posted 09-26-2006 08:39 AM                  

A few pics;

A look over the straits at Mackinac Island from our motel in St Ignace (just north of the Mighty Mac bridge.

Mike Spence and Meancat

Bill Somers, Annette Nauman, me, Mary and Dan Joslyn

Phil and Barb Chalmers new car w/flames

posted 09-26-2006 08:55 AM                  

Hey Bob (see Woodward dvd) and Phil Chalmers powering the barge, Barb Chalmers offering all the support in the world.

Trout 45' deep in 45 degree water, fed by 10,000 gallons of water per minute.

Meancat personal floatation device, sporting fresh paint off his car.

Pictured Rocks on the north shore of the upper peninsula on the shore of Lake Superior, not far from where Edmund Fitzgerald sank.

posted 09-26-2006 09:06 AM                  

Marina in Munising

posted 09-26-2006 09:15 AM                  

Cathy, Annette, Kim, Jerry, Jerry, Derrick "pyrotechnologist"

Joe Derosa left (hosted Sunday lunch in Houghton Lake) with Dr. Ru.

posted 09-26-2006 09:56 AM                  

Here I am taking over the ship..

Here Jerry is being booted out of the cabin.

And some others..

posted 09-26-2006 10:19 AM                  

------------------

More 'Pumpkin' photos and Mod Stuff . . . . . . . Our other cars and stuff

"I may have to grow older, but I do not have to grow up!"

posted 09-26-2006 11:04 AM                  

My pumpkin run was a little longer than most. It was almost 1660 miles. It started early last Wednesday when I left Rockford (about 80 miles NW of Chicago) and headed north like everyone else. Unlike most, I went north thru Wisconsin, up to the Upper peninsula (UP), and on to St Ignace. It was a wonderful drive with a Wednesday night stop-off in Escanaba Michigan. (about two thirds way to St Ignace) We were the first to arrive in St Ignace on Thursday morning. It was bright and sunny. I took all sorts of pictures while I awaited the rest of the contingent. Most arrived later that evening and along with them, they brought the rain!

Of course we tried to hide from the storms by driving all over the UP. It didn’t work very well and it was sunny only when we parked our Kats and went on a boat ride (Is there a lesson here?). Originally I had NOT planned to go to Houghton Lake with the rest of the group. I was going to enjoy my own day in the UP when the group went Houghton Lake, then after a trip to Mackinac Island, I was just going to turn west and then south and return to Rockford thru Wisconsin. However, the well laid plans to go to Mackinac Island were also scuttled by the rain and cold weather. So I changed my plans and went with the group to Houghton Lake. After that, it turned into a quest for nicer weather by going to Frankenmuth Michigan (near Flint Michigan – a lot closer to Detroit than Chicago). What started as 13 Kats in St Ignace, went to 7 in Frankenmuth. From there, the fellowship split with Pam and Tom leaving for home about 2:00pm. By 4:00pm the ladies had completed their side trip to at Bronners Christmas Shop and the fellowship split again with CJ, Bob and Carolyn going further south, Dan & Mary going home, and Dixi & Gene and Gloria and I finally heading off to the west. Eventually I took a wrong turn that lead me into the rat maze of highway repairs in Chicago, and Dixi & Gene continued west to Peoria. I finally arrived home after midnight. I was a rough trip thru Chicago. The traffic was still heavy at 10:00pm, much of it bumper to bumper, and some parts of the expressway or Tollway down to one lane in each direction. (I knew there was a reason to take US80)!

But seriously,,,,,, I had a great time. With a small group, it was so much easier to get to know and enjoy people in the group. I know it’s the Kats we have in common, but I think it’s the fellowship that keeps us coming back together! And after I rest from my encounter with the Chicago expressway monster, I too will forward to the next “Meeting of the Kats”

PS: I have some pictures I'll post later this week if they can add to the spirit of the event!

posted 09-26-2006 04:58 PM                  

Mike and I were up early before the pictured rock tour, and saw a beautiful sunrise...

A few pictured rock photos....

posted 09-26-2006 05:00 PM                  

Jerry's new look...

We even had fireworks!!!