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South of Boston (SoBo) Porsches and Coffee ​21 August 2022

photo: Larry Levin

Sunday morning was busy, preparing for the Porsches and Coffee and saying goodbye to our two sons and their families.  Along with beach time, going out to dinners and lunches, attending polo matches and visiting Newport’s attractions such as the aquarium, tea at Marble House, and then “the shopping”, my 4 year old grandson and our 13 year old granddaughter were thoroughly engaged throughout their stay with us.

Also, these past couple of weeks, working from a bicycle map provided by Paul Soares, Rosemary and I have spent numerous hours in the car verifying  the route for the Bob Dow memorial run in October.  Little Compton was the most challenging because of the lack of posted street signs. In Portsmouth a street became a rutted path that was posted “Not a Thruway”.

photo: Larry Levin

We had a great turnout, about 60 Porsches, along with many new faces and interesting cars and stories.

The first owner I interviewed was Denise Marcello, along with her husband Michael.  Most enthusiastic, this was her first Porsche; previously she wheeled Audie’s and Hummers.  Asked why a Porsche, she relied “because I love them”.  On her first drive she said  “It’s mine!”  She has safely driven 120 MPH and loves the sound, especially when in sport mode. I encouraged her to join the PCA to gain more of the Porsche experience.  I discussed the orientation of the Porsche logo, pointing to the valve stem, saying that I use a snap ring removal tool (the two pins at around 90 degrees, which fit into the two holes in the cap for easy rotation.

Denise and Michael Marcello

Jarett Hurteau really got my attention when he arrived in a Leaf Green 1983 911, outfitted with “mudder” tires. With the exception of the very fine paint work, Jarrett has prepared this car for off the road racing.  Working under the banner of Revenant Motorsports, he began in 2019 and just completed all the work for a customer.  The engine is a two plug, short stroke 3.2, along with all elephant suspension components. Located in North Kingstown, this seems to be a guy for you to complete your Porsche wish list.

Jarett Hurteau

Elizabeth Henderson seemed excited to show her Dad’s 1992 964 Red Targa Carrera 2, which he bought new.  With just 44 k miles it sat in a barn in Ontario for seven years until she recently retrieved it.  Since she had it refreshed she has logged about 300 miles.  She said that when she drove it for the first time she felt like a teenager.  She has become a Porsche enthusiast, joining the PCA in March.

Elizabeth Henderson

Troy Demelo parked his recently completed two-year restoration of his Tangerine 1973 911T. With the exception of the extraordinary paint work, all new rubber seals properly installed, refurbished window frames,, and interior, this old timer is a show winner.  About 10 years ago Troy purchased his first Porsche, a 944.  He may have said that he also currently owns a 991 and a 997. I overheard  him discussing the restoration when he tore down the seats to the springs when he refurbished the interior.  Unless I can get another opportunity to compare Jarett and Troy’s work; it is my opinion that they are tied for quality work.  Asked why Porsches, Troy replied “I like the people”.  From our discussion about the restoration, he said that he will ask the painter if the bottom corner window drains were cleaned out.

Troy Demelo

Saving the fastest for last is John Buckley’s metallic silver 2019 GT3 RS.  Heavily optioned this GT3 has carbon fiber brakes, sport bucket seats and front lift.  This is his fourth 911. His first Porsche was a new 1987 911.  John likes Porsches because of the fun factor.  So far the fastest he has gone in a Porsche was about 150 MPH in a 91 Carrera 4.  When I approach that speed in my 996 the nose gets light.

John Buckley

Just a reminder:  Due to a conflict with Sweet Berry in September due to their very busy apple picking month, our September SoBo will take place on September 11, off of route 24 at the LongPlex Family & Sports Center, 300 Industrial Way, Tiverton, RI 02878.  Our designated parking lot is past the entrance on the right and up a slight hill located on the left.  No fee required and food and coffee is available, as well as games and clean restrooms.

photo: Larry Levin

And, as always, for any SoBo related questions, please email me at:  [email protected]

Rog Slocum

127 Center Ave.

Middletown, RI 02842

e-mail:  [email protected]

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Everyone Loves A Parade

 PCA Parades have been held every year since 1956, the year after the club began. It is a gathering of Porsche owners held to use, compare and talk about their cars.  That would include a Concours, an autocross, tech sessions and a rally. Like the Club itself (now 150k members) that has been expanded over the years  to include driving tours, Golf tournaments, 5k Runs, RC car Races, Sim racing, an art show and activities for kids. There are now two types of rallys,  TSD (time speed distance) and a gimmick rally. What used to be a long weekend has expanded into a week long event.  At least a week is needed just to catch up with all the Porsche friends that haven’t been seen for a year from all over the US.  

This year’s gathering in the Poconos drew over 1200 cars and was the largest ever. Many local members attended and four of us met on the Mass Pike and went down as a group. Brother, Bill, drove up from MD to put the Speedsters together again.

Because of the size of the gathering it is tough to find a location that can accommodate that many people since lots of dinners and banquets are always planned. The Kalahari Resort Convention Center includes a waterpark and did a great job taking care of everyone.

The first event that we participated in was the Concours that was held  in the parking lot of the resort as rain the week before had made the beautiful surrounding fields too soft to drive on. Many of the judged cars were left inside in the prep room on a first come first serve basis. It only had room for half the field of over 130 entrants. We intended to put our Tubs in the street class since they were driven over 250 miles  to get there (no enclosed trailers for us) but we wound up in a Full class that had the judges climbing all over them.

                           

Bills car came out ahead of Blackie but both of us were at the bottom of the page in the 356 class. We faired better the next day at the Autocross held at Pocono Raceway, where I took First place and Bill was second

The next event for us was the TSD Rally which was done using a phone app (of course) that didn’t require any checkpoints along the route. There were 20 virtual checkpoints and they gave us immediate results when we passed by them on the route. Some of the instructions were pretty far apart and in a couple of cases just when we were wondering if we were still on course the phone would ding and tell us that we had just passed a checkpoint. It was amazing. We did get off course a couple of times but the system allowed us to add (or reduce) the time without a penalty and that saved us. Points are added for each second early or late at a checkpoint and we did get some 1’s and 3’s which inspired us to really pay attention to instructions. The odometer in Blackie isn’t exactly high tech but is was a perfect day for a drive over some great roads in the Ponoco mountains. Neither of us have done a Rally in years but this format will certainly make those events more attractive. I could do a rally with grandkids.

With the exception of the Concours, it was a pretty thin field of 356s at Parade. Lots of SUV’s and late model 911’s. As the week went along we realized we were the only two Tubs still there as the show cars had all gone home in their sealed trailers. Whenever we parked it seemed that a lot of other owners were taking our picture. Many of the younger members weren’t born when our Tubs were built but they certainly had their iphone 13’s handy.

We took a brewery tour at the oldest beer producer in the US, Yuengling, in business since 1829. The beer was great (free samples to old guys). They have been in the same building since 1831 and a lot of the brewing equipment looked to be original, including the break room that would make a great bar today.

It wouldn’t be Parade without a Tech Quiz and Bill and I had both signed up for the 356 test. The main body (60 out of 100 questions) of the test was made up of general questions about Porsche (What’s the displacement of a 2020 Boxster Spyder? – 4.0 liter) and things like their racing history over the years (How many times did Derek Bell win LeMans in a Porsche? – 4 times). The smaller section covered questions about the model selected. Choices were 356, 911, 914, 944, Macan, etc. There were some really tricky questions ( When were disc brakes first used on a 356 ?– 1962 Carrera2) and Bill did it best with a second place and I was behind him in 4th.  

The last drive was on Saturday afternoon called the  Parade of Porsches that drove the 11 miles to Ponoco Raceway with a police escort. 300 Porsches were lined up and stopped traffic in a number of small towns along the way. We got a lap in on the 2.5 mile track looking down onto the infield where the autocross had been held. By the time we headed back to the Kalahari Resort folks along the route were in their front yards with their phones in hand. Great fun.

Our day wasn’t over when we got back because one of the lots had been emptied so that we cound spell out the 70th anniversary logo with Porsches. Vu Nguyen, Executive Director of PCA, who covers everything Porsche and was everywhere at Parade, had one last trick set up for us before the final dinner. He had called for red cars before the drive to make up the center of the logo as the rest of us were the border. It came out great.

A sponsor new to PCA, was Princess Cruises who gave away a 7 day cruise. The winner could pick from any of the destinations on their list and they seem to be everywhere there’s water. Door prize drawings were done at every dinner with all sorts of great gifts including sets of tires (Michelin), Coco Mats and Porsche hats. The best part was when a members son, about 13 years old, was pressed into service by the MC to draw all the tickets for the prizes at the Autocross Awards Dinner. Boredom was written across his face drawing tickets to give away hats and window cleaner until he drew his fathers name for the set of tires. His feet never reached the stage for 10 minutes.

Additional vendor support included wine glasses (Leland West), car wash area supplies (Griot’s Garage), and Volunteer shirts (Pelican Parts). Goodie bags were filled with all sorts of car stuff that we find useful. Even free stickers suitable for grandkids were everywhere. I even snagged a nice desk clock from Porsche with the Martini logo and another NER member won a Porsche watch.

The Victory Awards Banquet on the last night had a great program from long time supporter, Reliable  Carriers, Inc who raffled off a free ride to next years Parade in Palm Springs, CA in one of their covered carriers. That is too far for Blackie to drive so we’re shooting for the 2024 Parade in Birmingham, AL (think Barber Motorsport Park). East coast owners should put that on their to do list now.

Any time a PCA Parade gets to this side of the Mississippi river and you can drive there, do it. You’ll have a great week.

KTF

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South of Boston (SoBo) Porsches and Coffee ​10 July 2022

Warm and sunny with a low humidity, Sweet Berry’s freshly cut lawn was inviting.  I would like to thank Dave Mechler and Bob Hinrichs for arriving early to help with the parking. I was a bit surprised by the turnout; more than 90 by last count.

Forbes “Toby” Anderson parked his Black 1958 Porsche Super Speedster, with red leather interior.  Purchased in the Bay area from a 40-year owner; it is one of 8 Black Supers made and, unless Forbes was misquoted, it came with a hardtop.  Although running on drum brakes and 6 Volts, it has a 912 based bored engine with estimated 130 HP, running a 741 transmission. Honestly, as a previous owner of a 356C, it was eye candy for me.

At 14 years, Toby’s first Porsche was a 1958 sun roof coupe with no engine.  Never had the money to fix it so it was sold as is.  At 16 he bought a 55 Speedster for $500.  Currently he owns three Porsches, the current speedster, a Euro 86 911 Cab, and a 2015 6 speed Boxster S, saying all three are fun to drive. The 58 is for sale and you can contact Toby at:  508 259 9933.

 

Driving unto the lawn with the top down was Kymberly Foss in her stunning Meissen Blue w/Bordeaux interior 2021 992 4S with PDK.  Her husband Karl parked her other Porsche, a White earlier model 911 that just had an interior seating update in a blue tartan. Previously Kimberly owned a 2012 45 Cab with manual transmission, then a 2017 GTS 4S.  Before Porsches she drove muscle cars.  Asked what gives her pleasure driving a Porsche, she replied  “everything”.  Having interesting stories, she related being in Sweden during the 70s driving on the frozen fiords in a Porsche fitted with metal studded tires at speeds of 100 MPH.
 

Jesse and Brenda Mackowl entered unto the grass in their Black 2014 Cayman S.  Their first Porsche was a 1979 928, followed by a 2015 diesel Cayenne, then a 2014 Panorama GTS.  Jesse said that his dad always had Porsches (who can argue about that). Brenda has the same Porsche in white. Jesse got the Cayman because he wanted a track car.  On his first track experience his rear brakes were completely worn out.  Jesse explained that the stabilization system prioritizes using the rear brakes.

 

Ceileidh Siegel and daughter Dorothey in baby seat strapped in the rear jump seat parked her Meteor Grey 2007  997.1 C4S with manual transmission.  This is her first Porsche and has owned it for 6 years.  Purchased used in California she drove it back to the east coast.  Previously she drove Audi and VW GTIs, saying that she was surprised that all the cars were similar to drive.  Fastest she has driven was in a rental on the Autobahn at 175 , with her current Porsche 130, saying that once in a while she goes on the track. Ceileidh also has had articles in the Panorama  magazine. 

 

Jon and Nicole Smith parked their very original Sand Beige 1966 912 five speed.  Jon was looking for an older Porsche being sold by original owner and was lucky to find this car in South Carolina.  Jon showed me a three-ring binder, about two inches thick, holding all the service and documentation.  The original owner was an officer in the military who seemed to drive everywhere.  The front became badly pitted and the officer had it painted; unfortunately, it was a poor paint job that delaminated.  Jon’s plan is to only preserve it, not restore it.  Jon said that the pan is solid, no rust showing.

It seems that Jon’s first experience with Porsches was in 1996 at the Boston Auto Show when he sat in one.  He proposed to his future wife in his first Porsche, a 1998 Boxster. Jon has had seven Porsches, a 96 911 coupe, 06 Cayenne S, 2010 Cayman, 2004 C4S, 2001 C4S, and 99 C2.  Presently Jon and Nicole have a garage that holds their four Porsches, and several times they have each driven one of their cars to SoBo.

Jon’s proposal reminded me that I dated my future wife (Rosemary) in my 65 356 C in San Diego; shown is our first child, Joshua on that Porsche in Groton, CT in 1970.

 

The next SoBo is scheduled for 21 August (10-Noon) at Sweet Berry Farm, 915 Mitchell’s Ln, Middletown, RI. The event as always is FREE, and no pre-registration is necessary. The only requirement to park on the grass is your Porsche. A Porsche logo sign should be in place directing you to the parking area.  Sweet Berry Farm is child friendly, encouraging small children to enjoy a working farm, so when entering and exiting, drive carefully. And, as always, for any SoBo related questions, please email me at:  [email protected]

Just a reminder:  Due to a conflict with Sweet Berry in September due to their very busy apple picking month, our September SoBo will take place on September 11, off of route 24 at the LongPlex Family & Sports Center, 300 Industrial Way, Tiverton, RI 02878.  Our designated parking lot is past the entrance on the right and up a slight hill located on the left.  No fee required and food and coffee is available, as well as games and clean restrooms.

Rog Slocum
127 Center Ave.
Middletown, RI 02842
e-mail:  [email protected]

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8/7: NER’s Annual Summer Party is Back!

Join NER and Porsche Norwell on Sunday August 7st for the 5th Annual Summer Party!

If you are already a member, thinking about joining or simply want to know why all these people are crazy about about Porsches, this is one of our best events of the year and you should come hang with your friends or make new ones!

Date/Time
Date(s) – 08/07/2022
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Learn more and sign up here!

Summer Party Sign Up

 

We’ll have 

  • An eclectic Porsche car show of course ( expecting 75-100 cars, and more when you sign up and bring yours!)
  • A deliciously catered lunch accompanied by an awesome live band 
  • A full outdoor bar serving locally crafted beverages (try the Blueberry ale while you’re there)
  • The world famous NER cornhole tournament (try your skill to take the crown from the region’s reigning champ and 1970’s legend, Bill Seymour!) Bonds have been made and rivals have been born at this tournament so be sure to sign up!
  • SIM racing machine try outs and learn from our SIM pro Anker. While you are there also check out the rad Robotics exhibit put on by Mechanical Advantage

 

See you there and thank you to our sponsor Porsche Norwell!

NER Autocross Presented by PCANER and Porsche Norwell

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July NER Events

Open your garage and experience the summer through the July NER events. There is something for everyone to enjoy whether it’s the adrenaline of autocross or relaxing at one of the cars and coffee events. 

Photo Credits: Owen Coonahan

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June NER Events

Summer is here along with the warm weather, finally! Come participate in NER’s June events to take full advantage of the sunny month ahead!
 
6/05 NCR – 2022 Autocross Event #2 – 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
 
6/10 DE at Palmer Motorsports Park – Clockwise – 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
 
6/12 SoBo at Sweet Berry Farm – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
 
6/19 NER – 2022 Autocross Event #2 – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
 
6/19 Cars and Coffee @ Lala Java Northborough, MA – 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
 
6/26 Porsches and Coffee @ University Station – 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
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South of Boston (SoBo) C&C May 2022

It became a glorious day for our Porsches and Coffee at our first meet of the season at Sweet Berry Farm.  More than 60 cars parked on the newly mowed lawn bounded by blooming apple trees.  The island, cooled by Narragansett Bay kept the temperature in the 70s, while inland temperatures were in the 90s.

photo: Larry Levin

I must mention the recent service on my 911 C4.  I noticed that the black paint on the radiator’s air diverter below the bumper had worn off; the leading edges were now grey, and there was a small hole in the plastic probably from a stone.  I asked the service advisor if we could just paint it; he replied “No”.   I said “I suppose the replacement costs is around $700.00”.  He said “actually it’s around $720”.  Although I didn’t try it, my advice to you is try the paint.

That leads me to another story:  My one and only Navy shore duty assignment in 20 years was my last three years assigned to the Navy Underwater Systems Center, Newport RI as the Junior Project Engineer for the Mk 117 Fire Control System (the first digital submarine combat control system).  For those of you that remember the blizzard of 78, I was the base duty officer the next day and had to drive on the base and relieve another guy.  As I approached West Main’s 2 Mile Corner I saw a pile of snow nearly two feet high across the road.  At that time, I had my 65 356C and was confident driving in the snow.  I hit the snow square on; the Porsche’s bottom pan acted like a ski and slid right over the top and I resumed driving the last mile or so to the base; no dents or bruises.

photo: Larry Levin
photo: Larry Levin

I was reminded of my 356C pan story when I interviewed newcomer Daniel Smith who arrived in his first Porsche.  I believe he was the one that told me that the panels beneath the car were missing because the previous owner removed them believing that the engine would run cooler, thereby easier wear on the engine, an incorrect belief.  Removing the panels really does negatively affect the car’s handling, especially when passing through 100. On my 996 the panels have to be installed from rear to front, ensuring that the panels correctly overlap.  

Meeting a retired ex fast attack submariner like myself, it was fun to reminisce not only about our careers but also our Porsches. This was Daniel Smith, who along with his children Elan and Eden, arrived in his first Porsche, a 95 993 with just 75k miles.  Purchased in Omaha he enjoyed the drive back home.  Daniel had a poster of a Porsche in his room as a kid, and in his neighborhood there were three Porsches.  Daniel enjoys working on his Porsche, loves the ride and the sound of the door closing, “sounds like a bank vault”.  

Sterling Vernon parked his 86 944, exterior Grand Prix White with a Burgundy interior and wood inlays, with about 120k on odometer. Owner of 6 Porsches, Sterling has always been a Porsche Guy. When he was about 8 years old his uncle took him to his first ball game at Fenway in his 1970 911 S.  Sterling’s first Porsche was a used 99 Boxster, then in 2003 a new Boxster.  Additionally, Sterling enjoys wrenching his Porsches saying “It’s the pleasure of the drive”.

Chris Casali arrived with Letitia Wallace in his stunning Maritime Blue 91 C2 with RS suspension.  The engine was rebuilt by EPE after purchase a year and a half ago, odometer displays 135k.  Chris’s first Porsche was a 91 C4 two years ago.  For the last 10 years Chris has had an affection for Porsches.  The C2’s attraction is that it is modern enough, but air cooled.  “The drive is raw and engaging”. I asked Letitia what is the fastest she has been in the car, she replied “120”.

Colin Patterson parked his 2022 GT Silver 718 Spyder, with PDK.  Purchased new, this is his eleventh Porsche.  Colin says, “the newer the Porsche the better is the Porsche”.  The only negative to his current Porsche is the sound compared to his older Porsches, the sport exhaust has an additional CAT.  He just purchased it in January and has already driven it 1200 miles.  When he was 16 or 17 years old, living in Jamaica, he saw a banker driving a Porsche; the rest is history. 

Eddie and Mari Lopez parked their 2018 Cayman 718.  Purchased used less than a year ago this Porsche has a carbon fiber kit.  Eddie has two additional Porsches; his first, five years ago, was a 97 Boxster.  Eddie always loved Porsches and Ferraris saying, “I can afford Porsches”.

The next SoBo is scheduled for 12 June (10-Noon) at Sweet Berry Farm, 915 Mitchell’s Ln, Middletown, RI. The event as always is FREE, and no pre-registration is necessary. The only requirement to park on the grass is your Porsche. A Porsche logo sign should be in place directing you to the parking area.  Sweet Berry Farm is child friendly, encouraging small children to enjoy a working farm, so when entering and exiting, drive carefully. And, as always, for any SoBo related questions, please email me at:  [email protected]

Rog Slocum
127 Center Ave.
Middletown, RI 02842
e-mail:  [email protected]

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Rambling Across Rhode Island

When we left the Omni Mount Washington Resort last April, we all hoped that Covid-19 would be in the rearview mirror by the time this year’s Ramble rolled around.  Unfortunately, this 36th edition of the New England Ramble was still a little smaller than normal, but it definitely had all the social aspects Ramblers have come to expect.

Our 2022 overall sponsor was once again European Performance Engineering (EPE) of Natick, and Porsche of Warwick was our returning sponsor for Friday night’s Welcome Reception.

With nearly 160 Porsches in the parking lot, it was clear that PCA had arrived!  As usual, there were lots of returning Ramblers, many having participated 10, 15, or even 20 times.  However, I’m thrilled to report there were over 70 first-timers, nearly 25% of all attendees, quite a few had yet to sprout any gray hairs.  Concern that you’ll be the only newbies should prevent anyone from attending the Ramble.  We pride ourselves on making everyone feel at ease and welcome.

As has become our custom, Carol & I arrived on Wednesday to begin preparations for the Ramble.  Thankfully, upon completion of the final run through of the route, road construction hadn’t required any last minute adjustments to the directions as has occasionally been the case in the past.  Many thanks to Peter & Sandra Moll for their help in refining the directions and contributing to a reformatting that made them more user-friendly.

One of the few positive impacts of the pandemic was the shift to having everyone sign electronic waivers for the event when they register.  As a result, we were able to distribute the event packets to people when they checked into the hotel, and there was no need to queue up in registration lines Saturday morning before enjoying the continental breakfast.

On Friday evening, the Welcome Reception was in the Rose Island Ballroom.  Unfortunately, the wind was whipping up the waves and also the table cloths on the terrace, so the outdoors wasn’t all the welcoming.  That certainly didn’t stop people from enjoying the water views while they enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres.  There was plenty of schmoozing going on by lots of enthusiastic Ramblers, happy to start another driving season with their fellow PCA’ers. 

The Saturday morning meeting for drivers, navigators, and passengers made it abundantly clear that Autocross and DE track events are the appropriate venues to wring out all the performance the wizards of Weissach have built into your Porsche.  The Ramble is an organized, but not regimented, scenic drive to be accomplished within the strictures of all traffic laws.  As I shared with the group, I go out of my way to find roads where it will be challenging and enjoyable to drive at the posted speed limit.

 

Peter and Sandra Moll took the lead as the first of 160 or so Porsches (yes, there are a few other marques represented at the Ramble) pulled onto the causeway connecting Goat Island to the mainland.  It’s worth mentioning that NER has a waiver from National that allows us not to drive in a convoy.  You can feel free to stop as you like for a pitstop or to enjoy a photogenic location, and then pick back up on the tour when another “pod” of Porsches rolls by.  Mark Shane and Aya Mantsur-Shane served as our sweepers, and even if they should pass you by, you have the directions to continue on the route at your own pace.

Speaking of the directions, we conducted a small beta test using smartphone, app-based, turn-by-turn directions.  Thanks to Nick Shanos and Lance Johnson for their assistance, and Peter Moll and Larry Levin for their feedback.  After evaluating the experience, we’re moving forward with plans to introduce this navigational option to all Ramblers.  We hope this will offer an enjoyable alternative to those who find paper-based directions cumbersome or confusing.

After the 3+ drive from Gurney’s Resort to the Valley Country Club in Warwick for lunch, quite a few cabriolets were driving top down – including a couple of 356’s, 911’s of various vintages, and several Boxsters.  Judging from the number of return visits to the buffet line, one would surmise that people enjoyed the food!  Kudos to the staff for keeping the buffet fresh and full throughout the 2+ hour lunch service.  At the end of this interlude to refresh and refill, it was time to embark on the return trip.

After some relaxation time, maybe a massage or visit to the spa, or perhaps poking around Newport, it was time to spruce up for Saturday night’s festive dinner.  The cocktail hour commenced at 6:30 p.m., with everyone moving into the Grand Ballroom for dinner at 7:30.  I finished my brief remarks before the main course was served, and along with comments relating to the events of the day, I was glad to report that our Safety Chair, Don Kelly, had no incidents to report back to National PCA.

As I surveyed the room, it was a joy to see so many smiling faces and animated conversations.  I was struck by how comfortable and normal things felt.  People were enjoying each other’s company and sharing their experiences.  Carol and I were glad to have the opportunity to spend time with Kirk and Lorraine Pickell, and share what had transpired in our lives since the last Ramble.

Before hitting the road on Sunday morning, a full breakfast buffet was served, providing the opportunity to bid a fond farewell to new and old Ramble friends.  I heard time and again from Ramblers how much they look forward to re-connecting with people at the Ramble each year.

To get a more complete idea of what it looks like to participate in the Ramble, click this link to view 300+ pictures curated by Larry Levin: https://nerpca.smugmug.com/2022/2022-04-29-2002-NER-PCA-Ramble/n-XgfxvP

If this article has piqued your interest, then be sure to mark April 28 – 30, 2023 on your calendars when we’ll be rambling from The Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown, NY.  It’s barely 8 months until registration opens on Wednesday January 18.  Hope to see you there!

Submission: Dennis Fried with images by Dennis & Others

Dennis can be reached at [email protected]

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