Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


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Just answered a couple of emails, and then thought about creating a journal of my trip. We'll see if I remember to post a note TOMORROW night too. :-)

DAY ONE
--------
Bob Helgeson and I left Seattle at 6:45 am today.
Drove 13 hours (over 600 miles). Spending the night outside Bozeman, Montana. Heavy rain showers the last couple of miles. Broke my rule - and ended up driving during nighttime the last 50 miles.

After checking in to the motel, opened the trailer to an overwhelming smell of gasoline. Discovered that the gas cap came off the '31 and was on the floor of the trailer. Gasoline splashed all over the rear of the car and over the floor. It melted the rubber mat of my trailer. Also lifted the paint off the floor.

Spent an hour wiping it off - and dousing it with water. Then siphoned a gallon out of the tank. Put the cap back on - really, really tight.

Bob and I walked over to the Flying J and I bought some hand cleaner to remove the gas smell. He bought beer. I helped him drink it.

Now it's time for bed... I'm a little tired. wazzup
(Note: The worst day on the road trailering your vintage Chev is better than the Best day at work!!)

--But, heck, you already knew that! bana2

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DAY TWO:

In Montana at a rest stop we saw the following sign posted on the way to the Men's Room:

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]
You can bet that we followed those instructions.

Then later, in North Dakota, we stopped at another REST AREA and there was a sign posted there that said:

Quote
If you are on horseback, please pick-up and take any horse droppings with you.


We made great time today... Didn't win any awards -- but we might have set the record for the most number of pit stops in a ten-hour day.
(and that's without drinking any beer)

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Bill
Sounds (reads) like you are making good time even with the "frequent pit stops" but look after those good cars.
It isnt wise to drink beer whilst driving, you might spill some beer.
Also Mr Policeman takes a very dim view of it.
Tony


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Hopefully, the gasoline (or what passes for gasoline nowadays) didn't do any damage to the paint on the old Chev...

I had a very similar experience a few years ago traileing the '33 a long distance, and it left the paint on the rear apron kind of "crinkle - finish"...



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He's not going to tell us if the ol' Chevy got marked up... the judges might be reading this!! willy Keep going with the observations, Bill... Man I love a good road trip! Half the fun is getting there!


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DAY THREE

Left Bismark, North Dakota this morning and we just arrived in Superior, Wisconsin. 11 hours driving -AND- we didn't see the sun the entire day. ??!?!?!?! WTF?? Light showers and heavy fog this morning.

While booking it (64 MPH) in North Dakota on I-94 we were passed by many, many trucks since the speed limit is 75 MPH. But one rig pulled alongside and ran parallel for a while. We wondered what the heck he was doing, and I didn't want to divert my eyes. Finally I did and he was waving to me an pointing backwards. "Oh, [bleeped]" I thought - "A tire has come apart."

But he continued to point backwards and then at his own chest. Finally, as I was about to pull to the side of the Freeway, Bob says to me "He must belong to the VCCA!! He saw the large decal on the rear of the trailer." Yep!!! SO I gave him a thumbs up and he did the same. Then he accelerated away from me. He was driving a huge flat-bed 18 wheeler which was empty. (My '31 sure would have looked good on the back of it. And then I could have gone the speed limit too! Ha!).

How about that? Whoever you are, Mr. Trucker, here's a big "HOWDY DO" to you!!! Hope to see you in Flint.

Later down the road, we saw a billboard alongside the freeway that had huge letters on it saying
Quote
Be an American
Buy Ethanol
Wow... now I'm sorry that I bought a Diesel-fueled truck.

Lastly, we both were looking for a "rest area" as we left North Dakota. To our joy we saw a sign that said "Welcome to Minnesota - Rest Area 2 miles"

Hooray. We could hardly wait. 120 seconds later we reached the Rest Area off-ramp only to find a sign on it which said "AREA CLOSED". And the next two areas that we came upon ALSO had "Closed" signs on them. This caused us great misery while we began to think about some creative ways to "unload". Finally when we got out of the main city area, we stopped at the first gas station that we could find. And then to be safe we stopped at another gas station shortly after. Helgy swore off coffee while I decided to stop eating grapes while traveling?!?!?!??
bigl
Thanks to the governor of Minnesota we almost "christened" my new truck and we seriously considered leaving some "road apples" next to the "closed" signs.

Thanks to the phone calls that we've received while on the road. (No, Dave, we will NOT build you a Powerpoint presentation tonight while we're in the Motel room. I've got six Corona's that are staring at me and need my undivided attention!)

Tomorrow, Hello Michigan. Please tell your state troopers to let a gray Chevy truck and white car trailer pass without incident. The occupants are sober, hung-over but sober, and the are getting butt-weary after 40 hours on the road in 4 days!!


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I have found most truckers to be very reasonable though there is the odd bad apple. Like several others on this forum I have driven the occassional 18 and 22 wheeler so can see both sides of the fence.
Tony


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Great Journal Bill....Sorry about the Gas but you seem to handle it well, And I hope the Chevy is OK!!!

Funny signs and very funny experiences...keep up the Road-journal, it's great. laugh

Say, have to run across Steve from Filing Station yet? Seems he was willing to reward people who saw or stopped him on his way to Flint.

And look for me on your way back through Montana, I'll be the guy holding a bunch of giant trout.

Enjoy the trip and the event!!
Michael41




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DAY FOUR:

Well, we finally saw two things today -- 1) A Rest Area with an open sign (Thanks Wisconsin!!!) and 2) the Sun in Michigan!!!

I failed to mention that each of the past two nights when we arrived at our motel, we had to set our clocks AHEAD an hour. Arghhhhh... less time to drink before beddiebye.

While on a two-lane road this afternoon, traveling at 55 MPH, I had to swerve to avoid a row of little ducks waddling across the highway. There was about 10-12 of them. All babies - 3 or 4 inches tall. I went into the oncoming traffic and whipped the trailer around just missing them. We checked in the mirror and they made it to the road side without losing any of their siblings. Later we saw a baby deer that wasn't so lucky. It was on the side of the road staring up at the heavens.

Tonight we arrived in Michigan and, once again, had to set our clocks ahead. We are now THREE HOURS earlier than Seattle - and we're still WEST of Chicago!!!

While traveling today, I found a good place for us to spend the night. See the following photo:
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

But noooooo... Bob says that he's got a cheaper place for us to stay.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

... And we get three rooms for the price of one!!!

Tomorrow we arrive at Flint. Hope to see a bunch of you there. We'll check the hotel lounge first. drink


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Well Billy Boy, If you didn't have to shut down every night at "quittin' time" and sleep in until the sun is way over toward the yardarm, even with all the time changes.. by now you could could have been enjoying all the scenic views and quaint little watering holes and a couple of good eatin' places in the Metropolis of mighty FLINT, for a couple of days.......Back back when I had to work for a livin' we found that about the closest thing to normal tasteing food in Flint was Pizza!


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DAY FIVE - Arrival at Flint:

We departed at 7am (an hour earlier than normal). Here's a tip: Raisin Bran tastes the same in five different states. But each motel had it for free in the morning, so THAT'S what we ate!

Bright sun all day. Temperatures in the mid-80's. Drove like a bat-out-of-hell so that I could get to Paragon Products in Flint before they closed at 2 pm. Made it with an hour to spare. Bought a couple of parts for my '66 Vette. Bob bought a decal for his '64.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]
(I'm in the green shirt.)

But I'm ahead of myself. While we we driving from the UP (upper peninsula) to the LP (lower peninsula), we saw this truck with a zillion tires on it. Bob finally got a photo after we played leap-frog with it for a few miles. We have NO idea what he was hauling - except that it was REALLY heavy since he slowed down so much on the hills.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Arrived at the Meet Hotel at 2 pm. Maybe 20 vintage cars were already there. We checked in and Bob found that his bed had NO SHEETS!!! (What a pansy!!) Got that fixed. Then we went to the trailer parking location about 4 miles away. Dropped off the trailer and exchanged laughs with the guards. They are on duty now for the next 7 days. Saw this sign on the way back to the hotel.:
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Finally ended up at a steak house with Ardie and Linda (no last names PLEASE). Bob bought beer and I drank it.

By 9 pm there are another 20 vintage cars here. All parked in the hotel parking lot. Two guards in uniform. One is an Iraq Veteran. I think that our radiator mascots are safe this year.

Tomorrow the major bulk of the registrants will arrive - and the temperature is expected to be in the low 90's. But Bob has bought more beer.... and you guessed it.... I'm helping him drink it!! How hot can it get?
beer2


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Hey Billy Boy Barker!

Great story with great photos. Keep them coming throughout the meet!

Tomorrow is the start of "Flint" and while you guys are all having fun tomorrow, the old mutt is going on another Junkyard Dog Adventure! Going up to Hugo, Oregon to retrieve another way cool old rusty relic. Wait until the Chevrolet four-cylinder dudes see "The Thing"......they will go nuts!!! Guaranteed, this is the only Chevrolet four-cylinder vehicle like it on the planet since it is definitely a one-of-a-kind! It is a three-wheeler too! I doubt if anyone can guess what this old four-cylinder Chevrolet was used for either. Photos forthcoming in a day or two.

Have lots of fun in Flint!

laugh wink beer2


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Bill... just so you know: Your countdown counter thingy on the site just ended. I was a little disappointed, as I kept a close eye on it for a year, and it just disappeared! There was no confetti, balloons, dancing girls, or shower of 6 volt regulators to celebrate... can you work on this for next time? Great to hear you made it there, save some beer for me, Monday seems so far away!

Last edited by brewster; 07/17/11 09:32 AM.

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Bill --

Thanks a bunch for doing this. Reading your journal gives those of us who can't be there a chance to sense a little bit of what's going on in Flint. You guys have a great time!!

All the Best,

Chip


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Good food at there and at Scooters too! (take out at the 2nd one though.....for my taste). Don


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Quote
I was a little disappointed, as I kept a close eye on it for a year, and it just disappeared!

Yep, but the "Until the Anniversary Meet at Flint, Michigan July 17-22, 2011" didn't disappear however.

Also, when the countdown thingy disappeared, the "Happy Birthday!! 100 Years." took its place. That's cool!

laugh wink beer2


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Originally Posted by Junkyard Dog
Quote
I was a little disappointed, as I kept a close eye on it for a year, and it just disappeared!

Yep, but the "Until the Anniversary Meet at Flint, Michigan July 17-22, 2011" didn't disappear however.

Also, when the countdown thingy disappeared, the "Happy Birthday!! 100 Years." took its place. That's cool!

laugh wink beer2

Yeah... It appeared after I refreshed the page from typing my post... Still didn't get the dancing girls though...


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DAY SIX:

Last night at 10:30 pm, Helgy and I had just arrived at our hotel room. I was talking about how good it was to be able to sleep-in the next morning without using the alarm clock. No sooner had I said that, than the phone rang. Dave Miner (the Meet Chairman) was calling me. He wanted me to meet him in the lobby in 20 minutes. (He was just arriving from the Central VCCA meet.) Uh... okay.

So Bob and I go to the lobby at 10:45 pm. Dave arrives. Say could you help me unload some boxes? Uh.... okay. So we go to the back of the hotel, get the club room unlocked, commandeered a dolly and proceed to move about a hundred (?) boxes from Cousin Dale's trailer to the storage room. They were loaded with booklets, prizes and other jun... er... stuff.

Then Dave says "Thanks, and oh by the way, can you be with me at 7 am for an interview on Television channel 5?". Uh... you've got to be shi**ing me. Nope... we really need someone there who traveled a long way to get here... in other words, what the hell is the matter with you??? Ha!

Uh... okay. Got up at 6:15 am (on Sunday)... went to the parking lot. Waiting with the two security cops until 8:30... No television crew, no cameras. Dave --- dang it, YOU OWE ME ONE! (and where was Helgy during all of this? Sleeping with NO FRIGGING ALARM SET!)

Back to business -- Helgy and I drove to the site of the Judging area today to check it out. It's at the Sloan Museum.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Some cool banners on the light posts.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]


[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And a block away is the Buick Museum.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Today was FEC&P day... and if you don't know that that is... a quick summary. First Drive your car to the far end of the hotel parking lot and get in line. Never mind the 90 degree temperature or the super hot asphalt parking lot. Just sit there and wait your turn. Then you finally get to the front of the line for your "field entrance check"... headlights on please, now brake lights... wiper motor (only once), heater fan, drivers window up one inch, and finally your horn. Now where is your fire extinguisher? What? You left it in the trailer? I'm so sorry... but you REALLY NEED ONE Wednesday for the judging field or we can't let you on it. Okay you can go now.

Next, go to the back of the hotel and get in line.. yes, that very, very, very long line. It's the one for the "P" (pictures). Never mind that it's now 100 degrees and the black asphalt has turned into a tar pit. We all look like dinosaurs caught in the goo. But, finally we get to the front and "snap", the photo is done.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Bob says that I mentioned him buying six packs of beer too much in this dialogue. I responded but it's true. Each time you buy one, I mention it. So on the way home from dinner tonight we stopped and he bought a CASE!! So I guess that I won't mention him buying beer again for a couple of days!! Ha ha.

And, yes... I'm helping him as much as I can. The more I drink, then the better his liver will be. That's what friends are for!!


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Car looks GREAT Bill! You look HOT! Time to work on that case.



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Bill,
This is a fun thread to read, glad you made it. You do look hot! The car looks great.


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DAY SEVEN:

Uncle Ed (and everyone else)... you're dang right I'm hot... And you should see the OTHER photos of me that I REJECTED. Ha. Thanks to Helgy (or "Bob" as his wife calls him), I'm getting a bunch of photos to post here now. That seems to make my drivel a little more coherent.

Today was our first tour day - and we went to the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights. It is NOT open to the public. It is NOT open to other riff-raff. In fact our club president said that you can tell that it's not a real museum because it doesn't have a gift store!!! ha ha..

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Wow... what a display... approximately 200 cars at any one time.. along with a bunch of engines.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

The prototype cars are unbelievable. Does this really look like the back-end of a Vette??!?!?!??!

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

On the way home we dropped 25 degrees in under 15 minutes. It went from 99 degrees to 74 degrees due to a thunder storm that hit us. Here's a photo looking out the DRIVER'S WINDOW!!
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And another one about a minute later.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And lastly, since we are on the fourth floor of the Holiday Inn, here's a view looking down at the BACK of the parking lot. Note that a lot of trucks select this area.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And that wraps up the first official day. Some folks went to the GM Truck Assembly Plant. But they don't allow photos there.

It is hot here. In the mid to high 90's. You've got to stay hydrated or you'll pass out. Thankfully Bob is looking out for my health all of the time. God bless Bob.... and Budweiser. drink


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DAY EIGHT

We started today with a breakfast with all of the International folks. They came from around the world.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Bob said that they talked "funny"... But one of the Aussies said that "WE" talk funny. That got a good laugh... (at least we all LAUGH the same!) bigl

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Lots of people came a L-O-N-G way to attend.. Our appreciation goes out to all of them. Hip Hip Hooray!!!
wavey thanku wavey

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Stopped by the Swap meet again today.. Spent a few more bucks. Good parts... and almost ALWAYS marked with the correct year!!! yipp

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Poor 'ol Al, sitting all by his-self in 90 degrees hawking our trailer decals... I think if you offer him HALF of the price, that he'll take it. Anything to get out of the dang heat. He was so delierious, that he was actually SMILING!!
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And one quick photo of the BEST WAY TO TRAVEL when you're in this god-forsaken country... (oops, no slander intended - but hey! I"m from 60 degree Seattle, and this 90 degree / 90 percent humidity is for the birds!). I signed up for EVERY bus trip that was offered. Their radiators DON'T BOIL OVER!!!

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Lastly some photos of a 1951 from New Jersey that caught Bob's eye. I think he tried to buy it but they wanted TWO cases of beer --- not the ONE that he offered!! stressed

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]


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Wow! That's the Filling Station panel truck that I see in back of the parking lot! Cool!

laugh wink beer2


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Top marks for the photographer.
I agree you lot north of the equator talk funny but at least you use a understandable version of "English".
As JYD mentioned the "The Filling Station" truck is there, did you collect your prize for spotting it?
Tony


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DAY NINE

Okay, dudes (and dudettes)... this is the one that you've been waiting for -- JUDGING DAY!!!

Lets start off with some cars. Shiny and not-so-shiny. But a fantastic collection. Nearly every single year of Chevrolet represented. I'll try to remember to tell you in a later posting which years were not there.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And now -- PEOPLE!!

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And --- FUTURE JUDGES!!
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And --- me (of course). computer
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

A Ute from downunder --- Now "living" in the USofA:
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

It was over 90 degrees today... overcast until noon... that was great... but the afternoon was a bugger. The judges didn't release the cars until 5:20 PM - but 3/4 of the cars began to leave at 4 PM.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And finally -- one persons comment:
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Everybody survived the day. Bob and I drove over to the location at 8pm on Tuesday to check out my space. One other person was there doing the same thing. Otherwise the entire 20 acres was empty. In the Meet Booklet it said that arrival for all 600+ cars being judged and displayed, was suppose to be between 8 and 10 am. I was a tad surprised when I arrived at 7:15 AM to find over 20 trailers already unloaded in the parking lot - along with -at least- a hundred cars on the field!!! Wow.

Errata: Cold bottled water was $1 each. Soda Pop was $1. Hot dogs were $2.25. Polish Dogs were $2.75 wow...

And a "huge" dish of ice cream was $2.75 (I think)... double wow...

Someone can correct me on the prices if they want.

Tomorrow - the Plaque Tour.



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WOW - six 1934 cabriolets!

Was the maroon one DJ's from PSR?

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Any chance you shot some pics of 41's ?

Enjoy,
Michael41


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Yep.

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At least there is at least 1 Australian representative there, I dont feel so left out now.
Tony


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Pics of 41's! Cool. Well when you get a chance, post em....

In the mean time, enjoy & have a safe drive home.
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A really nice meet.......I,m glad I came. Thank you to all.


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DAY TEN

Plaque Tour to Crossroads Village - a recreation of a historical old-time town. Included a railroad and boat ride. Weather was "horribly hot" as reported by one of the attendees. (I'm not going to name him since I have to ride all the way back home with him.)

I didn't go. computer I stayed at the hotel and worked on the overhead images for the banquet program.

Later that evening was the car display on THE BRICKS - aka Saginaw Street!

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]


DAY ELEVEN

Banquet.
It was the best facility that I've ever been to for a VCCA event!! It was sized PERFECTLY for our group of 1,000+ people. The place was newly refurbished and looked fantastic. Equally important, the STAFF were very helpful, prompt and courteous. Overall, an outstanding venue and an outstanding experience.

Here's a photo of only part of the main banquet hall. The room had FIVE of these large screens in it!!

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

I have dozens of these photos from my navigator on the trip (Bob)... but I'll only show one, since you'll see tons more in the special Anniversary issue of the G&D.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Oh, speaking of my navigator - while I was WORKING the entire night running the overhead projector, he was cavorting around the room... I found these photos on his camera!!!

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And finally, some of the things that were shown during the night are below here.

a) Here is one of the commercials that we showed.
Chevy Commercial for Levi's

b) While the VCCA President, Don Williams, announced that the next 2016 meet was going to be in Medford, Oregon, I displayed this small clip of the downtown area.
Downtown Medford Oregon

Good day from Sioux Falls, Minnesota. Tomorrow - Wall Drug and then Sturgis!!!!
ETA Seattle - another 3 or 4 days.
carrot yay yipp

Note: Bob is the banana.


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Bill,

Thanks for getting back to your daily journal thread. Your writing is
very entertaining; but beyond that it gives those of us who didn’t go
to Flint a great look at your journey and then the actual events in
Flint. VERY interesting and informative. Thnx again for doing this.
It's obvious you've had a GREAT time. Best wishes for a safe trip home.

Bill.

PS: Altho you didn’t mention it as you traveled to Flint, I presume you
noticed signs in Mandan, ND (Just across the Missouri River from Bismarck, ND)
about Mandan being the “Birthplace of noted Oregon car guy Bill Fuller.”

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CORRECTION!!

When we traveled to Flint two weeks ago, we were warned not to venture into Mandan, ND. Someone said that it was a rough town and that we'd be better off going to Sturgis, SD and asking for sarsaparilla at any of the bars there.

So, we decided to bypass Mandan (Sorry Bill, we we hoping to see your birth home - and get our picture taken next to your statue), and tomorrow we'll get our asses kicked in Sturgis!!
bigl parking togo nanana imsorry doh


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Originally Posted by Bill Barker
DAY THREE

Left Bismark, North Dakota this morning.....While booking it (64 MPH) in North Dakota on I-94 we were....


Bill, If you were on I-94 going East thru ND, as your writing indicates, I'm
pretty sure you go thru Mandan about 5 minits before you arrive in
Bismarck. Maybe not "right thru" Mandan. That would be the 'old'
highway. The "interstate" runs along the outskirts of Mandan.

Nonetheless, I understand your concern about going into Mandan. What
the hay, look what happened to Custer!!!

As for Sturgis, you two are definitely on your own. Suggest you be careful
who you wink at...

Bill.

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Hey Billy Boy Barker!

Great photos once again!

Now that Flint is over are you going to delete the "Flint or Bust" at the top of Chevy Chatter II and then replace it with a new countdown for Medford, Oregon in 2016? As we speak there are only 1,823 days to the next Anniversary Meet in Medford!

By the way, I checked out the link above for the clip on Medford, and I really hate to tell ya this...but...that ain't Medford, Oregon!!

laugh wink beer2


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Great pics and story Bill. Thanks for sharing.

As a side bar, I have been to Sturgis and had a great time. While there were some rough looking big-as* guys, they were actually very friendly & fun. But as 42Bill says I don't think I'd wink at any of them.

Enjoy the ride home,
Michael41

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Gee......LOL......how come he got to pose with those nice ladies??? .......Super pictures.


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i took a day off from the NCRS national convention in Novi, Mi and drove up to the VCCA meet in Flint. i viewed the cars at the sloan museum and was real impressed with the quality of the VCCA restorations. most were on par with the Corvettes we judged in Novi. mike

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Mike, Mike, Mike.... Our restorations are not on par with yours... Your restorations are on par with ours! I think we were restoring them, while you were picking them up new at the dealership!! Glad you made the drive up... Obviously our club made it worth the journey!


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DAY TWELVE

While passing through Hastings Minnesota, we stopped to check out my great, great, great grandfather's house.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

The house was built in approx 1835.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Then we traveled today through South Dakota. No trip through these corn fields is complete without stopping at the CORN PALACE. We went inside and tasted corn balls (didn't buy any), bought some hot coffee and popping-corn-cobs for the grand-kids.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Stopped at a rest area that was pretty fantastic. Could see the Missouri River from there and there was a GREAT exhibit of the Lewis and Clark expedition. They camped in the exact same spot on the way TO the Pacific Ocean, and then again on the return trip home. PS. Their trip lasted 2 years and 4 months.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]


Stopped at the Pioneer Auto Museum.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

1937 Cord
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Over 250 cars located in the Musuem. Some were really great (and the rest were Fords.) ha ha... Seriously, the variety is fantastic. Moon, REO, Scripps-Booth, Chrysler Airflow, Kaiser, Nash, RB, Cadillac V16, Auburn, Cord, Murray, Overland, Maxwell, Brush, Saxon, Chalmers, Grant, Stoddard-Dayton, and a bunch more that I forgot. Also Elis 1958 motorcycle, and the original General Lee 01.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Oh, yes, we also saw our SECOND cooper-cooled Chevy engine on this trip. Ho-hum.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Continued in the next posting.


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Day Twelve - Continued


Also made the obligatory stop later this afternoon at WALL DRUG.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]


And, of course, Bob found ANOTHER lovely to have his picture taken with. (She seemed "stiff" and kind of "wooden" to me.)

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Left Wall, SD and ran into another severe rain storm with lightening. Had to slow to 40 MPH with my 4-way flashers on. The wind was easily 50 to 70 mph. I was afraid that it was going to blow my trailer into the ditch - or to Oklahoma!!!??!!

Saw 6 motorcyclists all huddled on the side of the road under an overpass. They were scared sh**less from the lightening bolts.

One advantage that I've discovered on this trip when traveling with another guy - is that the toilet seat is ALWAYS up. This is really cool. After drinking a couple of brewski's, you can wait until the very last second before you dash for the bathroom. Since the seat is always in the UP position, it saves precious seconds when you're in a hurry.
luv2
Gotta love that!


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Bill... not to nit pick, but if you had done the trip correctly, it would have been your third Copper Cooled... you may have to go back! Thanks for posting the blog... it was fun to travel with you, while I sort of traveled with you! Is it wrong that I went back to the hotel room every night, and thought "I wonder how Bill's day went?" !!


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Hey Billy Boy Barker!

Who owns your great, great, great grandfather's house now? Is it still in the family by chance?

laugh wink beer2


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Sure enjoy your journal.
Were the restrooms open in Minnesota this time? drink


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DAY THIRTHEEN

Yes, the restrooms in Minnesota were open. But they had signs posted that said "Do Not drink the water since the lines have been shut down for three weeks." That was okay with us, since we were on a strict Budweiser diet.

Woke up in South Dakota this morning.
Drove through Sturgis at 8 am.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

In case you weren't aware, this is the WEEK BEFORE the big annual motorcycle rally. As you can tell by the photos, most of the bikes run on alcohol too.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Bob wanted to look at the building with the pretty mural paintings on it.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

But then he saw these two guys WINDOW SHOPPING for a Harley at 8 in the friggin' morning!!!?!?! :-)

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

We reluctantly left Sturgis (since neither of us wanted to get a tattoo), and we moved on to Montana. It put on a cool weather storm for us to drive through.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Got a free windshield washing, but had to listen to Bob complain that it made him want to pee.


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DAY THIRTEEN Continued:

When we stopped at numerous Rest Areas in Montana (don't ask why - just read the previous posting)... we saw lots of signs.

This one grabbed our attention!!!
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Wow... can you imagine getting bit by one of those when you're at mile marker 347 in the middle of nowhere? And you're the only people at the Rest Area?


And to make matters worse, they forbid you from administering proper medical aid?!?!?

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

When we finally stopped for the night, in a town called Big Timber, Montana, the motel recommended that we go down the road to the Frosty Freeze. Did that. The food was good. The waitresses very young. Cute, but VERY young. I don't know why Bob left such a large tip for just a hamburger and chocolate shake. Oh, well.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

When we walked outside to our truck, this pooch was having his own afternoon delight!

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]


Remember the sign that we saw in "another state" that said:
Quote
Be an American
Buy Ethanol


Well, in Montana, they have their own opinions:

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]


On the way back to the motel, we saw this truck. I hope that they weren't advertising the quality of their work.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And just as we rounded the last curve in the road, there was this Chevy Dealer:

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

This was the first day that we didn't set our watches back an hour. Bob said that we only had the normal 24 hours for "happy hour" instead of the 25 hours that we were becoming accustomed to. I think that we both would have preferred to have remained in Sturgis for a week, month, etc.

Tomorrow: More Montana (they don't call it the Big Sky State for nuthin') - and then on to Idaho and Washington.


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By what I have heard rattlesnakes give a warning before they bite, snakes down here bite first then get away as fast as they can. Most are just as deadly if not more so.
Tony


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DAY FOURTEEN or FIFTEEN

Okay, I lost count. Sue me. nanana

On the road again. Here is a photo that has become all too common on our trip. Those dang orange dividers. It sure is tempting to knock about a hundred of them over. My trailer is 8 feet 6 inches wide. I swear that some of the lanes are 7 feet wide!!?!?!?

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

And since we're in the middle of nowhere - we only had ONE stop today. At the Montana Prison (and car museum).
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

The walls are high and thick. Actually they look pretty nice.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Inside, we spent most of our time at the museum.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

The cars are almost all in excellent condition. You could drive any one of them in a parade and it would turn heads.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Lots of Chevs. 1926, 27, 28, 29, 34, etc

We ventured into the prison. Saw the gallows where guys walked up the 13 steps to the top and then dropped. In the courtyard was this contraption. I tried to get Bob to take a drink, but he wouldn't.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Drove all the rest of the day. Finally came to another state. Whew... they are sure far apart out-west.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Then just as we crossed over into Washington State, I saw an exit that I didn't know was there -- Barker Road.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]
Cool... it must have been a sign from "above". We decided to take it, since it was 7:30 pm and we were due to stop for the evening.

--> read the following posting. yay


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DAY WHATEVER

After 12 hours on the road, we take the exit. It goes two blocks to a dead-end. But at the end is a BRAND NEW hotel (Hampton Inn). Bob waddles in and and they have ONE room left. Great.

While he's there, I check my 2011 Chev navigation system and see a funny "owl" symbol for the establishment next door. Could it be?? Really??

We take our bags up to the room and then venture back outside. Next door we see this building:
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Before I get too far into this story, I want to post this photo from two days ago that I forgot about. While driving across South Dakota, it shows the outside temperature as 99 degrees. And, yes, my speed was 65 MPH, towing my trailer and '31. Love my Duramax.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

So, back to tonight... I had to hold Bob back from running across the parking lot to our "dinner establishment". Maybe it was the CASINO that was attracting him? Nahhh.....
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

We had a burger and beer. Then pie and another beer. Then, silver-tongued Bob asked the waitress for a picture. Naturally I ended up with the camera.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

It was a great dinner along with even great ambiance. Or whatever the euphemism is for "good looking gals".

On the way out, I got a photo of another waitress on a shot glass. She was a cutie - and very friendly. And, hey!, I really needed a new shot glass.
[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

drool


Check back tomorrow for our LAST DAY ON THE ROAD.


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Hmmm, Looks a little more interesting than the Triple XXX you took me to when I was in Seattle. devil


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Ha ha... Sorry JerryGolf. You are correct!!! It was MUCH better.

DAY SEVENTEEN (Last day)

Woke up today with good memories of a great dinner last night. I'm sure glad that we took some photos since our memories were a little "clouded" this morning. (Also known as "hungover") togo

Our Hampton Inn was the BEST motel that we've stayed at in the past 17 days. The room was excellent, smelled good and only cost $117. Wow. Oh, the "free" breakfast was also the best of any hotel that we've stayed at. Just thought that you'd like to know.

Reluctantly we left the hotel and passed by the dark restaurant next door. Two big Owl Eyes stared at us. At least they looked like Owl Eyes in the daytime.

We put the pedal to the metal and only an hour down the road we thought that we'd accidentally been transported to a mid-western state. But, nope, this REALLY is Eastern Washington State. (Sometimes promoted as "The Other Washington".)

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

A little later we crossed to a county that obviously had water, and the palette changed. It's amazing what a little "green" does to the countryside.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Continuing on, the rolling hills began to give way to the "foothills".

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Then an amazing view as we dropped down to cross over the Columbia River (in the middle of the state).

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Climbing from there, we began to see the "greening of America"... in the form of large windmills looking for unsuspecting birds. :-)

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

In case you ever come this way, you might want to stop in George, Washington for gas. Or just skip the restaurant and only fuel up the car. ?!?!

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Lunchtime. And there's no place better to stop than the Flying A in Ellensburg. I had a mushroom burger with swiss cheese - and a chocolate shake. Afterwards I drove my truck and trailer through their photo prop. I didn't realize until later that I had JUST MISSED WIPING OUT their roof with my trailer. Ouch. THAT would have been embarrassing - and expensive.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Continued in the next posting.


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THE END

Here it is. What you've been waiting for. The end of these huge photo files and waiting for them to download when reading my ramblings. Ha!

As we continued heading westward, there began to be hints on the horizon of what this wonderful state is all about. What the heck is that white-stuff off in the distant?

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

At every turn we saw the snow-capped peaks beckoning us. In July!!

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Working our way up the last major mountain pass (Snoqualmie), we passed by Spirit Lake. Probably one of the coldest that you'd ever swim in - if you were dumb enough. It is fed entirely from melting snow.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Finally at the mountain pass summit, we swung in for a quick peek of the ski lifts. I always wondered what was under all of that snow. Ugly gravel.

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

45 minutes later we arrived in Issaquah - my home town. And we just had to swing by the Triple X. (Are you listening Jerry?) This is where you can always find some hot cars and people jiving to the music of the 50's and 60's. The food is good, and as Jerry can attest, the gals are even better. (Look for a posting from about three years ago.)

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]

Now this little journey wouldn't be complete unless we saw one last photo of my traveling companion, Bob, with another doe-eyed gal. He has a knack for always wooing the ladies. Silver-tongued does not do justice to his banter. Whether it's at Hooters or my house, he's got them eating out of his hand. I'm honored to be his wing-man.
chevy

Detail: When we pulled into my driveway this afternoon, the trip odometer rolled to 2,502 miles since we left Flint. Along with the 2,250 miles that we drove getting there, I think that it'll soon be time for an oil change. The funny thing is that I just got one 3 days before we left.

So here's one final salute to a great guy, who stuck with me for the past 17 days and always laughed at my jokes. A guy who bought the beer when the stores wouldn't honor my ID. A guy who doesn't snore at night. A guy who is a babe-magnet.

(And a guy to whom I still owe one-half of all of the motel bills.)
rolllaugh


Two minutes after we arrive at my house, Bob was once again putting the moves on the best looking gal at my house...
.
.
.
.
......... my granddaughter Cassie.
.
.
.
.
Oh, well... I should have known. haha

[Linked Image from barkerville.net]


God bless you Bob... and thanks to everyone who made our visit to Flint so memorable.
We had a great time.
And a note to my doctor: The weight that I put on was probably due to the limited time that I had for exercising. iagree
I know that it wasn't due to the beer that I drank.
Bob says that Lite Beer doesn't have any calories.

God bless him, again.
thanku


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Great travelogue Bill. Good to read all the stories about you and Helgy. Nice to
see all the pictures, also. Job well done!!!

Twould be fine with me if you did an addendum or two. Additonal stories,
pictures, whatever....

Bill.

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Bill,

Wonderful journal. It was great to follow you guys along your trip to and from Flint.

Bob/Bill, great photos!

Glad you made it home safely.

I hope you recycled all of those beer cans/bottles.



Regards,

Jim M.

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Your diary was great!! I couldn't go to Flint because of health reasons and your pictures and comments made my absence OK . Thanks so much, Bill.....
..............Joe

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Bill
I agree with all comments above about your travelogue. I will bet it is good to be back at home with family though.
Bob does seem the have a way with the pretty women though, Cassie will probably be around the longest though.

Thank you for the combined efforts of you and Bob.

Tony


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Thanks Billy that was fun!!

Enjoyed the ride,
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Great trip! Enjoyed following along in your travelogue.
Now you've got me think'n maybe I can do the same thing going the opposite direction in 5 years!

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