Bluerauder
08-05-2007, 07:01 PM
Memories of Marauderville V (MV5)
50 pics in the MV5 Event Gallery >>>>>http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=9026
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
Arrival at the hotel at noon
Pick up visitor bags from Hagerstown Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
Begin registration/check-in set up at 2:30 PM
Do some final bag stuffing
Participants begin to check-in around 3:00 PM
Meeting some people for the first time in person
20 people head to the Schmankerl Stube German Restaurant
12 MMs lined up in the parking lot near the Visitors Center in downtown Hagerstown
Weiner Schnitzel, Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and 1 liter beers
Local TV station leaves a business card on the cars Call me
Back to the hotel parking lot at 10:30 PM
Pat suffers a roof dinger from a flying object enroute to the hotel.
Thursday, 2 August 2007
Up at 6 AM out in the parking lot at 6:30 AM to give the car the once over with ICE
Several other folks have the same idea . Cleaning products are abundantly evident
Grab a coffee at the hotel restaurant
Mini-convoys to Richardsons Restaurant for the kick-off breakfast
Some 35 Marauders in the restaurant parking lot. Many photo opportunities.
Huge buffet breakfast in all-you-can-east style -- Marauderers have LARGE appetites
Eggs, bacon, sausage, scrapple, home-fired potatoes, pancakes, French toast, biscuits, coffee, orange and apple juice.
Short welcome speech Welcome to CAM Territory
Back to the hotel to resume registration/check-in for the later arrivals
Some folks back to washing, waxing, cleaning and shining their MMs
Others just kicked back and hanging out in or around the swimming pool
MV5 Picnic and Car Show begin at 12 Noon
Arrive on time, park MM and set up Bluerauder display
Hang the banners for Marauderville V, Tire Rack and others.
Watch as Haggis runs the official Marauder Banner/Flag up the flagpole
31 Marauders enter into the car show. About 40+ MMs actually on site.
98 degrees and Hot as Heck. Shade and water is on everyones mind
Flippin burgers and turnin hotdogs on the grill hotter here.
Tom Doan doing his Pig cooking duties with his special cooker
A fantastic spread of food courtesy of Ladyhawke and Haggis
Joe Walsh on the corn and the grill hes a virtual chef
Time to vote in the Car Show, Pick 3 of the top cars, Best Engine Compartment, and Best Presentation or Display i.e. narrow the field to 5 this is gonna be hard
Round 1 Picked the top 15 cars and made notes on my first go-around
Round 2 - Narrowed the field to 10 MMs on my second pass
Round 3 - Settled on the final 5 cars on my third walk through
Wow, this is really tough every MM out there was of show quality
TV crew on site interviewing car owners and asking about the Marauder
Lots of volunteers lined up to meet the young, statuesque, blonde TV reporter from NBC Channel 25
Back to the pavilion for more refreshments while the ballots are being tallied
Trophies for the Top 3 Marauders, Best Engine Compartment, and Best Display or Presentations.
Prizes for all car show participants (Meguiars Spray detailer, MM shotglasses, Marauder parking signs, BBQ sets, plus much more)
Winners are announced
The Bluerauder takes 3rd Place Overall in Best of Show AND Best Display/Presentation
WOW, I dont really know what to say --- thanks gang !!!!
Picnic breakdown and clean-up
Load MM up with cases of water and soda for the Drag Event in the morning
Head back to the hotel to clean up and cool down
Hang out in the lounge for a while and chat with other folks
Order food from room service and hit the rack early
Friday, 3 August 2007
Up at 6 AM
Meet in the hotel restaurant for a quick buffet breakfast
Convoy of about 12 cars to Mason-Dixon Dragway at 7:30 AM. Some cars already there, more show up as the day goes on. Final count at the event was about 25+ with about 20 racing.
Arrive at track and begin setting up water and drink coolers
Cars in the pit area getting cars registered, prepped & ready, and appropriately numbered
Driver orientation on the track and its rules
Demonstration run by Sherm as the tower announcer walks through his familiarization with the track
Drivers begin practice runs single or in pairs beginning at 9:00 AM
Taking lots of photos and trying to find some shade
Temperature broke 90 at 8:00 AM and is climbing
Most drivers make about 4-6 practice runs and start to figure Dial-In times
Vkirkend makes 12 practice runs all nearly identical --- consistency
Bracket racing begins at 10:30 AM -- about 14 N/A cars vkirkend takes the top spot
Bracket racing for Power Added class begins about 11:15 AM 03MMmonroe takes 1st place beating out Sherm after he broke out against his Dial-In
Head back over to the hotel to get ready for the tours
Grab a quick lunch in the hotel restaurant
Meet about 30 folks in the hotel lobby ready for the trip to Skyline Drive & Luray Caverns
Lead a Convoy of 16 MMs on a 210 mile roundtrip
The climb up Skyline Drive, winding roads, scenic overlooks, many photo ops
After first stop, drivers proceed at own pace to meet at Elkwallow Lodge
Rest break and brief pit stop at the lodge
Continue on to Luray via Route 211 down the winding road all the way to the Shenandoah Valley floor.
16 MMs make a grand entrance to Luray Caverns and swing past the main building to find an open row for all the cars
Private 1 and Ό hour tour of the Caverns (125th year of their discovery being celebrated in 2 weeks)
StalaCtites (ceiling), StalaGmites (ground), Plutos Ghost, Dream Lake, Cave Darkness, Christmas Tree/Ice Cream cone, Fried Eggs, Stalagpipe Organ.
The Car and Carraige Museum
The Garden Maze Go This Way --- Not !!!
Finish up at Luray at 7:30 PM and convoy back to Hagerstown
Arrive back in Hagerstown at 9:15 PM, get gas and something to eat
Hit the rack again another busy day
Saturday, 4 August 2007
Up at 6:00 AM again.
Breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant with Russ, Dana and Mark. More and more folks begin arriving.
Drivers convoy meeting in the parking lot. FRS/GMRS radio check.
40+ MMs begin an 80 miles convoy to Alexandria, VA
Bluerauder and Haggis alternate as convoy leads
Route from I-70E, to I-270, to I-495 to George Washington Parkway
A 2 mile single lane construction merge breaks the convoy temporarily
Able to regroup into a single file in about 15 miles
Sweetair jumps on the tail end of the convoy at Exit 16
Turn south on the GW Parkway for the scenic ride past the Pentagon, Arlington Memorial Cemetery, the DC monuments, and National Airport
Arrive for the Potomac River Cruise at 10;15 AM
Board the Ninas Dandy beginning at 11:00 AM
Wow this is much nicer and fancier than I expected said a few people
Lunch is served beginning at 11:30 AM
Cruise boat departs at 12 Noon sharp
Boat Captain narrates the trip pointing out places and things of interest
Finish lunch and head to the large open deck on top with Joe Walsh and Sweetair
Must leave top as the boat approaches several low bridges
Antennas and Radar dome are lowered
Top of wheel house clears the railroad bridge by no more than 8 inches
Head back to the main lounge/dining room to collect other folks
Up on top taking lots of photos
Breeze on top feels very good
Boat turns around at the Three Sisters rocks after passing under the Key Bridge and begins the return trip passing Georgetown, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, Arlington Cemetary, Pentagon, Naval Research Center, Reagan National Airport.
Boat docks at 2:30 PM sharp
Group photo
Lead Mini-convoy of 6 MMs back to Hagerstown.
Haggis & Ladyhawke lead another convoy on a Drive By around the Mall to see the monuments
Back at hotel at 4:30 PM
Freshen up and head to the lounge
Meet BigDogJim as he arrives
Head over to Prime Outlets for some shopping
Catch something to eat at The Texas Roadhouse
Top off the gas tank for the return trip
Sunday, 5 August 2007
Up at 6:00 AM again
Start packing up
Head to Richardsons Restaurant at 7:30 AM to aid in set-up
Participants begin arriving at 8:00 AM
Another fantastic breakfast
Recognition of the Longest Drive (james79stang), vendor supporters, and the CAM planning group members
Vendor and S/C raffle of some 120 prizes and over $9000.00 in prizes.
Double blind vendor drawing to match prizes with names.
I'll let one of the raffle officials post up the results and not spoil the surprise
MV5 officially ended at 10:00 AM
Members departed to head back to the hotel to gather up their things or head on back to home
I arrived at home at 2:30 PM.
It was a very fun week filled with all types of activities. My wife loved it and we both had a great time. I am exhausted .... glad I took tomorrow off. :D
Many thanks to the Capital Area Marauders (CAM) for hosting the event and for the planning efforts and flawless execution of a First Class Annual Meeting.
50 pics in the MV5 Event Gallery >>>>>http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=9026
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
Arrival at the hotel at noon
Pick up visitor bags from Hagerstown Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)
Begin registration/check-in set up at 2:30 PM
Do some final bag stuffing
Participants begin to check-in around 3:00 PM
Meeting some people for the first time in person
20 people head to the Schmankerl Stube German Restaurant
12 MMs lined up in the parking lot near the Visitors Center in downtown Hagerstown
Weiner Schnitzel, Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and 1 liter beers
Local TV station leaves a business card on the cars Call me
Back to the hotel parking lot at 10:30 PM
Pat suffers a roof dinger from a flying object enroute to the hotel.
Thursday, 2 August 2007
Up at 6 AM out in the parking lot at 6:30 AM to give the car the once over with ICE
Several other folks have the same idea . Cleaning products are abundantly evident
Grab a coffee at the hotel restaurant
Mini-convoys to Richardsons Restaurant for the kick-off breakfast
Some 35 Marauders in the restaurant parking lot. Many photo opportunities.
Huge buffet breakfast in all-you-can-east style -- Marauderers have LARGE appetites
Eggs, bacon, sausage, scrapple, home-fired potatoes, pancakes, French toast, biscuits, coffee, orange and apple juice.
Short welcome speech Welcome to CAM Territory
Back to the hotel to resume registration/check-in for the later arrivals
Some folks back to washing, waxing, cleaning and shining their MMs
Others just kicked back and hanging out in or around the swimming pool
MV5 Picnic and Car Show begin at 12 Noon
Arrive on time, park MM and set up Bluerauder display
Hang the banners for Marauderville V, Tire Rack and others.
Watch as Haggis runs the official Marauder Banner/Flag up the flagpole
31 Marauders enter into the car show. About 40+ MMs actually on site.
98 degrees and Hot as Heck. Shade and water is on everyones mind
Flippin burgers and turnin hotdogs on the grill hotter here.
Tom Doan doing his Pig cooking duties with his special cooker
A fantastic spread of food courtesy of Ladyhawke and Haggis
Joe Walsh on the corn and the grill hes a virtual chef
Time to vote in the Car Show, Pick 3 of the top cars, Best Engine Compartment, and Best Presentation or Display i.e. narrow the field to 5 this is gonna be hard
Round 1 Picked the top 15 cars and made notes on my first go-around
Round 2 - Narrowed the field to 10 MMs on my second pass
Round 3 - Settled on the final 5 cars on my third walk through
Wow, this is really tough every MM out there was of show quality
TV crew on site interviewing car owners and asking about the Marauder
Lots of volunteers lined up to meet the young, statuesque, blonde TV reporter from NBC Channel 25
Back to the pavilion for more refreshments while the ballots are being tallied
Trophies for the Top 3 Marauders, Best Engine Compartment, and Best Display or Presentations.
Prizes for all car show participants (Meguiars Spray detailer, MM shotglasses, Marauder parking signs, BBQ sets, plus much more)
Winners are announced
The Bluerauder takes 3rd Place Overall in Best of Show AND Best Display/Presentation
WOW, I dont really know what to say --- thanks gang !!!!
Picnic breakdown and clean-up
Load MM up with cases of water and soda for the Drag Event in the morning
Head back to the hotel to clean up and cool down
Hang out in the lounge for a while and chat with other folks
Order food from room service and hit the rack early
Friday, 3 August 2007
Up at 6 AM
Meet in the hotel restaurant for a quick buffet breakfast
Convoy of about 12 cars to Mason-Dixon Dragway at 7:30 AM. Some cars already there, more show up as the day goes on. Final count at the event was about 25+ with about 20 racing.
Arrive at track and begin setting up water and drink coolers
Cars in the pit area getting cars registered, prepped & ready, and appropriately numbered
Driver orientation on the track and its rules
Demonstration run by Sherm as the tower announcer walks through his familiarization with the track
Drivers begin practice runs single or in pairs beginning at 9:00 AM
Taking lots of photos and trying to find some shade
Temperature broke 90 at 8:00 AM and is climbing
Most drivers make about 4-6 practice runs and start to figure Dial-In times
Vkirkend makes 12 practice runs all nearly identical --- consistency
Bracket racing begins at 10:30 AM -- about 14 N/A cars vkirkend takes the top spot
Bracket racing for Power Added class begins about 11:15 AM 03MMmonroe takes 1st place beating out Sherm after he broke out against his Dial-In
Head back over to the hotel to get ready for the tours
Grab a quick lunch in the hotel restaurant
Meet about 30 folks in the hotel lobby ready for the trip to Skyline Drive & Luray Caverns
Lead a Convoy of 16 MMs on a 210 mile roundtrip
The climb up Skyline Drive, winding roads, scenic overlooks, many photo ops
After first stop, drivers proceed at own pace to meet at Elkwallow Lodge
Rest break and brief pit stop at the lodge
Continue on to Luray via Route 211 down the winding road all the way to the Shenandoah Valley floor.
16 MMs make a grand entrance to Luray Caverns and swing past the main building to find an open row for all the cars
Private 1 and Ό hour tour of the Caverns (125th year of their discovery being celebrated in 2 weeks)
StalaCtites (ceiling), StalaGmites (ground), Plutos Ghost, Dream Lake, Cave Darkness, Christmas Tree/Ice Cream cone, Fried Eggs, Stalagpipe Organ.
The Car and Carraige Museum
The Garden Maze Go This Way --- Not !!!
Finish up at Luray at 7:30 PM and convoy back to Hagerstown
Arrive back in Hagerstown at 9:15 PM, get gas and something to eat
Hit the rack again another busy day
Saturday, 4 August 2007
Up at 6:00 AM again.
Breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant with Russ, Dana and Mark. More and more folks begin arriving.
Drivers convoy meeting in the parking lot. FRS/GMRS radio check.
40+ MMs begin an 80 miles convoy to Alexandria, VA
Bluerauder and Haggis alternate as convoy leads
Route from I-70E, to I-270, to I-495 to George Washington Parkway
A 2 mile single lane construction merge breaks the convoy temporarily
Able to regroup into a single file in about 15 miles
Sweetair jumps on the tail end of the convoy at Exit 16
Turn south on the GW Parkway for the scenic ride past the Pentagon, Arlington Memorial Cemetery, the DC monuments, and National Airport
Arrive for the Potomac River Cruise at 10;15 AM
Board the Ninas Dandy beginning at 11:00 AM
Wow this is much nicer and fancier than I expected said a few people
Lunch is served beginning at 11:30 AM
Cruise boat departs at 12 Noon sharp
Boat Captain narrates the trip pointing out places and things of interest
Finish lunch and head to the large open deck on top with Joe Walsh and Sweetair
Must leave top as the boat approaches several low bridges
Antennas and Radar dome are lowered
Top of wheel house clears the railroad bridge by no more than 8 inches
Head back to the main lounge/dining room to collect other folks
Up on top taking lots of photos
Breeze on top feels very good
Boat turns around at the Three Sisters rocks after passing under the Key Bridge and begins the return trip passing Georgetown, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, Arlington Cemetary, Pentagon, Naval Research Center, Reagan National Airport.
Boat docks at 2:30 PM sharp
Group photo
Lead Mini-convoy of 6 MMs back to Hagerstown.
Haggis & Ladyhawke lead another convoy on a Drive By around the Mall to see the monuments
Back at hotel at 4:30 PM
Freshen up and head to the lounge
Meet BigDogJim as he arrives
Head over to Prime Outlets for some shopping
Catch something to eat at The Texas Roadhouse
Top off the gas tank for the return trip
Sunday, 5 August 2007
Up at 6:00 AM again
Start packing up
Head to Richardsons Restaurant at 7:30 AM to aid in set-up
Participants begin arriving at 8:00 AM
Another fantastic breakfast
Recognition of the Longest Drive (james79stang), vendor supporters, and the CAM planning group members
Vendor and S/C raffle of some 120 prizes and over $9000.00 in prizes.
Double blind vendor drawing to match prizes with names.
I'll let one of the raffle officials post up the results and not spoil the surprise
MV5 officially ended at 10:00 AM
Members departed to head back to the hotel to gather up their things or head on back to home
I arrived at home at 2:30 PM.
It was a very fun week filled with all types of activities. My wife loved it and we both had a great time. I am exhausted .... glad I took tomorrow off. :D
Many thanks to the Capital Area Marauders (CAM) for hosting the event and for the planning efforts and flawless execution of a First Class Annual Meeting.