Saturday, July 17, 2004 was the latest club exclusive event for the summer. The sun dawned brightly on the fresh wax job as I pulled out of my driveway and began my 112-mile odyssey. Using my laptop, DeLorme StreetAtlasUSA2004 software and Earthmate GPS (Cheaper than NAV package by $1400), I found the park after 2.5 hours of driving and a nasty bit of sign foolery. I got off I-476 S/B at the right exit and immediately faced the choice of two route numbers I was not expecting. I went one way and immediately found yet another split with two even less likely street names to contend with. I spent a few frantic moments searching for some sign of familiar names and finally, the software showed me the way. After a brief tour of the main park, I realized that I was still not in the right place but two turns later and I arrived at Artillery Park at Valley Forge National Memorial Park first and set up the first picnic table and was shortly joined by much of the rest of the club.
A total of 17 RX-8's attended representing all the available colors. They were all clustered together (with one errant senior citizen interloper couple in a Buick - harrumph!) in one lot - mind boggling when you do the math and come up with over half a million dollars worth of RX-8's. Neat! The entire picnic table was soon covered with good stuff to eat and drink - thanks go out to Howard, Sue, Ron, Alan, Mark and others (sorry, I didn't get your names). The camaraderie was palpable as spirited discussions of Do-It-Yourself-ing took place in many clusters. Sadly, one Winning Blue driver shared his new body styling by impact with motorcyclist much to the chagrin of all. But at least he was able to attend. One topic that proved near and dear to many was a strategy session on speeding tickets. The Big "D" (defense) was the preferred course of action since there is a lot to lose considering the impact of "points" on the cost of operating, especially if you are cruising at the speed limit +30 or more. There were enough co-drivers to have their own Koffee Klatch at one table. Sue showed off her revitalized Brilliant Black's front end, having gotten her hostage 8 back from the dealer body shop since the Philly meet. New club decals were made available. Before we could get restless, Howard in the Lightning Yellow 8 was nominated to lead us on a tour of the huge park, past deer filled fields, monuments, artillery and statues - it was a grand parade of 8's. We repositioned near the great Arch memorial for another round of photos.
Finally it was time to depart and we went our separate ways. I let the computer pick the return routes and enjoyed some back roads I wouldn't have chosen myself, and I would have missed some beautiful scenery along PA-23, 29, 611 and others, following along the west bank of the Delaware River for the longest time. The weather remained perfect all the way home too. Thanks go out to Howard for his excellent choice of this meet location.
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