Well guys and gals, I think I'm being over come by problems with this trip.  As much as I hate to, it looks like I'm going to be dropping outta this event    

As much as I wanted to go I just don't see how its possible at this time.  I was looking at purchasing a trailer to haul my Vette to TN cause theres just no way I'll drive it that far.  We also just found out that my wifes job may get terminated around the end of April, early May  And this would be one huge expense we don't need right now with a kid in college on top of everthing.

I really want to apoligize to Terry who put all his time and effort into the trip planner he sent me for the journey.  This thing is so awsome it would rival anything Triple A could do.

Once again sorry to all the NW Caravan Members and maybe next year we can do something on this side of the country

cilrah38779.9422337963

Mark,

We'll miss you both.   We do wish you the best and hope everything turns out great.   Hope to see you when we arrive in Portland one day.   We are trying to see Larry also.  

Looks like the West caravan is getting smaller.   We will e thinking of you two on the way and at PF.

Take care and we'll keep you posted on here.  

I'll also give you a dash plaque when we meet. 

 

Thanks Mike, I appreaciate it. 

I also forgot to mention that I don't even know if i can tow a trailer with my truck anymore   I can't get my towhitch back on my truck. For those who don't know, I used to show my truck and had customized the rear of the frame for the "Cuda Style Exhaust".  Because of the 3" body lift I had to cut the frame to get the exhaust tips to exit the Rollpan.  Heres a few pics of what I'm talking about.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/Cilrah/Cuda%20Style%2 0Rollpan%20Mod/Picture012.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/Cilrah/Cuda%20Style%2 0Rollpan%20Mod/Picture017.jpg

And the final results.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/Cilrah/Cuda%20Style%2 0Rollpan%20Mod/Picture006.jpg

Mark,

Nice on the rear bumper.   I do know that there are tow hitches out there just for trucks like yours.   I see trucks like yours with 6 inch lifts and they have tow hitches on them.

Just be aware.  Congress and all the vehicle companies are having an issue with the high bumpers on trucks and suvs.   In a few years the bumpers will be down to the cars height.   And congress will put a bill in for the modification and older vehicles after the bill is passed...  hope not....  that everyones trucks and suvs will have to be reduced to proper height as in the bills compliance.        

I'm so sorry too Mark, hey things happen. As Iron82 says, we will have you in our hearts and thinking about you and Larry. Every time Iron82 and myself pass a Dodge truck we will slow down to 80MPH to think that maybe just maybe, no, it wont be you..Now who's going to carry the BEER KEG, the extra gas cans, my wife's three suitcases, tools and tires? Just kidding. Cilrah, The West meets East Corvette Caravan must and will go on, we are saddened that we have lost another original member. Wish us a safe journey and we will meet soon..Terry

Sorry to hear you can't make it. I know its a big expense. I made the mistake of totaling it up last night with out a trailer which I can borrow. It looks like about $3K for the 3 weeks the family and I will be gone. But I am making it a family thing so it's worth it. College is a huge expense so save the money and put it were it will do the most good. Don't forget to spend a little on you and your wife. Maybe next year the event will be closer.

I forgot to add, I was planning on bring some tools and extra fuel just in case you need a little help Terry. I hope the trailer tires can take sustained speeds above 80. If not just leave the lights at the Hotel.

suncountry38780.468599537

Glen, you with a trailer must take it easy, I on the other hand plan to buzz around, up front with Iron82, in the middle with mmrdl1971, play catch up after a pit stop and you will know when I'm going around you? We'll be in contact with you. We don't plan to spread the caravan out over 500 miles?

Bummer. Mark! Was lookin forward to meetin ya at the Gathering, but...........ya gotta do whacha gotta do. Hopefully, we can get a few "Regionalized" meets going later. That would make it easier for more folks to get together without having to drive/travel so far. You'll still be there with us, just not physically!

Glen, better check the wheel bearings on the trailer wheels? I assume it is a double axle?..

Mark,
Sorry you won't be able to make it this year, but there will be other times.
I put three kids through college, so I know what poverty is like. Those priorities came before my Corvette.
Now it is finally my time.
Hopefully, next year we will meet on the West Coast. I have a sister in Sonoma, CA that wants me to come visit.
Now that would be a fun drive!