Hood to Coast 2006

September 4, 2006. Last we left our rambling Bi-Ped……

We were about to meet up at the Stage Finish with the other van. Something I forgot to bring up was that we had our own mini cowbell thanks to Tom. At the end of stage one, he brought it out, white with the Saturn Logo, we used it to greet the finishers as well as bell them on as we would pass them. I told them about our version and everyone thought it was a cool idea. I have plans for it but don’t want to ruin the surprise.

Post partum Depression

And just like that our part was over with Ginny’s crossing of the line. No one cried there were no enthusiastic hugs. I guess we all somewhat felt we were still doing our part somehow someway until we all actually crossed the finish line at the beach as a team. But one thing was true, No more running. So, Van One made its way to Seaside.

Nervous Release

So we pull into town. It’s a typical, well developed seaside resort town which so happens to be called Seaside. I liked the place immediately, but it looked like parking was going to be a challenge. We managed to luck out. As we crossed one of the four bridges that get you into the town, someone was getting into their car to leave so we stopped hoping to be able to get his spot. After waiting for several minutes and waving people on through, apparently my flashing hazard lights were not enough, we were able to get a beautiful spot right in front of the "Bridge Tender”.

We had some time to kill before the other team would make its way into town. We got the corner table that was bordered by two large Bay windows. We had a beautiful view of the canal, the T.V. was right above us over the corner over our table, and the Jukebox was to our left. It was the Perfect Base camp. We ordered a round of three pitchers and some munchies. We begin to relax, enjoying the light breeze that worked its way through the door. Ginny and I went to the Jukebox, soon joined by Betsy. We drop 10 bucks, everyone chose his/her favorite songs. Back at the table we begin to recount the tales from the git go. I'm not sure if it was the release, or our overtired bodies trying to give the last of its energy but what ensued was a laugh fest few of which the likes have seen. One thing led into another and we were all bawling bent over, crying. When someone could no longer talk someone else would take over and so on until everyone was expended. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.

Well we finally settled down. We call van 2 to check on its progress, looks like it's going to be a little longer so we get another round of 3 pitchers. Suzanne and Renee show up so we get another one. The establishment won't let Brooke in because of the alcohol laws or whatnot, so Renee takes her down to the beach where we would meet up later.

The guy that told me to shut my Pie Hole

On the TV is the Little League World Series. It was Columbus, Georgia Vs Oregon. There is a long fly out into left, the kid from Oregon is going for it, I say, Drop It Drop it - To which a response from the back comes, "Shut your Pie hole". I had my back to the guy, but everyone else in our group was facing him, then immediately looked at me. Well now, - Them’s is fighting words back in Chi. Town, but I realize that this must be something special for Locals so I jut take a Sip of my beer and let it ride. During one of the breaks, I turn around and ask where the Kids from Oregon are from, while at the same time informing the guy who had so expertly got my attention that I'm from the other teams’ home state. This resulted in a good natured, "well that explains a lot". It turns out that this was the first time a team from Oregon has gotten this far. Upon the ordering of another Pitcher, Van two's Fault, I decided to make the game a little more interesting. I bet the Manager a pitcher of beer against 1/2 an hour of washing dishes on the result of the game. It was a bet. It was like the third inning at the time, Ga. was up by 3, I believe, and they only play 6 innings.

A group of about 7 or 8 comes in and gets a table next to us; I believe they were a team also. The kids from Oregon are up, 2 on base, and then the guy belts one out of the park to tie the game. The roar from the crowd was deafening. All eyes placed on me because everyone in the place is in on the bet. I calmly stand up, and announce that the kitchen is closed depending on the result of the game. This gets a big laugh and we all turn to follow the game. As it turns out the Kids from Ga., not only won me the pitcher, they also went on to be crowned would champions. The manager congratulated us not only for the win, but for being part of the race we had just finished.

After that, one of the volunteers came in and took a solitary seat next to us. It seemed that his obligations for this event were over and he came in for a fresh one. As they gave him his glass we decided that he would be the representative to which we would show our gratification and invited him over promptly filling up his glass. It was here that I found out that every local team, think that meant if you lived within 100 miles of the start, had to provide 3 volunteers to help run the race. His wife was a runner on one of the teams, so the poor bastard never really had a choice.

We got the last update and it was time to make our way to the beach. I said goodbye to my friends and told them I'd be back next year.

The beach was just like the pictures you see on the H2C website. We walked down a street that took us into the middle of it. The street ended in a turnabout which went around a memorial to, and don't kill me if I'm wrong, but I think it was Lewis and Clarke. Supposedly this is where there trek across the U.S. ended. It was a spectacular view with the mountains tumbling directly into the sea. I had never seen anything like that. Not sure who told me, I think it was the Volunteer earlier, but the movie "The Goonies" was filmed in the area and finished at the beach somewhere nearby.

Next on the agenda was trying to find Renee in the throng of people. I jumped up on a Balcony wearing my Atomic Yellow Neon windbreaker. There were strands of balloons that went high into the Air. I got next to one and called Renee on the phone. I told her to look at the strands and to watch which one went down, then to look at the fool at the bottom of the strand. The idea worked like a charm and soon the gang was together once again. Or so I thought.

All we had to do was wait for Jerry to Get to the finish, so we could cross the line together then take our group picture then head for the beer tent, or better yet corral. He made it true to form, we crossed the line and everyone got their medals. We all congratulated each other with bear hugs and then lined up for our Mug Shot.

Well I end here for the night. Renee’s Mom came back with Renee from Argentina. She had gone to clean up on the end of the winter sales and to bring back Mom for a visit. Can you smell the food.

My Dad also popped in. He just got back from London. He flew out 2 days ago to go see Argentina Play Brazil in the new Stadium.

Lord I’ll never be able to quit this job.

Hope everyone had a great Holiday. Congrats to all of our Labor Day Runners.

Tomorrow, same Bat time, Same Bat channel.

The End is near but still to come.

The Great Escape - in reverse. More of Jim’s Snoring, The Best Fed team in all of Seaside, I hate it when my Kid looks better than me, Margaritas on the Cheap, My two new black toes, the Bonfire, and how you should never venture too far from your fire after Skinny Dipping in the Pacific because you just might not make it back to YOUR fire, and Final Thoughts.

Braz

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