Sandi-n-Larry's Day-O-Fun

    It said 'Rain or Shine' but it needn't have as the weather was perfect. A good sized crowd made the run along the Nashwaak River to Sandi and Larry's place for fun, food, and general kibitzing.  Even Kelvin got brave and ventured away from his home and bog.  It's a good thing he has a huge sense of humour as we certainly teased him about it.  I'm sure this will live on as a bit of club lore. 
    The challenges where varied with a bit of naval (that's 'NAVAL', not navel) flare thrown in.  One could canoe about the pond while being chased by a miniature pirate ship.  Oops, I forgot to tell you Larry, about the pointy thing on the front of your boat?...seems it had a run in with the canoe as it doesn't steer nearly as well as you'd want it to. Sorry.  Perhaps the FABAC Traveling Road Show & Pit Crew can visit and make repairs. 
    Our hosts also tried to sneak in some aerobic exercise amongst the challenges by hiding the short return trail from the river.  There was obviously a moving tree that could be swung silently into place once one had passed it on the way down.  This forced returnees to take the much longer path back to the house. I was stuck with one such group and forced to endure considerable moaning, whining and complaining interspersed with all the huffing and puffing.
    The day wouldn't have been complete without one of John's quizzes.  We had sent the Crumley's home early giving others a chance at winning.  Be warned that the quizzes are branching out beyond the automotive realm and into such areas as modern history ("Name India's first female Prime Minister?")  And yes, someone knew the answer.
    Oh yes,...we also have a club song.  Kelvin showed off his surprisingly good singing voice and composing skills with his original tune "Go little Mini, go! We applauded boisterously and extended congratulations on a job well done. Watch for a downloadable mp3 soon.
    Tickets had been issued by the hosts for challenges passed using an arbitrary but completely fair system.  Somehow Joe won the grand prize, a fact I was told to mention but don't remember why.
    Aaaaand of course there was food.  As promised, we all got to sample the award (First Prize!) winning maple syrup while digging into the goodies. 
    The evening ended with a soul stirring drive down the achingly beautiful Nashwaak river road, highway 8 back to town.
    We all thank Sandi and Larry for your hospitality. .....and sorry about your boat.
- Bob E.
(Pictures coming tomorrow)