Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!

[RVGal]

If I wind up doing a trip report about my latest grocery shopping expedition, stop me and slap me around okay?

You asked for another report, I'm a good homie, you get another report.

Daytona 500. The mere mention gives me chills. The good kind. A little background to this trip...

Last February (2007) my husband (Brad) and I (Tricia) were watching the Daytona 500 on tv like we do every year. We were at my sister's house because my oldest sister and her family had decided to come up for a visit that day and we were gathering at my other sister's house. Brad & I were alone in front of the tv. We are the only Nascar fans in our family. Would a family gathering have been planned for Superbowl Sunday? No. During the World Series? No. During the Stanley Cup playoffs? No. But the Daytona 500? Sure! Nobody cares but the two of us. :rolleyes:

So, we're sitting there. Occasionally having one member of the family or another walk in to make a joke or laugh at our expense. There is a fine and blurry line between poking fun at and making fun of. Most of my family sticks to the poking fun at side, which is fine. My brother is the only one that crosses regularly and firmly into the making fun of arena. He seems to think that if he accidentally acknowledges the existence of Nascar, he might lose an IQ point or something. Sigh. He does love to rain on my parade. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sad029.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

Anyway, we're watching tv and a commercial comes on reminding everyone that tickets for next year's race go on sale at the end of this race. Oh, and they mention that next year's race is the 50th Anniversary. I looked over at Brad and said something about how I've always wanted to go to the Daytona 500 and one of these years we're going to make it. He looked at me and said, "Okay, how about next year for the 50th?" http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/shocked030.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

Brad was the mastermind behind this trip. I want to give full and complete credit to him. He started going online immediately after the race to get us tickets. He spent hours on the computer surfing to find us a hotel. The first hotel he found us was the Ramada directly across the street from the track. They wanted $350 a night, with a 5 night minimum stay. :scared1:

He kept looking. He tried everything. The Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce wished him luck (and chuckled a little). He started looking at the surrounding area. It seems that everywhere within reasonable distance of the track is booked in person by regulars. Basically, as they are checking out after the race this year, they book their room for next year. Breaking into that inner circle is next to impossible. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/whacky117.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

Unless you are married to an incredibly focused, motivated, and *ahem* frugal man like my husband. :rolleyes1

He woke me up at 1am one night. His eyes were excited. I thought, "Well, I'm sleepy, but okay..." Then I realized he was pointing to the computer. Oh. Not what I thought. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sleep017.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org) I struggled myself awake and saw that he had booked us rooms for Daytona. At that moment, it was "well Woo friggin Hoo now let me go back to sleep". Of course, once I was made aware that he had booked us at the La Quinta that is less than a mile from the track (i.e. walking distance) and managed to secure the rooms for $149 per night for only the 3 nights that we wanted... well, I was much more understanding about how excited he was. It took months of him spending hours looking every day to happen upon that little gem. We still think it was an accident of luck, but we'll take it. :cool1:

At this point I should mention the other players who will join into our story later. My best friend (Leta) has been a Nascar fan as long as I have. We went to our first race together back in the mid 80s and we were both hooked. I called and asked her (during the 2007 race) if she would like to go to Daytona with us. She said sure, to get her 2 tickets, she didn't think she'd even still be with her boyfriend (Mike), but she'd find somebody to bring along. One of Brad's good friends (Tim) is also a huge Nascar fan, so he called (again, during the 2007 race) and asked if he and his wife would like to join us. He said sure, get him 2 tickets.

So, Brad got us 6 tickets along the SuperStretch (thats the back straight) and 3 hotel rooms at the La Quinta on West International Speedway Blvd.

About 3 weeks before the trip, Tim called Brad to say that his wife had decided she didn't want to go. He was scrambling to find someone to go with him. Two weeks before the trip, we get an email from some guy saying he was a friend of Tim's and he needed information about our seats and hotel because he was bringing his 14 y/o son along and was trying to get a ticket off eBay and such. He wound up buying a ticket on the OTHER SIDE of the track and gave it to Tim so he and his son could sit together. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/angry022.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

Leta never did dump Mike. She should. She knows she should. He's a control freak. And I mean that in the most text book sense. He has slowly isolated her from all of her friends (except those of us that aren't willing to be pushed away). He uses anger or guilt to cause her to modify her behavior. CONTROL FREAK. So, needless to say, since this plan was not of his making and not with his friends, he was bound and determined to make the biggest mess of the trip as he could. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/angry049.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

I told Brad in the last 2 weeks prior to our trip that whatever happens with everyone else, happens. We are going to go and have a good time. It is not our job to babysit anyone. It is not our job to entertain anyone. We invited capable adults to join us for an outing and that is it. If the make it, fine. If they don't, fine. I'm not worrying over anyone else. I'm not changing my plans for anyone else. I'm not altering my behavior for anyone else. That became our mantra and it helped us enjoy ourselves a million times more than we might have otherwise. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/gen127.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

In the weeks leading up to our trip, there was a lot of turmoil in our life. Our 6 year old had some health issues that we worried were going to keep us home, but in the end it all worked out.

Okay, so there is the back story. A pre-trippie, if you will. I'll be back with the road trip in a bit. :)

[RVGal]

ROAD TRIP!!!

That doesn't mean the same thing it did when we were younger or even before we had kids. Hitting the road now requires building a plan of monumental proportions and hoping that everyone else comes through for us. After months of planning and weeks of worry, the day finally arrived.

Friday, February 15, 2008

We were up early like always and took our 6 y/o son to school. After that we took our dog to the kennel, settled our 2 y/o son at home with my in laws, packed the car, and we were on the road by 9:30am. Not too bad, considering. It should have been about an 8 hour drive down. We were making good time and expected to make it in 7.5 hours until we hit the area around Tifton, GA. I spent almost 30 minutes looking at this:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Tifton1.jpg

At first I thought it was the ever-present construction. We've joked before that they should replace the magnolia that seems to be the city symbol of Tifton with an orange & white striped barrel. However, we finally inched along and saw the problem:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Tifton2.jpg

That's a travel trailer (RV) on its side. Whatever vehicle was towing it was long gone before we got there. I hope everyone was okay.

After the traffic, we switched places and I took over driving. What a relief. Brad is a good driver. He does tend to annoy the beegeezus out of me on a long trip because he insists on using the cruise control. Using the cruise control doesn't bother me, it's the game he plays when he sets it. You know the "let's see how long we can go before I have to take it off cruise" game. He'll drift up on some car that he's only going a few miles faster than... then another car will come up on the left to pass him (and the slower car)... and he'll try to time it so he can still slide over into the left lane without disengaging the cruise. Just hit the freaking break already! Don't smash into the back of the guy just because you don't want to take it off cruise! They have that lovely "reset" button for scenerios just like this. :headache:

Anyhoo, the rest of the trip went smoothly.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Florida1.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Florida2.jpg

And we arrived at our hotel almost exactly 8 hours after we left home.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/LQ1.jpg

When we checked in, the desk clerk had Brad initial the paperwork beside his guaranteed rate. The girl said, "Wow! Do you know what rack rate is for a room tonight?" "No." "$425 to $500" :scared1:

Brad done good! :woohoo:

I can't, however, imagine spending $400+ a night for a standard room at a La Quinta. I don't care where you are. I don't care why you're there.

We found our room an settled in.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/LQ2.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/LQ4.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/LQ5.jpg

On the desk, we had a welcome gift bag:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/LQ3.jpg

It wasn't much, just some candy and chips, but we weren't expecting anything so BONUS! It came in handy later too, but we'll get to that. The letter beside the gift bag was inviting us to a poolside cookout on the next afternoon, complete with hamburgers, hotdogs, soda, chips, and beer. They even underlined the fact that everything, including the BEER, would be FREE. Super BONUS! :woohoo:

The view from our room included the pool, so we wouldn't have far to go to get free food the next day.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/LQ7.jpg

Oh, and just in case you thought I forgot:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/LQ6.jpg

My trip reports just aren't complete without a bathroom shot! :confused3 :laughing:

Brad called Tim and found out that he and his friend (Bruce & Bruce's son John) had arrived earlier and decided to walk to the track to see how far it was. Since they were there, they bought tickets to the truck race and were headed in to see it. Brad said we'd see them the next day.

I called Leta, who had barely left Atlanta. Mike had decided at the last minute that he absolutely had to work most of the day. You'd have to understand Mike and his job to know how ridiculous this is. Mike works when he wants to. He is a part time promotional campaign guy. You know when you see a Lay's potato chip trailer in the parking lot of a grocery store handing out free bags of stuff? Yeah, that's what he does... when he feels like he wants to earn a few bucks. But I digress. I wished them a safe trip and told her NOT to call me when they got in, we'd see them in the morning.

Brad decided to go in search of this bar he used to hang out in when he lived in Daytona. He loads us up in the car and away we go. Did I mention that he lived in Daytona OVER 30 years ago? Yeah. What are the odds. He gets to the main commercial drag, turns off and finds the place. I'll admit it, I was shocked. Not only by the fact that he found a bar still there after 30 years, but by the place itself.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/BootHill.jpg

Do you know where this place is? Do you know what this place is? Let's just say it is in the middle of party central for Bike Week.

I got out of the car, wearing my (blue) jeans and cute (brown and blue) top. As we approached the building, I realize that it appears to have at one point in time been a gas station. There are motorcycles, predominantly Harleys, parked all the way around the place. I walk inside and my feet crunch on the cement floor. Huh? Cement doesn't crunch. I looked down and the floor is littered with peanut shells. Lovely. I didn't get the memo regarding attire. I am WAY over dressed and apparently should be in black. As in head to toe black, preferably with either a Boot Hill or Harley Davidson emblem on it somewhere. Oh... dear... lord... in... heaven. What am I doing here? I looked at Brad and said (shouted), "Ummmm... was this a biker bar when you hung out here?" He said, "Oh yeah. It's always been a biker bar." :headache: :confused3

And why, in the name of all that is holy, didn't he mention that BEFORE we left the hotel????

They were grilling hamburgers out back, so we went to have dinner. It was pretty good. Then we went inside because Brad wanted to hear the AC/DC tribute band. I decided to make up for my discomfort by drinking. Heavily. :drinking1

I have many stories from my night of drinking at the biker bar in Daytona. In fact, I made Brad buy me a tshirt to comemmorate our evening there. I'll mull it over and maybe I'll go into *some* detail tomorrow. :scratchin :teeth:

[loribell]

Oh you better go into detail Missy! Great start. Can't wait for more.

[bubba's mom]

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/LQ6.jpg




:rotfl: Never a disappointment! (altho, looks like plenty of room :rolleyes1 )



Loving the story so far....tell me more!! And yes...your Brad did :cool1: on the hotel room....then again, he is frugal :thumbsup2

I look forward to the next installment..... :hyper:

[wwessing]

Would a family gathering have been planned for Superbowl Sunday? No. During the World Series? No. During the Stanley Cup playoffs? No.


I am SOOOO feelin ya on this ! ! ! ! ! :mad: Wankers!

DH's family did that THIS year. . . granny's 80th. . . party started at 2:00 pm. . .Yeah, right :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: You seriously think we are coming :lmao: :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl: Do you know how many other dates and times you could have arranged to do this ?? :confused3 Hubby put granny on notice and told her love you, but I'll see you in the morning with your gift! :thumbsup2

Waiting for more here. . . . popcorn::

[wwessing]

Oh. . .I forgot to ask. . . I was wondering why you didn't camp rather than hotel stay?? Talk about the ULTIMATE TAIL GATE. . . at the 50th anniversary of the DAYTONA 500 :worship: :worship: :worship:

[RVGal]

Oh. . .I forgot to ask. . . I was wondering why you didn't camp rather than hotel stay?? Talk about the ULTIMATE TAIL GATE. . . at the 50th anniversary of the DAYTONA 500 :worship: :worship: :worship:

We sell RVs, so you'd think we'd spend more time in them... but like anything connected to "work", we don't. We usually get in a weekend or so a year at a state park, but that's about it.

Good campsites at Daytona International Speedway are NOT cheap. Several hundred to several thousand dollars. For us, staying at a hotel where we could walk to the track was perfect.

[RVGal]

The Boot Hill Saloon. What an experience.

It was early enough when we first got there that we settled at a booth near the bar. That made it easy to get drinks. Often. They were strong and they were cheap.

The booth behind us had a group of 5 or 6 guys in their 50s to 60s. Clearly they were on vacation and without the wives and having a good old time.

There was quite a motley crew at the bar. There were two women, one was about my age (early 40s) and with her was her... ummm... I think mother. She was significantly older than the other woman. Anyway, the younger of the two was obviously just there to spend time with the older woman. The older woman was obviously there to try and get lucky.

There were a few large biker guys who kept working their way up and down the bar. One looked EXACTLY like David Crosby. I mean he could have passed for his twin. Same age, same size, he even had the fuzzy thining hair and the big bushy mustache.

On the end of the bar was a woman that was probably 60ish. She was dressed in a black leather bra and mini skirt with stacked and spiked leather boots.

As the evening wore on, I watched half of the men at the booth behind ours try to hit on the younger of the two women at the bar, but instead got molested by the older woman. It was hysterical. I started hearing them plot. They were trying to bribe one guy to take the older one out of the equation so they could have a chance with the younger one. As if. :lmao:

The Leather Lady at the end of the bar decided to prop one booted foot up on the barstool beside her. At regular intervals. She was right in my line of sight. Get the mental picture: Sixtyish woman in tight leather mini skirt with one foot hiked up on the barstool next to her. Are you with me? Yeah, she wasn't a natural blonde. :scared:

Eventually, I had to get up and go to the bathroom. Drinking a dozen rum & cokes will do that. I had to wind my way between the biker dudes working the bar and the half dozen guys sprawled around the booth behind ours. There were many discussions about me, my looks, and my body. :rolleyes: On the way back, one of the guys screamed, "SEE, I TOLD YOU! NOW THAT'S ONE HELLUVA BUTT!" (He didn't say butt, but I don't want the filter to kill it) I couldn't help it. I laughed and turned around and said, "Thank you. I've had it for years. I'm quite attached to it myself." He looked at me like I'd slapped him, turned pink, then recovered and offered to buy me a drink. :rotfl:

Then, it was random biker dudes turn at bat. He asked me if I wanted fries with that shake.

I'm not kidding.

Next, David Crosby decided to try his luck. He asked if I would let him do a body shot off me.

I'm not kidding.

I had several other more in depth offers... many of which involved taking a ride on somebody's Harley... but I made it back to the booth unharmed and laughing myself silly.

David Crosby finally decided to try his luck with the younger of the two women at the bar. I'm not sure how it happened, but by the time we left, the older woman was wrapped around him like a stripper on a pole and he had his hands... well... let's just say they needed to get a room.

A couple of the guys at the booth behind ours climbed over and joined us. I don't know why, but it didn't really matter. One of the guys kept trying to grab my foot. :confused: WTH? Ya got a fetish or something buddy? I'm sitting here with my HUSBAND. He told me that the other guys were going to a nudie bar, but he was going to stay with us. :confused3 Huh? I looked at him and said, "Go with your friends. If you want to see a naked woman, it's your only shot tonight."

We finally decided to call it a night, but I made Brad go buy me a Boot Hill Saloon tshirt first. When we got up to leave, random biker dude shook Brad's hand and told him I was hot.

Who does that?


It was a lot more fun than I initially thought it would be. I love to people watch and this was a great place to do that. Brad got us back to the hotel and poured me into bed. I think it was a pretty good first night of vacation. :rolleyes1

[ATAfamily]

:rotfl2: After reading about your night at the bikey bar I'm about to fall off my chair laughing. Looking forward to reading more about your trip.

[yankeepenny]

:surfweb: :surfweb: :surfweb: :surfweb: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn:: popcorn::

[bubba's mom]

On the end of the bar was a woman that was probably 60ish. She was dressed in a black leather bra and mini skirt with stacked and spiked leather boots.

:scared1: this scares me....but, then again, I had a feeling to expect it :sad2:



The Leather Lady at the end of the bar decided to prop one booted foot up on the barstool beside her. At regular intervals. She was right in my line of sight. Get the mental picture: Sixtyish woman in tight leather mini skirt with one foot hiked up on the barstool next to her. Are you with me? Yeah, she wasn't a natural blonde. :scared:

:scared1: :lmao:

Eventually, I had to get up and go to the bathroom.

There were many discussions about me, my looks, and my body. :rolleyes: On the way back, one of the guys screamed, "SEE, I TOLD YOU! NOW THAT'S ONE HELLUVA BUTT!" (He didn't say butt, but I don't want the filter to kill it) I couldn't help it. I laughed and turned around and said, "Thank you. I've had it for years. I'm quite attached to it myself." He looked at me like I'd slapped him, turned pink, then recovered and offered to buy me a drink. :rotfl:

Then, it was random biker dudes turn at bat. He asked me if I wanted fries with that shake.

I'm not kidding.

Next, David Crosby decided to try his luck. He asked if I would let him do a body shot off me.

I'm not kidding.

I had several other more in depth offers... many of which involved taking a ride on somebody's Harley... but I made it back to the booth unharmed and laughing myself silly.

Considering the "crew" that was there, you were a normal, hot lookin' gal....of COURSE they are gonna try and score YOU!!! ;)

David Crosby finally decided to try his luck with the younger of the two women at the bar. I'm not sure how it happened, but by the time we left, the older woman was wrapped around him like a stripper on a pole and he had his hands... well... let's just say they needed to get a room.

guess HE finally had enuf beverage, huh? :rotfl2:

A couple of the guys at the booth behind ours climbed over and joined us. I don't know why, but it didn't really matter. One of the guys kept trying to grab my foot. :confused: WTH? Ya got a fetish or something buddy? I'm sitting here with my HUSBAND. He told me that the other guys were going to a nudie bar, but he was going to stay with us. :confused3 Huh? I looked at him and said, "Go with your friends. If you want to see a naked woman, it's your only shot tonight."

uh....was he invited? :confused3 Loved your comment to him about going to nudie bar :lmao:

We finally decided to call it a night, but I made Brad go buy me a Boot Hill Saloon tshirt first. When we got up to leave, random biker dude shook Brad's hand and told him I was hot.

Who does that?

People who DO that, are jealous.... it's a "guy" thing....take it for a heckuva compliment! :thumbsup2 Randy has GOTTEN the 'handshake' before too ;)


It was a lot more fun than I initially thought it would be. I love to people watch and this was a great place to do that. Brad got us back to the hotel and poured me into bed. I think it was a pretty good first night of vacation. :rolleyes1



And...this was a regular/favorite 'hangout' of Brads? :confused3 :eek: I can imagine the stories from his days... :rolleyes: Sounds like a great night!! Hopefully, the night didn't end there.... :rolleyes1

[ky07]

Great tr love the story about biker bar and have always heard they get pretty wild :lmao: :lmao:

[loribell]

Oh my gosh! So has Brad shared any stories from his single days?

[keishashadow]

:confused3 sounds like most of the joints i've hung out in:rolleyes1 jk, sorta

When we were "running" DH & I tended to alternate between dives and discos; although we'd visit bars with bikers as patron..wouldn't dream of entering a true biker bar (as in pagans or outlaws:sad2: ) if you're not wearing the right colors you are tempting the fates.

Anymore, most the peeps i know that attend bike runs are doctors, lawyers and professionals...those custom hogs don't come cheap

still, nothing like being the princess in any kingdom;)

[RVGal]

guess HE finally had enuf beverage, huh? :rotfl2:

Oh, yeah. The beer goggles were on and granny suddenly looked good. :laughing:



uh....was he invited? :confused3

Uh... that would be NO!



And...this was a regular/favorite 'hangout' of Brads? :confused3 :eek: I can imagine the stories from his days... :rolleyes:

I questioned him about it and he shrugged his shoulders and said the beer was always cheap. These were his pre-college days. He told me he sold plasma for beer money. :rolleyes:


Sounds like a great night!! Hopefully, the night didn't end there.... :rolleyes1

:rolleyes1

Oh my gosh! So has Brad shared any stories from his single days?

Oh, yeah. He's got some doozies. His biggest problem fitting in at the Boot Hill way back when was that he couldn't ever grow long hair. His hair grows OUT, not DOWN. He gets an afro, but not long hair. He said he HAD to wear a Harley shirt back then or he'd get kicked out.

:confused3 sounds like most of the joints i've hung out in:rolleyes1 jk, sorta

When we were "running" DH & I tended to alternate between dives and discos; although we'd visit bars with bikers as patron..wouldn't dream of entering a true biker bar (as in pagans or outlaws:sad2: ) if you're not wearing the right colors you are tempting the fates.

Anymore, most the peeps i know that attend bike runs are doctors, lawyers and professionals...those custom hogs don't come cheap



It seemed like the sort of place where everyone was welcome. It might get crazy sometimes, but the night we were there it was just fun.

And the bikers? Yeah, not doctors or lawyers in this place. We're talking time warp Easy Rider dudes. Nice guys, for the most part.

One female did offer up her bra to be stapled to the ceiling (apparently a regular thing there?). The bikers all paid homage. :worship: :worship: :worship:

:rotfl:

[bubba's mom]

He told me he sold plasma for beer money. :rolleyes:

Oh THAT just takes the cake! :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:

His biggest problem fitting in at the Boot Hill way back when was that he couldn't ever grow long hair. His hair grows OUT, not DOWN. He gets an afro, but not long hair. He said he HAD to wear a Harley shirt back then or he'd get kicked out.

yeah...naturally curly hair does grow 'out' before getting long enuf to be weighed 'down' and looking like there is length there :headache:


One female did offer up her bra to be stapled to the ceiling (apparently a regular thing there?). The bikers all paid homage. :worship: :worship: :worship:

:rotfl:



:eek: :lmao: they ain't gettin my VS

;) :sad2:

[RVGal]

Sometime in the wee hours of Saturday morning, I woke up clinging to the sides of the bed. The room was spinning. Who sent the tornado? I sat up and waited for the floor to settle. I slowly realized that Brad had abandoned me and was sleeping in the other bed. Huh. I wonder why? Probably not a good idea to wake him up and ask. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/think005.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

I got to my feet and attempted to move quietly to the bathroom. :tiptoe: Yeah, you know how it is when you try to move quietly... especially with the after effects of half a bottle of rum entering and leaving your body... I stumbled and half tripped my way across the room, swearing every so often. Once inside the bathroom, I turned on the light. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/shocked027.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org) Okay, I did NOT need to see that scary, racoon eyed, pale faced woman looking at me in the mirror! I took my makeup off, which I had forgotten to do at bedtime for some reason, washed my face and brushed my teeth to clean the sewer out of my mouth. :crazy2:

I don't really get hangovers, but I did feel that I needed something at that point. Suddenly, I remebered that gift bag with the candy and chips. I still had a bottle of Coke in the cooler, so I was set! I moved quietly (stumble, stumble, swear, swear) to the desk and got the bag and bottle of Coke. You know how it is when you try to open a wrapper quietly? It seems the more carefully you move, the more it crinkles. It started sounding like somebody set off fireworks to my ears. Brad shifted and snorted, but he never said anything. I don't know if I bugged him or not. :confused3 :rotfl:

I had my middle of the night recovery snack, popped some Excederin, and went back to sleep. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sleep010.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

We were up and awake by 8am or so. Brad showered and ran down to the lobby for the free breakfast. He can't pass up free food. Free anything, for that matter. I took my time showering and getting ready. He came back with an apple danish, a yogurt, and some milk, so I snacked in the room. He headed back down because he said everyone else was there (Tim, Bruce, John, Leta and Mike). I finished getting ready and finally joined everyone in the lobby. I guess Brad had been telling them about our night at Boot Hill Saloon because they asked how I was feeling. "Fine." :teeth:

We decided that we were about ready to head to the track. Leta still needed to finish getting ready, so she & Mike headed back to their room. We went to get the tickets and Brad ran them to Tim & Bruce. By that time, they were setting up for the cookout by the pool. Oh, yeah! We almost forgot about that!

Brad & I sat down at one of the tables and grabbed a cheeseburger. Does it matter that we had breakfast less than an hour ago? No. It is FREE FOOD people. Brad would have never survived if we hadn't eaten our fill and then some. Oh, and the free beer? I don't drink beer, but Brad had 3 of them. I stuck with Pepsi.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace1.jpg

As we were eating our brunch, Tim, Bruce & John passed us. They were headed to the track and said they'd see us there. Cool. When we finished eating, we went to knock on Leta's door to see if they were ready. Leta was ready, but Mike decided he was tired and needed a "power nap" to recover before he would be ready to face the day. Leta started to go with us and leave Mike there, but Mike quickly vetoed that idea. Whatever. We told them we'd see them at the seats and left.

The walk to the track wasn't bad at all. It was a beautiful day and nice to be out in it.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace2.jpg

There were a lot of people walking and the sidewalks were very crowded. We passed the usual suspects. "Anybody selling tickets?" "Anybody need tickets?" "Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?" "Got a buck?" "Got a cigarette?" "Where is my foil hat?" http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/shocked032.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

About 20 minutes of steady walking, we arrived at Daytona International Speedway.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace3.jpg

This is the main entrance near the start/finish line. There is another gate near turn 1, but we didn't find it until after we walked around the track. We found the trams that transported us to the back side of the track where our seats were. We had great seats. Up high enough that you could almost see the whole track (and Daytona is a 2.5 mile tri-oval, so that is saying something) and there was one of those wonderful JumboTron things right in front of us for replays and such.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace4.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace5.jpg

My only complaint about our seats were the butt kicking stairs that we had to climb to get to them. :faint:

It was finally time for the pre-race festivities. I tried to get a shot of the military flyby. At least you'll get an idea of how far away the turns are from our seats.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace6.jpg

The pace cars leading the cars by for the warmup laps:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace7.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace8.jpg

The green flag waved and the Camping World 300 was off and running. Tim, Bruce & John arrived at their seats just in time to see the first lap.

Brad & I had a good time watching the race.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace12.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace13.jpg

There was only one wreck...

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace11.jpg

When people first start trying to watch racing, they'll often say something about how they love the wrecks. I guess because it breaks the monotony of watching cars drive around when you don't know anything else about what is going on. I have a good analogy. You know how some people say they don't like hockey, except for the fights? Yeah, those are the people that don't know hockey. All they see is guys skating around, and the fights break up the monotony. It's the same with racing. When somebody says all they want to see is a wreck, they don't know racing. The fights in hockey are fine and part of the sport, but it isn't the only exciting thing that happens KWIM?

Tony Stewart wound up winning his first second-tier series race. The series is now called the Nationwide Series. Up until this season, it was the Busch Series. That'll be confusing for awhile.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/CWRace14.jpg

We started gathering our belongings and heading back. That's when we found the (much closer) gate at turn 1. You may have noticed that I haven't mentioned Leta & Mike at all. Yeah, they never made it to the seats. They barely made it to the track at all and only watched the last 20 laps from the first portal they came to. :sad2:

Told you he'd try to ruin the trip. He succeeded in blowing most of the experience for Leta. We refused to let him have any impact on our time at all. :p

[keishashadow]

no wonder we couldn't pick u outta the crowd...no lime green or mouseears...well, i never:rotfl:

ps now u know why bikers look ruff; not easy to run with the big dogs and rise & shine in the am:laughing:

u didn't come back with a tatoo did u?:idea:

[bubba's mom]

Okay...I am loving your story...and being 'hungover' "agrees" with you .... you looked GREAT in the morning!!! :thumbsup2 Who can beat cheeseburgers for breakfast? :confused3 (Thank goodness for the 'welcome bag' of chocolates :goodvibes )

I don't like Mike. Shoulda left the 'wet blanket' at home :sad2: He obviously didn't want to be there...he shoulda let Leta come alone ::yes:: Next time...don't "let" him come ;)

As any other sport....viewing is far...but, kind of expect that...it's a racetrack...and what is a "tri-oval"? i think my blonde is showing... :headache:

[yankeepenny]

Is Leta a friend of yours? How did she meet Mike?

[bubba's mom]

Is Leta a friend of yours? How did she meet Mike?

Leta is her best friend from school....for many, many years..... dunno how she met LoserBoy :confused3

[wwessing]

popcorn:: :surfweb:

[RVGal]

I don't like Mike. Shoulda left the 'wet blanket' at home :sad2: He obviously didn't want to be there...he shoulda let Leta come alone ::yes:: Next time...don't "let" him come ;)



There aren't enough words in the english language for how much I don't like Mike.

Actually, I couldn't care less about Mike. I just don't like how Mike is with Leta. Leta left me a long drunken rambling voice mail on Sunday evening about how sorry she was that she brought him, how miserable she was, how she needs to buy a clue and kick his sorry butt out. Yeah. I've heard it all before. She won't be the bad guy. She's NEVER been the one to break up in a relationship, she always waits to be dumped. Sigh. There's only so much I can do. She knows she needs to break up, but she won't do it. :confused3



As any other sport....viewing is far...but, kind of expect that...it's a racetrack...and what is a "tri-oval"? i think my blonde is showing... :headache:

A tri-oval is a track that has a "bump" in the oval. Here, try this:

http://z.about.com/d/nascar/1/8/9/A/DaytonaTrackMap.gif

Does that help? I guess the term comes from a cross between triangle and oval? Dunno.

Is Leta a friend of yours? How did she meet Mike?

I have known Leta since band camp 1979. She is my best friend (well, shares the duty with Carol and Brad).

She met Mike at a concert in Centennial Olympic Park about 4 years ago. He moved in with her about 3 years ago. He moved his mom in with them about 2 years ago. Don't get me started... :headache:

[loribell]

Oh Tricia that picture of the main entrance was wonderful. Now I know I have to go by the track while we are in Florida this year.

And Leta needs to get rid of Mike. Maybe I can come up and help you kidnap her . We can refuse to let her go until she calls and dumps him.

[bubba's mom]

A tri-oval is a track that has a "bump" in the oval. Here, try this:

http://z.about.com/d/nascar/1/8/9/A/DaytonaTrackMap.gif

Does that help? I guess the term comes from a cross between triangle and oval? Dunno.



::yes::...that helps. So what is the 'straight-away' at the "bottom"?? ....Victory Lane? (oh, or Pit Row?)

[RVGal]

And Leta needs to get rid of Mike. Maybe I can come up and help you kidnap her . We can refuse to let her go until she calls and dumps him.

Hey, there's an idea! You can kidnap her and I can go and move him and his mom out.

Here's what gets me, IT IS HER HOUSE they are living in! You'd think Mike would do everything in his power to keep her happy because it is HER HOUSE. HERS. She bought it long before she met him. She pays the mortgage. Kick his butt out. How hard can that be? :confused3

[RVGal]

::yes::...that helps. So what is the 'straight-away' at the "bottom"?? ....Victory Lane? (oh, or Pit Row?)

http://z.about.com/d/nascar/1/8/9/A/DaytonaTrackMap.gif


At Daytona, any term with "straight" in it will be referring to the long stretch at the top of the diagram. The back straight, straight away, whatever. The start/finish area of a track is always considered the "front", then the cars move counter clockwise through turn 1, turn 2, the straight, turn 3, turn 4, then back.

Pit Row would be the straight line you see at the bottom that comes off to the inside of the "bump" area of the track.

Victory Lane isn't shown on this diagram, but it is a small area off Pit Row. I'm always amazed by what a little area Victory Lane really is. It looks like such a big deal on tv, but it is maybe 4 or 5 car lengths total.

[loribell]

Hey, there's an idea! You can kidnap her and I can go and move him and his mom out.

Here's what gets me, IT IS HER HOUSE they are living in! You'd think Mike would do everything in his power to keep her happy because it is HER HOUSE. HERS. She bought it long before she met him. She pays the mortgage. Kick his butt out. How hard can that be? :confused3

I have never understood why some women will just let men walk all over them. Maybe if we could figure that out you could convince her to move him out. Otherwise let me know and I will come up and kidnap her for you.

[yankeepenny]

just my opinion here


but Mike sounds like a NARCISSIST

[RVGal]

just my opinion here


but Mike sounds like a NARCISSIST

I think that would be an accurate assessment. :thumbsup2

[bubba's mom]

http://z.about.com/d/nascar/1/8/9/A/DaytonaTrackMap.gif



Pit Row would be the straight line you see at the bottom that comes off to the inside of the "bump" area of the track.

Victory Lane isn't shown on this diagram, but it is a small area off Pit Row. I'm always amazed by what a little area Victory Lane really is. It looks like such a big deal on tv, but it is maybe 4 or 5 car lengths total.

:banana: i guessed!!!! :banana:


I don't have anything against Leta, but someone needs to smack some sense into that girl..... :sad2: either that, or put a 'hit' out on Mike :idea: :eek:

[JawsCPA]

Tricia - just had time to read your Daytona trippie. Thanks for the pics. Glad you and Brad were able to get away and for a NASCAR fan - to Daytona 500.:cool1: :cool1:

[yankeepenny]

i am waiting for more
want more

PLEASE tell us more:hourglass

[RVGal]

After we walked back to the hotel, we showered and changed for dinner. I noticed that my neck and a small area on my chest were a little pink... and the part in my hair was bright red. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/angry017.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

I wore freaking SPF 50, but I will admit that I didn't think to smear it on my SCALP!

When we went driving down International Speedway Blvd on Friday night, we passed an Uno's. This is one thing that we can't get back home. Good pizza. What passes for pizza in our area is sad. Chicago style, New York style, anything remotely resembling decent pizza can't be found anywhere near us. So, we decided that traffic was probably clearing from the race and we would go there for dinner.

Leta called as we were getting ready. She asked what we were doing for dinner. I told her. She said it sounded good and asked Mike. No surprise, but Mike didn't want pizza or anything from a pizza-type restaurant. He suggested that we go with them to try and find some bar on the beach because they had fun the last time they were there and he remembered a cute (female) bartender there and wouldn't that be fun? :rolleyes:

I told Leta to have a good time and we would see them the next day.

Brad called Tim, who was on his own (Bruce & John headed to Cocoa Beach for the night for some reason), and he decided to join us for dinner.

We had a hard time getting into the parking lot as several people were tailgating. :confused: Once we were inside the restaurant, however, we were seated immediately. I mentioned it to the waitress and she said that the crowd in the parking lot were keeping customers away. I'd think they would chase them off, but what do I know.

There was a group of guys at the table behind ours that apparently did NOT go home and shower before coming to the restaurant for dinner. :crazy2: I was very glad when our pizza arrived and that smell overwhelmed the BO.

We had a pleasant meal and an uneventful drive back. We wound up turning in early and catching up on our lost sleep from our night of debauchery on Friday. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sleep008.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[bubba's mom]

After we walked back to the hotel, we showered and changed for dinner. I noticed that my neck and a small area on my chest were a little pink... and the part in my hair was bright red. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/angry017.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

I wore freaking SPF 50, but I will admit that I didn't think to smear it on my SCALP!

Yep ::yes:: ALWAYS the scalp, part in your hair, top of your ears and top of yer feets.....always the spots peeps miss :confused3

When we went driving down International Speedway Blvd on Friday night, we passed an Uno's. This is one thing that we can't get back home. Good pizza. What passes for pizza in our area is sad. Chicago style, New York style, anything remotely resembling decent pizza can't be found anywhere near us. So, we decided that traffic was probably clearing from the race and we would go there for dinner.

Leta called as we were getting ready. She asked what we were doing for dinner. I told her. She said it sounded good and asked Mike. No surprise, but Mike didn't want pizza or anything from a pizza-type restaurant. He suggested that we go with them to try and find some bar on the beach because they had fun the last time they were there and he remembered a cute (female) bartender there and wouldn't that be fun? :rolleyes:

I told Leta to have a good time and we would see them the next day.

It's always nice to get some good pizza away from home..... have this problem when visiting FIL...he doesn't really like ANY of the pizza around him :confused3 we think it's all fine....especially the Papa Johns.... :goodvibes Oh well...what can ya do! And, if Leta wanted pizza, then why didn't she 'bag it' with Mike and tag along with you?? Does it even cross his mind she doesn't need/want to see a cute female bartender? THAT tells me that he isn't head over heels with her....why does she 'settle' for this loser? Does she know he's a loser? Does she not have any self-esteem? :confused3 I feel bad for her....she really needs to find someone who will love, appreciate and put HER first :thumbsup2

Brad called Tim, who was on his own (Bruce & John headed to Cocoa Beach for the night for some reason), and he decided to join us for dinner.

We had a hard time getting into the parking lot as several people were tailgating. :confused: Once we were inside the restaurant, however, we were seated immediately. I mentioned it to the waitress and she said that the crowd in the parking lot were keeping customers away. I'd think they would chase them off, but what do I know.

There was a group of guys at the table behind ours that apparently did NOT go home and shower before coming to the restaurant for dinner. :crazy2: I was very glad when our pizza arrived and that smell overwhelmed the BO.

We had a pleasant meal and an uneventful drive back. We wound up turning in early and catching up on our lost sleep from our night of debauchery on Friday. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sleep008.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)


Unless there is a "No Soliciting" sign posted, I don't know that management can 'kick them outta there' :confused3 But, it was nice you didn't have to wait to eat....altho, I wouldn't have thought about the 'smell' :eek: ....thanks for the heads up!

[loribell]

You know I just keep getting madder at this Mike guy. I hope I never run in to him.

[yankeepenny]

:surfweb:

wanna hear more, more , more.....

[bubba's mom]

You know I just keep getting madder at this Mike guy. I hope I never run in to him.

:idea: that'd be fun!:rolleyes1

[RVGal]

And, if Leta wanted pizza, then why didn't she 'bag it' with Mike and tag along with you?? Does it even cross his mind she doesn't need/want to see a cute female bartender? THAT tells me that he isn't head over heels with her....why does she 'settle' for this loser? Does she know he's a loser? Does she not have any self-esteem? :confused3 I feel bad for her....she really needs to find someone who will love, appreciate and put HER first :thumbsup2 [/COLOR][/SIZE]

Leta has always had self esteem issues. I don't know why. She is beautiful, smart, fun, self sufficient... I honestly don't know why she doesn't see it... or isn't confident in it.

When I point out that Mike is, perhaps, being less than polite when he makes googlie eyes and hits on some other woman RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER, she usually says something about how "all guys look" and its no biggie.

Okay, yeah, I get that all guys look. I'm not doubting that. I have been known to enjoy watching a good looking guy from time to time myself. The difference is that Brad has enough respect for me to not rub it in my face... and he would NEVER, in a million years never, hit on another girl. In front of me or otherwise. That is not just disrespectful, it is crossing over into "pack your stuff and go" territory.

You know I just keep getting madder at this Mike guy. I hope I never run in to him.

Oh, I can just imagine putting you and Mike in a room together... :rotfl:

:surfweb:

wanna hear more, more , more.....

It's coming. I've got a lot of pictures to edit, but I'm getting there.

:idea: that'd be fun!:rolleyes1

:lmao:

[loribell]

Leta has always had self esteem issues. I don't know why. She is beautiful, smart, fun, self sufficient... I honestly don't know why she doesn't see it... or isn't confident in it.

When I point out that Mike is, perhaps, being less than polite when he makes googlie eyes and hits on some other woman RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER, she usually says something about how "all guys look" and its no biggie.

Okay, yeah, I get that all guys look. I'm not doubting that. I have been known to enjoy watching a good looking guy from time to time myself. The difference is that Brad has enough respect for me to not rub it in my face... and he would NEVER, in a million years never, hit on another girl. In front of me or otherwise. That is not just disrespectful, it is crossing over into "pack your stuff and go" territory.

You are absolutely correct. That is so wrong.

Oh, I can just imagine putting you and Mike in a room together... :rotfl:

Just let me at him. I will convince him that he needs to leave. :rolleyes1

[RVGal]

Sunday, February 17, 2008

We were up around 7am and I enjoyed a long, hot shower. Such a luxury when you don't have to worry about what the kids are getting into while I'm taking a shower

We made use of the free breakfast again. Not bad, really. No hot foods (unless you want to count toast or a bagel in the toaster), but plenty to choose from. Fresh fruit (whole and cut), pastries, yogurt, juices, coffee, cereal, milk, etc. The usual stuff.

We wanted to head over to the track early to make good use of our Fan Zone passes. Tim wanted to go early too. Bruce & John were still on the drive over from Cocoa Beach. Leta & Mike... well... you know the routine by now. Mike still needed time to get ready and he might need to eat more and blah, blah. Brad & I, along with Tim, decided to head for the track and told everyone else we'd see them at the seats.

Walking to the track:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona2.jpg

Yes, we were very happy that we weren't in that bumper to bumper traffic!

Now that we knew where the gate at Turn 1 was, it was a much shorter walk. Probably more like 10 minutes. Just inside the turn 1 gate is the tram center, where trams will take you either to the infield (Fan Zone) or to the back stretch.

We caught a tram to the infield.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona4.jpg

Brad and Tim:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona5.jpg

Me and Brad:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona6.jpg

You will notice that I am wearing a full tshirt and hat. No more chances on sunburns! I normally sleep in this tshirt and the hat is not mine, but it kept me from burning, so I won't complain.

The Sprint Fan Zone was really cool. They have windows on the sides of all the garages, so you get to take a peek inside and see them working on the cars.

Greg Biffle's crew:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona7.jpg

Denny Hamlin's:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona8.jpg

We climbed the stairs to the Fan Deck on top of the garages.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona9.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona10.jpg

They had a full bar on the Fan Deck...

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona11.jpg

... but since it was only 10am, I wasn't quite ready to indulge just yet.

I thought this was a neat picture. The Sprint Vision (in track network) people passed us on the Fan Deck and I got a shot of them filming and on screen.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona12.jpg

We worked our way across the deck and down to the other row of garages.

Mark Martin's car:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona13.jpg

I thought this was a good shot. These crew members are all digging around in the tool box. This is one BIG tool box!

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona14.jpg

Michael Waltrip's car:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona15.jpg

For those of you who watch The Best Damn Sports Show on Fox Sports, John Salley was there.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona16.jpg

And he interviewed Mario Andretti.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona17.jpg

We strolled around and found (a replica of) Kasey Kane's car.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona18.jpg

The stage had live music all day.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona19.jpg

I decided I was getting hungry and needed a break from the walking and heat, so we got in line at Checkers (or Rallys, depending on what part of the country it is).

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona20.jpg

We found a nice spot in the shade to enjoy our lunch. We decided to walk out on the track and on the way we passed the "Hollywood Hotel" where the Fox guys broadcast from for the Fox coverage races (the first half of the season).

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona21.jpg

We passed the "tribute" stage where they had the car that won the first Daytona 500 and the car that won last year's Daytona 500 on either side of it. I thought that was a kinda neat way to show the 50th anniversary.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona22.jpg

One of the things that took me by surprise is how sloped the track is, even at the start/finish line. You expect the banking in the turns, but here we are on the track about 50 feet away from the start/finish.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona25.jpg

And looking back toward turn 4:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona26.jpg

We found Victory Lane, but it was closed off.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona27.jpg

We also found Jeff Hammond, one of the Fox and/or Speed channel racing sportscasters.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona28.jpg

We were getting overly hot and tired, so we decided to catch the tram back to our seats. We joked that it was like being at Disney World. We had to wait in cattle lines to get on a tram.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona29.jpg

[loribell]

What??? No pics of my car? I'm hyperventilating here!!!!!! J/K

It looks like so much fun! I want to be your new racing buddy please??????? I promise I won't bring along a Mike!

[RVGal]

What??? No pics of my car? I'm hyperventilating here!!!!!! J/K

It looks like so much fun! I want to be your new racing buddy please??????? I promise I won't bring along a Mike!

I couldn't get anywhere near the windows of Jeff Gordon's garage... or Dale Jr's... or Jimmie Johnson's... :rolleyes:

Next time I go to an out of town race, you're invited!

[loribell]

I couldn't get anywhere near the windows of Jeff Gordon's garage... or Dale Jr's... or Jimmie Johnson's... :rolleyes:

Next time I go to an out of town race, you're invited!

Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :cool1: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

[bubba's mom]

Sunday, February 17, 2008

We were up around 7am and I enjoyed a long, hot shower. Such a luxury when you don't have to worry about what the kids are getting into while I'm taking a shower

I'm glad you enjoyed your shower....not that I worry about your kids while you're in there.... :confused3

We wanted to head over to the track early to make good use of our Fan Zone passes. Tim wanted to go early too. Bruce & John were still on the drive over from Cocoa Beach. Leta & Mike... well... you know the routine by now. Mike still needed time to get ready and he might need to eat more and blah, blah. Brad & I, along with Tim, decided to head for the track and told everyone else we'd see them at the seats.

And.....(not surprising), this is the last we hear of Mike & Leta on "race day" :sad2: (thus far anyhows)

Walking to the track:
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona2.jpg



okay...i give up! What is with the lady (?) on the corner? She selling? Buying? What's HER story?

We caught a tram to the infield.

Me and Brad:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona6.jpg

You will notice that I am wearing a full tshirt and hat. No more chances on sunburns! I normally sleep in this tshirt and the hat is not mine, but it kept me from burning, so I won't complain.


:rotfl2: Ya know...when I saw this pic, the VERY FIRST thing I thought was, "Good girl...wearing sleeves and a hat" ...i swear to God I thought that! (Good thinkin' takin' the tram too :thumbsup2 )

The Sprint Fan Zone was really cool. They have windows on the sides of all the garages, so you get to take a peek inside and see them working on the cars.

Okay...that's kewl...didn't know ya could do that :confused3 ;)


They had a full bar on the Fan Deck...

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona11.jpg

I thought this was a neat picture. The Sprint Vision (in track network) people passed us on the Fan Deck and I got a shot of them filming and on screen.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona12.jpg

Okay....I didn't know there was BOOZE on top of the garages :eek: ....this trippie just keeps getting kewler and kewler :banana:

I would concur....awesome shot of the media :thumbsup2 (didja get to flash on tv?)

We passed the "tribute" stage where they had the car that won the first Daytona 500 and the car that won last year's Daytona 500 on either side of it. I thought that was a kinda neat way to show the 50th anniversary.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona22.jpg

i will agree ::yes:: ...this was a way cool idea!

One of the things that took me by surprise is how sloped the track is, even at the start/finish line. You expect the banking in the turns, but here we are on the track about 50 feet away from the start/finish.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona25.jpg

And looking back toward turn 4:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona26.jpg

:eek: Well....ya gotta know...if YOU are shocked, then I am http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/shocked006.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org) I always thought it was sloped like that because of the 'camera' angle :confused3 Shows ya what I know :rotfl: AND, I noticed Brad stood "uphill" on you....makes him look taller.... ;) That is wicked tho....interesting.... :scratchin


We were getting overly hot and tired, so we decided to catch the tram back to our seats. We joked that it was like being at Disney World. We had to wait in cattle lines to get on a tram.



:lmao: whoopsie!


:blush:


Sounds like race day is off to a GREAT start! I am really enjoying this story..... and I'm learning SO much too!

[JawsCPA]

I couldn't get anywhere near the windows of Jeff Gordon's garage... or Dale Jr's... or Jimmie Johnson's... :rolleyes:

Next time I go to an out of town race, you're invited!

But you did get a pic of my 3M-Postit Note guy. Thanks.:)

Did Mike and Leta see the race. I can't imagine paying that much for tix and not using them. (only saw the end of the pre-race and didn't go to fan zone)

[RVGal]

I'm glad you enjoyed your shower....not that I worry about your kids while you're in there.... :confused3

HA! :lmao:

I think I started that sentance with one thought in my head and ended with another, so I changed from the generic "you" to the personal "I" midstream. :rotfl:


okay...i give up! What is with the lady (?) on the corner? She selling? Buying? What's HER story?

Don't ask me to remember if it is a he or she, but it was a scalper. They were all along the road to the track. "Anybody got extra tickets to sell?" "Anybody need tickets?"

There were also Florida State Patrol and local police and deputies ALL OVER the place. I don't know what the laws are in Florida, but I guess they aren't strict on scalping. :confused3



Okay....I didn't know there was BOOZE on top of the garages :eek: ....this trippie just keeps getting kewler and kewler :banana:

I would concur....awesome shot of the media :thumbsup2 (didja get to flash on tv?)

No flashing by me. There was one woman in our section that was beyond drunk. Seriously. She could barely stand. She flashed everyone shortly before she barfed on the seat next to her. She was then escorted from the building by EMTs and police. :eek:

[RVGal]

Did Mike and Leta see the race. I can't imagine paying that much for tix and not using them. (only saw the end of the pre-race and didn't go to fan zone)

They did make it for the race. They didn't get to enjoy the Fan Zone much, and Leta complained that she wasted almost $200 on those passes (Fan Zone passes are $90 each), but they did make it in time to see the start of the race.

[RVGal]

After the tram ride around the track, we hoofed it to our section and then climbed the butt kicking stairs. How hot was it?

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona31.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona32.jpg

Yeah, we were sweating. We enjoyed some of the pre-race festivities.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona30.jpg

Finally, it was time for driver introductions. I tried to get pictures of all the drivers that a homie had picked, but I don't think I managed. Here's the ones I did get.

Greg Biffle:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona33.jpg

Mark Martin:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona34.jpg

Carl Edwards:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona35.jpg

Kasey Kahne:
Okay, nobody picked him, but I thought Penny would enjoy seeing him anyway...

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona36.jpg

Tony Stewart:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona37.jpg

Jeff Gordon:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona39.jpg

Michael Waltrip:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona40.jpg

Dale Earnhardt Jr:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona41.jpg

Jimmie Johnson:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona42.jpg

I missed him on the screen, but Clint Bowyer:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona38.jpg

Another shot of Kasey:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona43.jpg

And Jeff:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona44.jpg

I thought this was funny. There was a flock of seagulls (wait... I'm picturing that band from the 80s... okay, I'm back...) settled just off the track and these trucks kept trying to drive through them and chase them off.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona45.jpg

The guy sitting behind us told me that seagulls are a real problem at Daytona. Drivers have had wrecks because the birds fly around, so they try to disperse them before the races start.

[loribell]

HA! :lmao:

I think I started that sentance with one thought in my head and ended with another, so I changed from the generic "you" to the personal "I" midstream. :rotfl:

:rotfl2:



No flashing by me. There was one woman in our section that was beyond drunk. Seriously. She could barely stand. She flashed everyone shortly before she barfed on the seat next to her. She was then escorted from the building by EMTs and police. :eek:

Ewwwwwwwwwww!

They did make it for the race. They didn't get to enjoy the Fan Zone much, and Leta complained that she wasted almost $200 on those passes (Fan Zone passes are $90 each), but they did make it in time to see the start of the race.

:sad2: :sad2: :sad2:

After the tram ride around the track, we hoofed it to our section and then climbed the butt kicking stairs. How hot was it?

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona31.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona32.jpg

Yeah, we were sweating. We enjoyed some of the pre-race festivities.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona30.jpg

Finally, it was time for driver introductions. I tried to get pictures of all the drivers that a homie had picked, but I don't think I managed. Here's the ones I did get.

Jeff Gordon:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona39.jpg

Dale Earnhardt Jr:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona41.jpg

Jimmie Johnson:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona42.jpg

And Jeff:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona44.jpg


Wow you were hot!

Thanks for the pics of my guys! :cloud9: :hug:

I thought this was funny. There was a flock of seagulls (wait... I'm picturing that band from the 80s... okay, I'm back...) settled just off the track and these trucks kept trying to drive through them and chase them off.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona45.jpg

The guy sitting behind us told me that seagulls are a real problem at Daytona. Drivers have had wrecks because the birds fly around, so they try to disperse them before the races start.

[/QUOTE]

:lmao: :lmao: Yeah, I went to the band for a second too!

[RVGal]

:lmao: :lmao: Yeah, I went to the band for a second too!

I think that anyone who is old enough to remember the 80s goes there whenever they hear the phrase "flock of seagulls"...

http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~lurid/images/flock.jpg

[bubba's mom]

There were also Florida State Patrol and local police and deputies ALL OVER the place. I don't know what the laws are in Florida, but I guess they aren't strict on scalping. :confused3

In PA I (think) it's legal to resell tickets...as long as it's not a certain amount OVER face value :rolleyes: ...but, not sure on that....


They did make it for the race. They didn't get to enjoy the Fan Zone much, and Leta complained that she wasted almost $200 on those passes (Fan Zone passes are $90 each), but they did make it in time to see the start of the race.

:sad2: That's a shame....I woulda been hot too :mad: .....she shoulda left him and went with you guys.... ::yes::


Finally, it was time for driver introductions. I tried to get pictures of all the drivers that a homie had picked, but I don't think I managed. Here's the ones I did get.

Greg Biffle:

Mark Martin:

Carl Edwards:

Kasey Kahne:
Okay, nobody picked him, but I thought Penny would enjoy seeing him anyway...

Tony Stewart:

Jeff Gordon:

Michael Waltrip:

Dale Earnhardt Jr:

Jimmie Johnson:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona42.jpg

I missed him on the screen, but Clint Bowyer:

Hey...you did pretty good gettin' the 'homie pix' ;) Of course MY guy has to be the ONLY one NOT waving! :confused3 Geez....



I thought this was funny. There was a flock of seagulls (wait... I'm picturing that band from the 80s... okay, I'm back...) settled just off the track and these trucks kept trying to drive through them and chase them off.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona45.jpg

The guy sitting behind us told me that seagulls are a real problem at Daytona. Drivers have had wrecks because the birds fly around, so they try to disperse them before the races start.



I can believe they are a problem....flying rats! :headache: Kewl job tho...huh?

"What do you do for a living?"

"Chase seagulls" :laughing:

And yes...I thought of the band too :rolleyes1

[RVGal]

I can believe they are a problem....flying rats! :headache: Kewl job tho...huh?

"What do you do for a living?"

"Chase seagulls" :laughing:



I thought the SAME thing! I told Brad, "How do you list that on your resume?" :rotfl:

[RVGal]

The pre-race show finally started. They were doing a "through the years" type deal to honor the 50th anniversary of the race. First up, Chubby Checker:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona46.jpg

Next, Michael McDonald:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona47.jpg

Then, Kool & the Gang:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona48.jpg

And, last, Brooks & Dunn:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona49.jpg

While the musicians were playing, they had several of the past winners of the Daytona 500 driving around the track. It was really neat. Forgive the quality of some of these pics, but I was having to try to shoot around the people in front of us that felt the need to "toast" and "woo hoo" almost every car as it drove past. :confused:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona50.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona51.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona52.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona53.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona54.jpg

Trisha Yearwood sang the National Anthem:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona55.jpg

And the Thuderbirds did a flyby:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona57.jpg

They set off some fireworks, but in the daylight I don't know why?

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona56.jpg

As the cracks and booms were dying down, my cell phone rang. It was Leta. They were downstairs below us and wanted to know if they could bring anything up. Welllll... since you're offering... grab me as many rum & cokes as they will sell you and bucket of beer for Brad. :teeth:

[bubba's mom]

The pre-race show finally started. They were doing a "through the years" type deal to honor the 50th anniversary of the race. First up, Chubby Checker:

Next, Michael McDonald:

Then, Kool & the Gang:

And, last, Brooks & Dunn:

very kewl idea! :thumbsup2


Trisha Yearwood sang the National Anthem:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona55.jpg

And the Thuderbirds did a flyby:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona57.jpg

They set off some fireworks, but in the daylight I don't know why?

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona56.jpg


I saw all that...actually caught it on tv..it was very nice....TriSHA did a good job singing too.... Oh...and I'm guessing the fireworks were "cuz they had the money and could do it" :confused3


As the cracks and booms were dying down, my cell phone rang. It was Leta. They were downstairs below us and wanted to know if they could bring anything up. Welllll... since you're offering... grab me as many rum & cokes as they will sell you and bucket of beer for Brad. :teeth:

Well...I guess she really was :mad: about wasting the money on the Fan tickets...that's a shame :sad2: I would be SO mad...I prolly woulda kicked him to the curb.... Waiting to hear how many R&C's she brought you :surfweb:

[loribell]

Hey that was my guy again!

Another great installment.

[RVGal]

The pace laps started and the weather was (fortunately) overcast.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona58.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona59.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona60.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona61.jpg

Leta & Mike made it to their seats just before the drop of the green flag. They would only sell 2 mixed drinks to anybody at a time, so they each bought me 2 rum & cokes. They looked so funny carrying a cardboard drink tray with 4 rum & cokes in it! They will, however, sell you all the beer you want at a time. That makes NO sense to me. Like you can't get just as hammered from beer? Whatever. They bought a bucket of ice with 5 beers shoved in it. I think it cost us $1200. Just kidding! The mixed drinks were $7 each and the beer was $5 per (tall) can... plus $3 for the bucket of ice. Yeah, that's a $50 tab for not all that much, but what the heck. Not like we do this every day, right?

Leta & Mike:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona62.jpg

One of the things about the Daytona 500 that confuses me is why they start it so late in the afternoon. Usually, the start time for a race is either early enough in the day that the race will be done before sunset, or the start time is late enough that the race runs entirely after suset. Daytona starts late enough in the afternoon that the sun sets DURING the race.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona63.jpg

That's got to be tough for the drivers to see. I don't get it. :confused3

There were several cautions late in the race. Here is the last restart...

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona64.jpg

And Ryan Newman celebrating his win...

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona65.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona66.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona67.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona68.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona69.jpg

It had be awhile since Newman's last win, so he was very emotional.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona70.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona71.jpg

We hung around being stupid while we waited for the crowds to thin out.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona72.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona73.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona74.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona75.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona76.jpg

We finally filed out with the last of the crowd, caught the shuttle back to the front, and walked back toward the hotel. We stopped at Subway to grab some food and then called it a night.

We were up at a reasonable time the next morning and decided to have a big breakfast before we hit the road.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona77.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona78.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona79.jpg

Ah, yes... the Sunshine Skillet. I'm kinda glad we don't have Bob Evans around here or I'd be tempted too often.

We hit the road along with a huge number of RVs.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona80.jpg

We made it back home about 4:30pm, which meant we were able to spring Maggie Dog from the kennel before they closed. Everyone was very happy to see us. I heard from both of Brad's parents, my mom, Carol, AND Deb... all about how very exhausted they were. I told Brad later that I found it amusing that FIVE people were exhausted after 3 days of doing what I do all day every day.

It was a great trip... probably a once in a lifetime trip for us... and we had a fabulous time. Even though it was a very short getaway, it was a much needed break from our routine. We'll live off these memories for awhile. :hug:

[JawsCPA]

I think that anyone who is old enough to remember the 80s goes there whenever they hear the phrase "flock of seagulls"...

http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~lurid/images/flock.jpg

:dance3: And I raaaann, I ran so far awaaaayyyy!:dance3:

[JawsCPA]

We made it back home about 4:30pm, which meant we were able to spring Maggie Dog from the kennel before they closed. Everyone was very happy to see us. I heard from both of Brad's parents, my mom, Carol, AND Deb... all about how very exhausted they were. I told Brad later that I found it amusing that FIVE people were exhausted after 3 days of doing what I do all day every day.



Amen sister. Let's see a stay-at home mom with 2 children under 6 who works part time in her husband's business and does all the paperwork/bookkeeping. Oh yeah - your 5 people didn't do the working in the RV business while they were gone, did they?? Obviously, you deserved a break and looks like you got one. So glad you had a nice trip.:cool1:

[bubba's mom]

What? :confused3 That's the end??? No more??? http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sad056.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[RVGal]

Amen sister. Let's see a stay-at home mom with 2 children under 6 who works part time in her husband's business and does all the paperwork/bookkeeping. Oh yeah - your 5 people didn't do the working in the RV business while they were gone, did they?? Obviously, you deserved a break and looks like you got one. So glad you had a nice trip.:cool1:

No, they didn't do any of the business stuff... just the kids stuff. I had to do all the business stuff before I left. :rolleyes:

What? :confused3 That's the end??? No more??? http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/sad056.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

I'm afraid so. Nothing more to tell. Well, I did forget to mention about the drive through south Georgia. What is up with that stretch from Macon to the state line? There is one cluster of billboards that are all for "massage parlors". They don't say "spa" or anything like that, they say "massage parlors". The pictures on them are very suggestive. One of them even says that you can request "American, Asian, or Latino". Ummm... if they are selling what I think they are selling... how are they getting away with it? :confused:

Also, there are so many billboards for the nudie place near the state line it isn't even funny. Most of the pictures of the girls are the same ones that have been up since the early 90s. If those girls are still dancing, I doubt they look like that anymore.

Toss in the billboards for the "adult" stores and that is an interesting stretch of highway. I'm not looking forward to the questions that will come up on our next road trip with the boys now that Joshua can read. :eek:

[Disneysnel]

That was a GREAT race. You were really lucky with finding that great hotel so close and everything. The weather was good, too! Not sure about the bar experience :lmao: but at least it sounds you like you had fun!
Thanks for sharing it!

I have to tell you what we did:
We (Dh and I) have been fans since the 80's as well, we know about the getting made fun of stuff as well.:confused3

We knew we just had to do the Daytona 500 but we kept saying - oh, maybe next year. Well, after Earnhardt passed away we knew there may not be a "next year" so we had to do it.

I was not so lucky - our seats were just about exactly in the same spot (great seats!) but our "hotel" was a houseboat on the St. John's river, complete with alligators and everything! They told us - don't worry they can't get in the boat :scared1: - it turned out to be very cool though. We BBQ'd on our "deck" each night after the race and took the boat up the river each morning.

Our plan was to rent a car and stop for 1 night @ WDW on the way from the airport. Well, I managed to get a GREAT rate on the car - online :yay: . We, went to pick it up - had to take a bus to get there - and were told "you need a UK driver's license for this car and if don't have one , we don't have a car for you." WHAT???:eek: After several calls, we wound up taking a cab to ASM at like midnight. My DH is stressing BIG time! We couldn't find a car anywhere! We spent the whole next morning trying. So, I got an idea let's rent a U-haul :lmao: - we got one! A big U-haul van that we drove all week!!! It was easy to spot in the parking lot!!

We went to Daytona USA after the Busch race and stayed too long and had to walk back to the lot one night and that was fun :rolleyes: . It drizzled all weekend and, of course, my driver blew his engine on the 2nd lap of the 500!:headache:

We still had a great time though!:goodvibes

Just wanted to share our little adventure with you.

[bubba's mom]

I'm sad your trippie is over....where's the pic of you in your t-shirt? Had flaunt some @r$e for that...remember :rolleyes1


Leta & Mike made it to their seats just before the drop of the green flag. They would only sell 2 mixed drinks to anybody at a time, so they each bought me 2 rum & cokes. They looked so funny carrying a cardboard drink tray with 4 rum & cokes in it! They will, however, sell you all the beer you want at a time. That makes NO sense to me. Like you can't get just as hammered from beer? Whatever. They bought a bucket of ice with 5 beers shoved in it. I think it cost us $1200. Just kidding! The mixed drinks were $7 each and the beer was $5 per (tall) can... plus $3 for the bucket of ice. Yeah, that's a $50 tab for not all that much, but what the heck. Not like we do this every day, right?

What was the hold-up that morning.....besides Mike? Looks like she really missed a lot of 'pre-race' fun :rolleyes: But, it was nice they brought you drinks....and the bucket o beer :thumbsup2 smart idea! (Jodie tells me they sell that on the Disney cruise....will have to have DH check into that... )


One of the things about the Daytona 500 that confuses me is why they start it so late in the afternoon. Usually, the start time for a race is either early enough in the day that the race will be done before sunset, or the start time is late enough that the race runs entirely after suset. Daytona starts late enough in the afternoon that the sun sets DURING the race.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona63.jpg

That's got to be tough for the drivers to see. I don't get it.

Well...if YOU don't get it, what makes ya think I will? :lmao: I'm with you...makes sense the way 'we' think.... (must be a 'man' who decides the times....) Beautiful sunset tho :goodvibes

We hung around being stupid while we waited for the crowds to thin out.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona73.jpg

Oh yeah....this looks like a happy couple who have indulged in many adult beverages :rolleyes1

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona74.jpg

This picture tells me, "If you only knew what Tricia was doing OFF camera!" :eek: :rolleyes1

:lmao:


http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona75.jpg

Leta's lookin' good....did Mike EVER put HIS arm around her?? Body language speaks volumes...and this pic shows me "he's a jerk"....you can just SEE it :headache:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/MooMonsters/Daytona76.jpg

You & Leta look like you're having a great, drunken time :woohoo: ....Mike just looks 'annoyed' and like he wants to go home.... :confused3

We made it back home about 4:30pm, which meant we were able to spring Maggie Dog from the kennel before they closed. Everyone was very happy to see us. I heard from both of Brad's parents, my mom, Carol, AND Deb... all about how very exhausted they were. I told Brad later that I found it amusing that FIVE people were exhausted after 3 days of doing what I do all day every day.

It was a great trip... probably a once in a lifetime trip for us... and we had a fabulous time. Even though it was a very short getaway, it was a much needed break from our routine. We'll live off these memories for awhile.

Oh I'm so sure Maggie Dog was thrilled to be sprung from the joint early :thumbsup2 Prolly not much fun for her to be there....missing her 'playmates' and all.

In the parents defense, they are older than you and not accustomed to tending to 2 young boys...I can see they would be tuckered out :guilty: . But, the time together they shared will be a forever memory....and I'm sure that despite how tired they were, they were glad to be there. (Don't ask any of 'em to be around for a week :scared1: ) :rotfl2:

If that was a 'once in a lifetime' trip, then I'm glad you got to go. Daytona's anniversary is only ONCE...never have a chance to do it that way again. A 'short' getaway is always better than 'no' getaway...and now that your batteries are recharged, back to being the best Mom (well, to your boys anyhows...my son is a bit biased and happens to think I am the best Mom :confused3 :rolleyes1 )
AND....not only will you have your memories....you'll have your trippie for memories too :goodvibes

thanks for sharing your weekend with us..... :banana:


(still sad it's over....)

[bubba's mom]

I did forget to mention about the drive through south Georgia. What is up with that stretch from Macon to the state line? There is one cluster of billboards that are all for "massage parlors". They don't say "spa" or anything like that, they say "massage parlors". The pictures on them are very suggestive. One of them even says that you can request "American, Asian, or Latino". Ummm... if they are selling what I think they are selling... how are they getting away with it? :confused:

Hmmm... :scratchin ...you can have your "pick" of American, Asian or Latino?? Yep....definately somethin' goin' on there :rolleyes1 HOW they get away with it, I don't know? :confused3 Is it legal there? (altho, can't imagine it would be :sad2: ) Got some "law" who are 'customers'???? Anything is possible....




I'm not looking forward to the questions that will come up on our next road trip with the boys now that Joshua can read. :eek:

Just tell him it IS a massage parlor....you get a massage and you relax....don't worry...you have time to come up with something! (either that, or have Brad drive really fast by them! ...and/or distractions when go thru that "area" )

[bubba's mom]

I have to tell you what we did:
We (Dh and I) have been fans since the 80's as well,

....our "hotel" was a houseboat on the St. John's river, complete with alligators and everything! They told us - don't worry they can't get in the boat :scared1: - it turned out to be very cool though. We BBQ'd on our "deck" each night after the race and took the boat up the river each morning.

WOW...how very cool! :woohoo: Was it like being on a cruiseship where you didn't feel the boat rock, or, yeah, ya felt every wave?? Still, how often do you have a chance to stay on a houseboat??? :goodvibes

Our plan was to rent a car and stop for 1 night @ WDW on the way from the airport. Well, I managed to get a GREAT rate on the car - online :yay: . We, went to pick it up - had to take a bus to get there - and were told "you need a UK driver's license for this car and if don't have one , we don't have a car for you." WHAT???:eek: After several calls, we wound up taking a cab to ASM at like midnight. My DH is stressing BIG time! We couldn't find a car anywhere! We spent the whole next morning trying.

Maybe it was a great rate cuz it was for UK residents? :confused3 That's a shame....and the whole time they were telling you they didn't have a car, they prolly had TONS of them in the parking garage/area :sad2:

So, I got an idea let's rent a U-haul :lmao: - we got one! A big U-haul van that we drove all week!!! It was easy to spot in the parking lot!!

:eek: :eek: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: GENIUS IDEA!!!! :thumbsup2

We still had a great time though!:goodvibes

Just wanted to share our little adventure with you.

A good time with a U-Haul memory you'll never forget! :rolleyes:

[Disneysnel]

Thanks so much for your comments Bubba's Mom! The rocking wasn't too bad. It was the experience of a lifetime - for sure.:rotfl:

[RVGal]

Just wanted to share our little adventure with you.

What a great trip that must have been! I've never been on a houseboat, but that must have been a fabulous way to spend your time there!

And the U-Haul? Brilliant. Simply brilliant. :thumbsup2 :rotfl2:

I'm sad your trippie is over....where's the pic of you in your t-shirt? Had flaunt some @r$e for that...remember :rolleyes1

The Boot Hill t-shirt? It's nothing impressive.



Oh yeah....this looks like a happy couple who have indulged in many adult beverages :rolleyes1

Many, many. I made Leta go with me to get another 4 rum & cokes and bucket o' beer. :drinking1


This picture tells me, "If you only knew what Tricia was doing OFF camera!" :eek: :rolleyes1

:lmao:

Who me? :confused3 ;) :rotfl:



Leta's lookin' good....did Mike EVER put HIS arm around her?? Body language speaks volumes...and this pic shows me "he's a jerk"....you can just SEE it :headache:

Yeah, this was not HIS deal, so he made sure everyone knew he was suffering. Whatever. :rolleyes:


You & Leta look like you're having a great, drunken time :woohoo: ....Mike just looks 'annoyed' and like he wants to go home.... :confused3

Leta & I did have a great time. Once she decided to get drunk and ignore the jerk, we had a good old time. ;)

[lynn71092]

And to think I almost passed this up because it wasn't a "Disney" story. It was great!!! And great pictures too!! And I am not a big car racing fan. I was really hoping you would post a Mike/Leta picture so I could see what this loser looks like. OMG, she is so pretty and could do so much better. I hope she reads this TR so she can hear it from others!!:sad2:

[Disneysnel]

What a great trip that must have been! I've never been on a houseboat, but that must have been a fabulous way to spend your time there!

And the U-Haul? Brilliant. Simply brilliant.
Yes, it was an experience and when you think "houseboat" it wasn't one of those big RV's that float - it was a little old thing, but it was clean and had everything we needed.;) It was fun!



[SIZE="3"][COLOR="darkred"]Leta & I did have a great time. Once she decided to get drunk and ignore the jerk, we had a good old time. ;)

Please tell Leta that I said: Life is too short to waste time on the "weeds" when there are flowers everywhere - just waiting to be picked. :cutie:

[RVGal]

And to think I almost passed this up because it wasn't a "Disney" story. It was great!!! And great pictures too!! And I am not a big car racing fan. I was really hoping you would post a Mike/Leta picture so I could see what this loser looks like. OMG, she is so pretty and could do so much better. I hope she reads this TR so she can hear it from others!!:sad2:

I'm glad you enjoyed the report! I'm part of a chat type thread on the US/IOA forum and we've started posting trip reports about our big adventures. We are the *mostly* overlooked group on the DIS. :laughing:

Leta could absolutely do so much better. She has looked me square in the eye and told me that she knows Mike is no good for her. I told Brad that once she said that to me, I felt like crying. Okay, it isn't that she is clueless... she KNOWS this guy is bad news. So, why? Why waste the time with him? It isn't like she hasn't ever been on her own. She was single when she bought her house. I don't get it. I just don't get it. :confused3

Yes, it was an experience and when you think "houseboat" it wasn't one of those big RV's that float - it was a little old thing, but it was clean and had everything we needed.;) It was fun!

Please tell Leta that I said: Life is too short to waste time on the "weeds" when there are flowers everywhere - just waiting to be picked. :cutie:

It sounds fun! Just the whole idea of a houseboat... whatever size or age... it just sounds fun!

And, oh, how I wish I had the magic words to convince Leta to kick Mike to the curb. If you could have heard that last voice mail she left me... it was frustrating and sad all at the same time. She called me while she was at a bar waiting to get a to go order of wings because Mike was too tired after walking back from the track to go anywhere. Helllooo? She is calling me to complain about what a jerk he is WHILE SHE IS GETTING HIM DINNER! He is lazing in the hotel room while she gets them food. :sad2:

Did I mention he is a control freak? Did I mention he is a jerk? :headache:

[RVGal]

BTW the chat thread on the US/IOA board is called "Something About Nothing" and we are a fun and friendly bunch. Feel free to stop in and chat or whatever if you want. :goodvibes

[bubba's mom]

Leta could absolutely do so much better. She has looked me square in the eye and told me that she knows Mike is no good for her. I told Brad that once she said that to me, I felt like crying. Okay, it isn't that she is clueless... she KNOWS this guy is bad news. So, why? Why waste the time with him? It isn't like she hasn't ever been on her own. She was single when she bought her house. I don't get it. I just don't get it. :confused3



I really don't know either :confused3 ..but some people believe that someone is better than no one :sad2:

When, in Leta's case, that is absolutely not true! She'd be better off with 'no one'.... He is looking for a "Mommy" type gal....she must need/want to feel 'needed'.... :confused3

[keishashadow]

:thumbsup2 finally ketched up...least you finished your TR:rolleyes1

tricia - all that drinking (yinz guys) & driving (the pros):rotfl: who knew?

great report...all i know about racing has come from the thread, mostly tricia!;) you make it seem great fun!

[RVGal]

:thumbsup2 finally ketched up...least you finished your TR:rolleyes1

tricia - all that drinking (yinz guys) & driving (the pros):rotfl: who knew?

great report...all i know about racing has come from the thread, mostly tricia!;) you make it seem great fun!

It is great fun... for us. It's not for everyone. Nothing is. ;)

Glad you enjoyed it. Now get cracking on YOUR trip report Missy! :laughing: