when members voted on cars for the club awards,
and Aaron was even interviewed by a gal from the Summerland newspaper!
After a relaxing time of eating and visiting we had a
head-to-head spark plug changing competition, which was a lot of fun
both to participate in and observe.
A club member and his wife from Arizona (Russ & Freddie Ruck)
stopped by for a while, and although they didn’t have their ’72
Monte Carlo with them they brought along photographs of it to share.
They were up for a family get-together and didn’t get to spend
a lot of time with us, but it was nice that they were able to stop by
and to meet them.
Later
that afternoon, Mark (Wallaby) found out that his ’71 SS454’s engine
had a broken valve spring and he needed to find a replacement.
In the evening most of us were back in Penticton for the car show
in the park, and a local 1971 Monte Carlo owner (who is not a club
member) that we met at the show not only had a valve spring, but the
tools to do the job! He was
extremely helpful, and even went home to get everything.
“Car people” can be some of the best you will ever meet, and
Mark was genuinely touched by this man’s generosity.
Tim drove Mark back to the Rosedale Motel – and Mark’s car
– and they were able to get the job done.
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Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Rod, Vaughn, Pat, Tim, Russ, Roy, Mark,
Kevin, Dave, Aaron
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The full group photo
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The discovery of Mark's broken valve spring back at the motel
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Roy's 72 as the sun sets |
Small article in the Summerland Review newspaper |
Another article with the mention of the FGMCC from the week before the
event |
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Saturday
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Saturday
morning we all met back in the park early, where we lined up the nine
Montes together near the beach. We
also put up a canopy for shade, and fastened the club logo banner to
it. It all made for a
great FGMCC display and we received a lot of attention and positive
comments from show-goers. A
new member was signed up, and everyone had a great time – be it
checking out the 400+ cars, visiting, or just generally taking it easy.
With temps in the mid to upper 90s (Fahrenheit, eh?) a lot of
bottled water was consumed as well.
FGMCC awards were handed out in the afternoon, and when the
actual cruise of the Peach City Beach Cruise event got under way
around 4:00 PM, we soon joined in.
The route took us out of town and on some back country roads
into desert-like areas, and man, was it ever hot.
Trouble ensued when the lower radiator hose blew off the water
pump of Vaughn’s freshly restored ’71 SS454, but he pulled over
quickly and between an additional hose clamp, filtered water that
Kevin was carrying in his trunk and antifreeze that I had in mine his
car was back on the road before too long.
When
we arrived at the highway back to Penticton (which wasn’t the cruise
route), we decided to take it, cut the cruise short and head to the
park. Once again we were
located on the grass near the beach, and before too long it was time
for the event’s dinner – which was quite good. After dinner we carefully orchestrated a better arrangement
of the cars so that we could get some nice group photos in the early
evening light. Our little
event attracted quite a number of onlookers, and many even took
pictures for themselves. Although
we waited and searched for Pat, neither he nor his wife Jean was to be
found. We couldn’t move
his car without the key, so unfortunately it wasn’t included in the
new formation. We did,
however, take some humorous “Where’s Pat?” photos so that it
wasn’t left out. Later
on some of us strolled around the vendors’ area and enjoyed ice
cream cones before calling it a day and driving back to Summerland for
the night.
FGMCC
Award Winners |
Members'
Choice |
Vaughn
Peoples - 1971 SS454 |
George
Lines Best Modified |
Roy
Bumjes - 1972 Custom |
Long
distance driver |
Rod
Marin - 1,335 miles one way! |
Best
Paint |
Vaughn
Peoples - 1971 SS454 |
Best
Interior |
Rod
Marin - 1970 |
Best
Engine |
Tim
Oest - 1970 SS454 |
Best
Unfinished |
Dave
Mau - 1970 SS454 |
Best
Stock |
Aaron
Dodsworth - 1970 |
Hard
Luck |
Mark
Andrus - Broken valve spring and separated tire |
Congratulations
to you all! |
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9 Montes along the beach of Okanogan Lake |
Setting up early on Saturday morning |
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The canopy and FGMCC banner |
Beach of Okanagan Lake |
Relaxing by the beach |
Ladies of the Knight. (L to R: April, Janet, Janet, Sandy) |
Aaron, Rod and Dave chat with the Peach City Beach Cruise director |
Hard Luck Award: Mark Andrus |
Mark receives a broken FGMCC stein... seems fitting for the hard luck
award |
Long Distance Award: Rod Marin |
Best Interior Award: Rod Marin |
Best Engine Award: Tim Oest |
Best Paint Award: Vaughn Peoples |
Best Modified Award: Roy Bumjes |
Best Unfinished Award: Dave Mau |
Best Stock Award: Aaron Dodsworth. He tries his best to shake his own
hand. |
Members Choice Award: Vaughn Peoples |
Getting ready for the cruise... cool photo (You can see club members
up to 4 cars down) |
Cruising in our Montes |
Heading back to the beach |
Back in the park after the cruise
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Where's Pat? |
We looked everywhere for a key to move his car into formation with the
others |
Aaron's Monte as the sun sets on the lake |
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Sunday
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Sunday morning
after breakfast we said our goodbyes to Kevin & Sandy, and saw
them off as they left the Heritage House.
We then went to Penticton for the show one last time, where
some in our group were able to park near each other using the
street’s back-in angle parking. The event stage wasn’t all that far away, and after
listening to a great Elvis tribute artist (and all-around great guy)
perform gospel songs and inspirational hymns the way Elvis did, the
Peach City Beach Cruise awards ceremony took place.
There were a lot of incredible cars on hand and those that
received awards were very deserving of them.
One of the top winners was a beautiful dark burgundy &
white ’57 Chevy Bel Air convertible that towed a matching speedboat
– complete with its own tailfins and Bel Air-style aluminum trim.
They were impeccably-finished pieces of machinery.
Other
members had headed for home (Tim & Gwen and Pat & Jean) too,
but most of those who were staying on for another day went on the
historic Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland that afternoon.
In addition to operating the Heritage House B&B, Aaron’s
father-in-law Mike is a conductor on the historic steam train and he
was able to get us a block of seats together in one of the open cars.
Having good airflow was quite welcome being as how it was so
hot. Once underway, Mike
punched our tickets and a bit later he joined a banjo-playing
entertainer as the two of them belted out their rendition of “I’ve
Been Working on the Railroad” together. “Floozies” were along to
pay special attention to the guys, and we were “robbed” by The
Garnett Valley Gang, who rode up on horseback to the train with their
guns firing. It was a
real Old West sight to behold, and any money that was “handed
over” is donated to local charitable organizations.
The gals enjoyed donating to the handsome gunslingers –
sometimes more than once! When
the train ride was finished we filled up at the open air barbecue
dinner, which was included in the package.
In the evening many of us got together at the Rosedale Motel,
where we sat around the outdoor swimming pool and enjoyed cold
beverages as we visited until after dark.
There we said more goodbyes, as everyone was going to be
homeward bound on Monday.
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L to R: Rod, Dave, Mark, Aaron, Vaughn |
The group in the open air car |
The conductor (Mike) and the banjo player |
Locomotive |
The "floozies" aren't shy |
Aaron can dance? |
View of Okanagan Lake from the trestle bridge |
Garnet Valley gang coming to rob the train |
Rod enjoying the company of a "floozy" |
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Going
Home
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Monday morning
arrived all too soon. It
would have been nice to sit around the breakfast table a good while
longer, but we had to face reality and the fact that it was time to
head for home. When the
Monte was packed and ready to go, we drove it from the back of the
house down the driveway to the front, where we got out and said our
goodbyes to Aaron, April, Mike & Lesley on the steps of that grand
old front porch. We had
heartily enjoyed another great time of staying with them, and once
again their hospitality had been second to none.
And not just to us, but to the whole Western Meet gang as well. But our Western Meet experience wasn’t completely over yet.
Rod
& Janet’s time frame for heading back into Washington State
coincided with ours, so we headed to Penticton to meet up with them at
their motel. After
talking about our travel route and then fueling up the cars at a local
gas station we headed out of town.
We were taking a different route home than the one we had
traveled up on, and we crossed the Canada/United States border at the
town of Osoyoos. It was
very hot as we idled in line while waiting to answer questions that
the border crossing officer would throw at us.
But when the first question she asked me was, “Does this
really have a 454 in it?” I had a feeling it wouldn’t be too bad
– and it wasn’t. She
didn’t ask Rod if he was transporting snails in his trunk like the
crossing officer at Blaine had asked him a few days before, either!
Snails?
After
we were back in Washington State we pulled off at a fruit stand, where
the husband and wife owners admired our Monte Carlos and asked us a
few questions about them. As it turned out, they had vintage vehicles as well; a
modified ’57 Chevy wagon and a ’59 T-Bird.
The fellow took a phone call, and when he hung up we found out
that it had been a “car guy” friend of his on the other end of the
line. As it turned out, his friend had been up to the Peach City
Beach Cruise and he had just passed by the fruit stand a couple of
minutes prior and had noticed our Monte Carlos parked out front.
He remembered our cars from the show and called his friend (the
fruit stand owner) in hopes of warning us about the road construction
that lay ahead. He
didn’t want us to drive our “beautiful cars” through the fresh
tar and gravel! The couple then instructed us how to detour the construction
area. Wow! Remember what I mentioned earlier about “car people”?
It had been really nice to meet this couple.
The cherries we bought from them were excellent, too, by the
way.
Road
tripping in two Montes with Rod & Janet was a real pleasure;
conversations, lunch, country highway views and spirited driving
across the Cascade Mountains through the winding turns of Blewitt Pass
– it was all good. We
traveled together from Penticton B.C. all the way to where I-90 meets
up with Highway 18 out east of Seattle, Washington – where we pulled
off onto a side road and said our goodbyes.
They were planning on making it down to Portland, Oregon that
evening and I had my last glimpse of their southbound Cream Yellow
’70 as we entered the onramp of westbound I-90 for Seattle.
The
third annual FGMCC Western Meet had been another great success and is
now a lot of great memories. The
weather cooperated by being sunny and dry, everyone who embarked on
their journey arrived safely, and the problems that arose were
addressed quickly and resolved in a timely manner.
Having so many first-gen Monte Carlos together is really
something to see and the camaraderie of the club members is what truly
makes the meets the special events that they are.
My hat’s off to Aaron for doing such an excellent job of
putting everything together. Everyone had a great time, and now I
can’t help but wonder…where will our classic Monte Carlos be
carrying us to meet up next?
-
Dave
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