The Ol' farts ride again!

Frenchie

Adventurist
Founding Member
In the beginning! Day -2 to day 1

The Ol’ Farts are they as Old as the Hills” they visited?

The adventure leading to the adventure as seen through our different eyes. From Frenchie’s eyes this may be distorted and as wrinkled as his eyes.

Pictures, I know “Pictures” just another story. Did you know pictures can lie!

The departure on April 26th. Was early as the winds were coming in as strong head winds later in the day. I got as far as Grants, NM where the battle began. The fight started as equal forces, coming together. It was not long before the winds called in reinforcements. The Jeep was not to be out done, as it had Frenchie on it’s side and he is full of hot air. With the Jeep’s reinforcements the battle raged on into the night as we arrived in St. George, Utah. I do not know if I won or lost the battle, but I made it.

By arriving a day early was to make sure if any troubles happened in route, I would be ready. Sunday morning I got to Walmart for the last minute supplies, fuel and some time to explore. I had not been to Little Black Mt. pictograph site in a number of years so I made a trip out for some quiet time exploring.
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Getting back to the campsite I got some calls from the group as they were settling into lodging for the night. I had some Ol’ Farts stop by my campsite for a visit and get acquainted session. The excitement was setting in as the next morning we would get underway with our first Ol’ Farts Adventure. You will get to know the group as this story unfolds.

The Adventure!
Day 1

Blow me down and shiver my timbers!

Morning comes before noon, so I get up at the crack of noon (it was noon somewhere). In my hast to get to the restaurant (our meeting location) I end up with my tent crank left hanging in the tent.

I got ready to meet everyone. I have only met one person (Dick, Toy Man) in our group many years before. They arrived on time with smiles on their faces except one (Dave did really have a smile on). Dave had a problem with his fuel pump the day before and was waiting for parts. Dave joined us at breakfast, and got our planned itinerary, with hopes of meeting us later. As we departed town and headed for the dirt route the tent crank departed company at the sight of the dirt road. We did not loose the other crank as I was still in the drivers seat. When the tent crank fell out the others saw in the road, but the leader did not stop so the chain gang kept on going, thinking it belonged to someone else.

Our first planned route was to explore the remote Arizona strip within the Grand Canyon. Our first stop of any importance was at the fire hydrant and phone box connection. The story of PJ and fire hydrant with a phone box was unraveled. A fire hydrant in this very dry location, water or ?. We moved along to the historic Mt. Trumbull school house. From here we left the graded road and went to a (let me say a Charming Route) 2 track route.

As we crossed the fence lines and gates and many turns, I missed a turn, only to be corrected. Did I mention I am also known as “wrong way”. When we got to the top of trail canyon, we stopped for a look at the route down the canyon. We wanted to see if we could get by the washout. From the top it looked passable..... maybe! We dropped into low range and started down the trails sharp corners. As I reached the washout and saw it close up, I got on the radio to the group and asked for them to look and decide if they wanted to try the narrow section of the somewhat repaired trail. They thought that we could make it so I got across the washout. Following me was Troy with his Jeep and teardrop trailer. The jeep did just fine (pause - you are expecting the worst aren’t you). The trailer with the sharp turn took a different route. Myself spotting the Jeep and the rear trailer spotter “Weed” watching the wheels slide sideways and not up to the bank, we took a break. Why a break now as the suspension is building? Well with the use of a Hi-Lift jack at a angle “Weeds” was able to get the trailer on solid footing. We inched them both across as a Utah juniper attacked the trailer. Weeds now took his Jeep and smaller trailer across. Confidence was building (for myself) as this has been the stopper in other years, but each years rain can do interesting things.
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Continuing down the trail we were making good time. Upon reaching Parashant Canyon the outlook began to change. The washouts became more challenging and deeper as we continued. We discussed about the planned campsite and the goals we had been aiming towards. The decision was to continue onward, until the switchback of all switchbacks, the vehicles could not make the turns as well as some of our group on foot. This forced a return back to a level location for the evening at the bottom of Trail Canyon. The secret of the goal and location will be protected again.

The evening is cool with winds whipping through the canyon as our meals were prepared. The coolness of the evening would be great for a campfire if I had not grabbed a empty 20# propane bottle from home for the propane campfire. Ol Fart, brain fart is my only excuse. The good thing is the empty bottle is lighter to carry.

Time to crank up the tent (without the crank). With the help and parts from the group we devised as crank system that worked. Thank you everyone!

Good night everyone! I will see you in the morning.
 
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Day #2

Power to the pucker factor!

The night was rocking and rolling in the winds from my “Crow’s Nest”. Weather report; Cool breezes mixed with knock you off your feet gust of wind. In between the gust the sun played peek-a-boo and it was nice inside of the vehicles.

The route out of the canyon was as we came in except up and not down. The pucker factor changed sides in the vehicles, as it should be. Since I had no passenger, I was able to climb out of the canyon without any pucker factor in my vehicle.

The route up included the very narrow section at the site of the washout. As I arrived at it I grabbed my shovel for some additional road work to make it easier for those coming up. This proved to be a good decision as the trailer wheel centered on the edge of the dirt retaining board, crossing this pucker section. The remaining route up to the top of the hill was steep and loose. Everyone did wonderful as we counted fingers and divided it by 10 and doubled the number and all hands were present.

Retracing our route back to the Mt. Trumbull school house as we changed directions. We stopped and changed the note we left for Dave with new directions. We were headed out to the Bar 10 Ranch and beyond. We stopped at the ranch and my friend was out with the cattle. With a visit to the museum and the covered wagons over we headed on. The goal was to get to the old takeout for the river runners. Along the route out, I thought we should get some exercise with a walk to some Indian writing, we used to drive to. I wanted to take a short cut (since we are not allowed to drive on the road to this spot any more) well I went right when I should have gone left. Wrong way, (do you see a pattern here yet)? When I fessed up to making this mistake again, the looks were Ol’ Fart style (hiding behind the wrinkles) I am sure they were hiding there some where. Continuing to our goal at the river. From this location we could see where the lava flow had tried to block the mighty Colorado river. The views were fantastic as we watched the people below float by. I believe these people were a bit drifty (new word) if you get my meaning. After the photos we headed over to the site of the old cowboy shack and corral. This was to be our spot for the campsite for the night. With the winds still visiting us we sat around and shared words of wisdom. The stories this time may have been true. The sunset was artistic as the cliffs got a orange glow about them.

Good night everyone! I will see you in the morning.



Day 3

Ol’ Farts know Lava Soap or Hearts and Fannies!

With the breakfast in our bellies and lunch in the oven (under the hood (bonnet)) we climbed out of the canyon. Carrying on we went back through the lava fields and flows (hills and dales). We washed our hands of this area for cleaner horizons. We did not stop at the international airport on the way out since we did not have any boarding passes or any place to go by plane. Miles down (and up) the road we passed the short cut up by Mt. Logan, do to the late snow and likely downed trees on the trail.

We arrived back at Mt. Trumbull school house again (I see a pattern developing) and changed the note again. This route was longer then the route over Mt. Logan, but much smoother. The forest service was doing a controlled burn (hard to believe with the wind) just a short distance off of the road. The first stop along the route was at the old saw mill site. We got out and looked around the site, had a snack to tide us over.

The next stop was at goat canyon rock art site. We got everyone in the parking area and headed down the old road on foot (road closed to vehicles now). The walk did some good as we got the kinks out, but left the wrinkles alone. Reading the rock art was easy as Greek to understand (I can not read Greek). After returning to the vehicle we chatted with a BLM ranger, had lunch and discussed out next stop. This was at Toroweap 3,000 ft. higher then the Colorado River. We walked around the area enjoying the view and getting in the photos.

The next stop was the campground and see if we could get sites. The sites were available and so was the wind. There was enough wind to go around, and enough to go all around the campground. We discussed the options and decided the trees up by goat canyon would be more protected from the wind. This made preparing dinner a breeze, not a tornado.

Having a forest full of wood to burn the thought of having a wood fire warmed our hands, hearts and fannies, for real. Many people have never seen or tied the coals under your chair trick. Many were questioning me again (no faith in me, I guess) about what I was doing. As I found a unwilling volunteer from the audience and proceeded to do my magic, I got the standard oh that fills good but will it melt my chair. It should not as long as you do not pass gas! Now 2 for the price of 1 bang-up deal, the air is fresher and the fanny is warm. Note; Do not try this at home, it burns the rug, sofa and recliner and ticks off the boss of the house. It was not long then the shovel became the center of attention as the hot coals were spread around. With the many groups I have shared this with over the years they are surprised in the morning. When the sun hits the site it looks as if some cult had done some strange stuff the night before. I went to bed so I can not say what went on for sure, but I could come up with something for sure.

The evening chat flowed and we only told true storied this evening (I think). After 3 days and night together we were like family.

Good night everyone! I will see you in the morning.


Day 4

White Pockets (on the dirty shorts)

With the breezes on the wane for the moment. Breakfast was served up, some hot and some cold, noticeably that was to be hot was cold and the cold got hot. We gassed up for the day (some even put in fuel in the vehicles).

This was a fetching place to camp and would be missed. We retraced out steps back to the Toroweap Rd. hung a sharp left and cruised along a smoother road then we had the last 3 days. When we came to a split in the road we had to split, sort of like coming to a X in the road and you know you are there as the X marks the spot. At that split “Weeds” had to depart the group as he needed to take care of some important thing the following day. Weeds went his way (towards Colorado City) and we went ours to Fredonia. After reaching the pavement, a couple of the vehicles were reluctant to get on the pavement, but with a little coaxing (tow rope, we drug them out). After a couple of miles the vehicles got confidence to go it on there own. When we got in town the vehicles each went to where they wanted for supplies and gas the people went along for the ride, as well. As some of the people were getting gassed, Dave shows up vehicle repaired and ready to roll (bad choice of words should have been “go”).

Finally we got situated at the Chevron gas station and with a new leader Dick the “Toy Man” in the lead. Dick gets us going like a pro. and note not the wrong way. The only thing he missed was the Mt. Trumbull school house again. Heading in the direction of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon we stayed on the road. The night before we discussed the dirt way into the rim for the night. The elevation and cold out voted the group of tough overlanders, in deciding to pass this by in favor of a lower and warmer camp spot. The snow had evaporated and the ground looked much different with brown and no white. Along the way we had a photo stop and saw a lot of smoke coming from the direction we were going. At first I thought it was another controlled burn, it may have been at one point. Moving down the road with the confidence of Dick in the lead he found House Rock Rd.. Dick was my tail when I was leading, so I was his tail when he was leading (we both had our ham radios). Dick watched me and learned how not to loose the group. If at any time you could see where you were going then you were going the wrong way. You then had to head for the dust again until you could not see where you were going. Now you are on the correct route!

The vehicles were happy after about a mile of dirt when we let some air out (of the tires that is). The vibrations went away (you have seen the weight loss machines sears sold in the 1940's and 50's. The ones the women would buy with the belt going around the back side to vibrate your fat off) that is what it was like. Dick had his GPS going over time to get the correct turns in the correct locations. The route had many sections of soft sand. which some people had fun in and the group got some entertainment. We found the White Pockets (on the dirty shorts) by mid after noon. I spotted a vehicle from Louisiana with a Autohome RTT on it. I pushed my way over to them and struck up a conservation with them. Mine was the only other they had seen (besides their own) in the 9 days they have had it and used it. They even offered to let me use their crank for my tent, very nice Autohome owners. With their offer, I offered to keep it safe for them, they declined my offer.

The evening was spent around the propane campfire. This kept the front sides warm as we shared our passion for Ol’ Fart stories. The back sides suffered with this type of fire, but with the hot air going around who noticed. The show continued with the dominate bulls protecting the cows from the other bulls was entertaining. Even the younger calves got into the act, I thought it was like being at the bull fights where the matadors forgot to show up.

Good night everyone! I will see you in the morning.

Day 5

We got a wedgie!

The morning came with a crack of dawn. We got over there quick as the sun came up. We went for walks out into the “white pockets” for amazing scenery. The colors were beautiful in the morning light. White sand with layers of tan intertwined into sand stone, rolling and waving in unique shapes.

As with our motivation each day to explore new places we moved on. Dick still in control, we had some deep sand traps to play through. Wedges in golf may work on the golf course, but no so much with vehicles. Steep hills, soft sand and bumps to control your speed, makes for extra fun. We had been warned this route had much deeper sand. We discussed this and decided to go forward anyway. This was only in the name of science to check out the facts for our self. In conclusion it was factual!

We got through the hills and soft sand only to come to a parting of ways. Which way, that way, or the other way, any way you say. You are at the intersection and you can see where you are going, so go! Conservation over the radio. Where are you? We are here, no we are here so you can not be here! I can see you! I still can not see you! Wait a moment, check of the map and the roads come together, so just keep going and we will meet. Within 10 minutes we are back on the correct route (or are they back on the correct route?).

Note to self; If you are not sure where you are going look in the road behind you for fresh tire tracks. If you have fresh tracks you follow them to your vehicle and your vehicle will not be lost.

From high on the hill we can see our destination, but can we get their. Super leader Dick assures us and we are on the move again. Dick has proven to be correct again, House Rock Rd. going north to the border of Utah. We wind through the wondrous canyons we are keeping a eye on the sky for more Condor’s floating in the updrafts. Arriving at Hwy. 89 we head to Blue Water for fuel, ice cream quick check of directions and a new leader.

We had just about enough of knowing where you are going stuff! We need to get lost on the way to Alstom Point. I believe it was one of the Mike’s who took over the leadership position. Mike’s approach was a little bit different in that he new where he wanted to go. Now wait for this......... he went there. With all of the disappointment showing on everyone’s faces at his technique of leadership, we still stuck with him. What probably saved him from the crowds surrounding him was the fact the desert was ablaze with wild flowers. The wild flower blooms put a glow in all of our hearts.

As we headed out to the point we found a super spot for all of us to pose our vehicles at for a photo. The others who were the hams in our group got out next to the vehicles and posed for their shot. We looked at a couple of locations for the campsite and went to the one dick found. This location sat high above Lake Powell and you could see part of Page, AZ and the docks in a distance.

As we set up camp we had planned 4X4 Goulash for dinner. The preparation of this secrete recipe was underway. Troy offered to share his hot shower with the group as the cooking got started. This was much needed as we had not had one in a number of days. As I finished my shower the food was about done and the race to get was on.

Following this appealing campsite was a nice moon and campfire. We slowly drifted to bed for the night with thoughts of sugar plums in our head (I just had to do it).

Good night everyone! I will see you in the morning.
 
Day 6

Ushers who would have guessed.

With the gorgeous views at sunrise over the lake we got ourselves ready for another day. As we departed the point the flowers got a lot of our attention again, a number of photos. We backtracked to the Smokey Mtn. Rd. and approached the steep climb up Kelly grade. The views were inspiring as we climbed up to the top of the plateau. We had entered the grand Staircase-Escalante N.M. across Smoky Mtn. to the Kaiparowits Plateau. The views were perfume to the desert landscape and the road kept your attention.

We finally arrived at Lefthand Collet Rd. to drop down to the Hole in the Rock Rd.. Lefthand Collet Rd. had stopped me 3 prior times to get to the Kaiparowits Plateau (1 time snow, 2 times washouts). I finally got to do it and was it gorgeous and fun to drive.

At Hole in the Rock rd. we stopped for lunch and when we left for Hole in the Rock, Dick headed into Escalante and a motel for the night. I took the lead again. The drive out led us to Dance Hall Rock and after a time we were doing the jig to fiddles and guitars. The music was bad but very good compared to our dancing. After leaving the dance hall, it was time to find a site out of the wind for the evening and with some help found a nice campsite. The site had a nice cove where the winds could swirl around and give us a tingle face ablation. We had Moki steps chiseled into the rock for access to the balcony seating, which I tried to use. Without a proper ticket I was pushed out screaming and sliding on my back side, ushers who would have guessed.

As we were seated in our reserved seats for to nights stories with promises of truth in them. We had a vehicle drive into camp, stopping for a minute to size up our group. They did not leave until we brought out the reinforcements (the ladies) (I will pay for that I am sure!). The cloud of dust settled and they were nowhere to be found. The stories went back to the facts about the Rockpecker holes and nest we had seen during the days travels. OK, you check it out here for the sceptics; http://thruthemists.blogspot.com/2010/10/rock-pecker.html
That makes one correct fact by me. There was another one on this trip some where.

Any way as the moon arose we fell asleep.

Good night everyone! I will see you in the morning.
 
Incredible report Frenchie. Thoroughly enjoyed with a glass of wine this evening.

-Andy
 
Day 7

Who put the hole in the dat “whoo-do”?

The day was bright as our closed eyes or was it just our eyes? In any case we did the break-fast thing or was it the day of the break-slow thing?

Once we were loaded up the group slithered down the road to the Actual “Hole in the Rock” historic site. The story and history came alive as Frenchie gave out information about the 1879-80 true adventure. (This is the information I warned everyone about at the start of our adventure. The radio have a volume and on/off switch when you have had enough.) I believe everyone was extremely impressed with what the pioneers did with so little. The angle of the decent to the river is heart stopping to believe the people, wagons and all livestock made the decent. I feel I have a connection to this historic trail and do not want to leave. The trail on the other side of the lake I have done it over 100 times how.

We had come to the end of the line for ourselves and vehicles. We returned back towards the paved road and the next adventure. The aprox. 50 miles out always seems to seem like 100 miles to me. The road in the last 8 years has been widened, smoothed out (on occasion) and road base has been improved. I think they believe the washboards add character to the road so if the go away the replace them on a irregular basis. They have been improving on the washboards as time has passed. They are at a all time caliber as we visited this time.

We made a stop at the unique rock location for a nice walk through the “whoo-do’s” and arch. I am not sure of “whoo-do”, but I know we did! The day was young and we were old, so off we went.

Arriving at the pavement, we captured some of the hot air from around the campfire we had not used up. We put it in our tires for the next section of the adventure. Once we were filled with fresh hot air we said good-bye to Mike who needed to head towards home, he wanted to make Torrey for the night. The remaining headed into Escalante for fuel and the all important ice cream. This being a smaller community and Sunday, the options were limited. Do not worry we were able to get ice cream, popsicle’s and fuel (notice the order of importance).

Now we had to say good-bye again to Troy, as he had to make a important appointment. The troops leaded on to the additional adventures awaiting. We passed through Bolder to the Burr Trail and the search for another camping location. Being this was in the western states and Spring time, the winds were showing even with all of our hot air, we were no match for mother natures cold winds. Our camp was nice tucked in between trees and rocks with unparalleled views.

If you have been following you know the evening routine.

Good night everyone! I will see you in the morning.




Day 8

I am not smart, just well trained or Ol’ Fart with gas!

The cool of the morning and only a occasional breeze, kept us in bed a little longer. We still managed to get on the road by 8:30 as the sun warmed us as we did not have hills blocking the sun this day.

As we continued on the Burr Trail our first turn was into a side canyon that Mike suggested we visit. We went to the upper side where we really enjoyed the arches, colored rock shapes and vistas. This will be a return trip for me in the future, as I had passed this way before and never stopped in, my mistake.

We were not far from the switchbacks, so off we went (no, not off the switch backs, thank goodness). We made progress down to our new route in the direction of Bullfrog. Again I wanted to make a wrong turn. We all know “what is right is nothing left and what is left is nothing right”. Right or is that left? Some how that is what happens when I get in front. Over the years I find I make less mistakes as a leader from the rear. It is easier to lead them where they have already gone!

We did with some fortune make it to Hite, despite my best navigation. After getting some Ol” Fart gas, I went inside for my credit card receipt. They failed to show the new girl how to do this, so without a receipt she paid the price. The price is we started talking (she mostly only listened as I talked) until the ladies gave me “THE LOOK”. They were ready to go, so in mid sentence I ran for the door and into the Jeep. Note; I am not smart, just well trained! For us poor kids we grew up with the look! When we got it we knew we were in trouble. As kids grow up the girls get the ability to do “The Look”! As boys will be boys we could try as hard as we could and never being able to do the look, but we know the look! When we see it I have learned to step it up! I am not smart, just well trained!

Getting back to Hwy. 95 towards Bridges Nat. Mon., we were passed by a motorcycle. I short time later I say them pull out in front of me then pull over. After I passed by them and Dave said he needed to pump some gas from his tank for them. I returned to see him getting ready to give them some Ol’ Fart gas to the stranded bikers. Since I had a readily available can I poured in a couple of gallons to get them to Blanding (Shirt tail Junction), Utah. Turn around and we were on our way again. Did you notice I got going in the correct direction. That surprised everyone even me.

Arriving at Bridges Nat. Mon. We went inside for we wanted to use our “Ol’ Farts Pass”. The campground was full so we went out to the forest for our campsite. I stayed back where I got cell service, to call Troy. I got a message saying, complications they would not be able to meet back with the group. I went and found the others and located a campsite for the evening.

We found the elevation cool at this campsite, but the trees helped with the wind. We continued with the stories in out designated seats. The quiet forest let us know we had other campers in the neighborhood. There were Pinon trees and others all around us. When we could not find the other campers, we found the source of the voices where we got wind of. It was actually the trees we were hearing. Those were not the standard Pinon trees, they were the O’Pinon trees we heard!

After a simple meal we all turned in for the evening.

Good night everyone! I will see you in the morning.

Day 9

“Bears Ears”, Elk, and the Goosed - Duck

The adventure night was quiet (except for the gabby O’Pinon trees) as we had the bear and with his ears watching over us all night. We ate our breakfast and went to thank the “Bears Ears” for not eating our food or us! At our visit we thanked him by scratching his ears. Scratch do not tickle!

The adventure continued as we now went in search of the Elk with a ridge. After not seeing him around we went looking for Goose with the berries. If we could tackle a bear a goose should be easy, right (Oh, we know where that went last time)! We used the overlooks at Arch Canyon, Hammond, Little and Big Notch to no avail. We dropped by Duck Lake only to find a single duck (the others must have ducked out). They did name it Duck Lake not Ducks Lake, it is in the fine print, so we got what was advertized.

How close can you get to a couple of deer and not see them? Well apparently I can get right next to them and not see them according to dead eye Mike. As we tripped along Gooseberry Rd. I did just that. I am still looking today and still can not see them.

We made it to my favorite and the most awesome location in all of 4 Corners. The view into Salt Creek drainage, Canyonlands Needles District, and the La Sal Mtns. “Trust me” on this (note this the first time I put “trust me” in writing) in the day nine of the adventure. Continuing down the “road of 3 names” to Hwy. 211 and back out to Moab, Utah.

In Moab it was time for Mike to head on his way as they had family to see south of Richfield, Utah. Dave had to leave the night before. I had more to do around Moab for a number of days. I had trail work for the Labor Day Camp out in 3 months to get done.

I am sorry I did not get “Drillers” vehicle shot.


Good night everyone! I will see you in the morning.




The after thoughts for Ol’ Farts, Ride Again AZ and Utah

Rambling as I come back to life at home. With some work to the vehicle is needed. I will be around the house for a while. With over 6+ weeks on the road I have some chores that need attention.

The winds of time arrived today. I am many days older then when we started this adventure. That makes me many days richer for the people who shared their life with me on this adventure. Thank you!

I hope everyone attending enjoyed the adventure as much as I did. If you did this was Epic!
For those who only took the adventure through my version of the story, I hope it was a enjoyable experience as well. This is the way I viewed our time together, with sounds, smells, stories, photos, feelings and our lives.

I hope that the other attendees will share their stories, photos and thoughts also. As we all see the same thing differently and it will enrich my experience and others if you will share. I have left out personal information about others as it is for you to decide what you want to share with others outside of our group.

The “good byes” were short as I hated to see this come to a end as the friendship made are forever, just this adventure ended.

For those people think I am just a little off center, you are wrong! I am a long was from centered. Life is short and I am making the most out of my life. I hoped you enjoyed my puns, bad jokes and as my wife says “a 5 year olds thinking”.

If I said, wrote or did anything to offend, upset anyone with my antics, I am sorry and you have a true apology from me as that was never my intention.

Note; No Rockpeckers, O’Pinon pines, fish, rocks, ducks, elk, catus, bears or even a goose were hurt in this adventure.

As you can tell when I write I can not spell, but I can spin a story in person. As you should note; All of my stories are the truth or should have been!

Thank you for coming along for our Adventure!

For anyone who was unable to make this adventure we are headed to Colorado in August for the
Ol' Farts, Colorado Adventure. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/121853-Ol-Farts-Colorado-Adventure

Fare well, all my friends, until we meet again!
 
Hi Grumps and Everyone,

I am glad that you enjoyed reading about the adventure. Most of this shenanigans really happened. I just painted them with a colorful brush.

Until the next Ol" Farts get to together in August, when the fun begins again.

Frenchie La Chance:clowncar
 
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