As I discussed in my last e-mail to Brian--the Country Boys were considering having our own "Fire Pit Friday". After much consideration and 4 cases of Miller's Lite we decided the only way to have the true experience of the "real thing" would be if we came to Indy and "feel the joy" first hand.

Our goal was to arrive the evening of the 18th and be camping on Brian's spill-way when he arrived home from work. We allowed that if we left Tuesday evening (the 15th) and with the following Monday off from work, (in observance of Robert E. Lee's Birthday), we should have plenty of time.

Things seemed to be on schedule until we realized no one had a vehicle large enough for all of us. "Hawk" Beasley volunteered his tractor and Pap was quick to lend his trailer. (The fact that he built that trailer back in the early 50's did not come out until several miles later) So, we are back on schedule.

Now we are a bit "country", however, a couple of us realized that the tractor was probably not fast enough for interestate travel-another problem. Seems Hawks brother had an old Buick Station Wagon with a 456 c.i. engine-problem solved. Of course, the engine swap did throw us 12 minutes behind on our departure.

Now we had all agreed to meet at the "ole place" to depart. First off, roll call-and that went something like this: Pap, Roger Dale, Larry, Hawk, Roger's brother in law, Clay, Roger's brother Wayne, (whom we refer to as Hungry Jack), a large friend of mine named Wayne (brought for the sole purpose of food in case we resort to cannabalism) and yours truly. (Otis wanted to come but we did not tell him what "ole place" we were leaving from).

We pulled out of Potter's Chapel at 5:56 p.m. (Roger Dale driving) and things seemed to be going pretty well. (Larry is reading the map) Pap has agreed to ride on the hood with a flash light in each hand since the lights went out before we got to Frankfort. Well we reached I-40 and Larry yelled, "turn left"! About this time I realized Otis was running along behind with what appeared to be a 5 gallon can of gas. Well now it was getting on toward midnight when we saw that sign that said Atlanta- 36 miles.....Clay is now reading the map--Hawk is driving--Pap is still on the hood and I'm pretty sure Otis jumped on the back as we slowed a little comming back over Signal Mountain. Seems we had been lost-but we are making damn good time. At Cave City, Ky about 3:07 p.m. Wednesday evening we decided to stop for flashlight batteries and it was at this time Pap explained that he was 81 and had high hopes of making 82 next month and he was not going to ride that damn hood all night tonight.

Now my large friend, Wayne is on the hood, Hungry Jack is driving and Otis is reading the map. We got to the city limits of Crossville, Tn and realized Otis can not read. Clay is driving--no one reading the map-- however, Pap is giving directions. It is now Thursday 10:02 a.m.- plenty of time to make that spill-way.....

Thursday, 11:52 p.m.--sign read Washington, Mo (a few miles out of St Louis) appears Hungry Jack saw an arch and convinced the others there was a McDonalds ahead)......

Friday, 4:47 p.m., lost again, still making damn good time. Hitch-hiker driving. Saturday, 5:55 p.m., I don't really believe this is Vermont but the people talk funny and they do have really good Maple Syrup--go figure. We gave up on the spill-way, camping, and FPF. Now we just want to get back to Tennessee where Roger Dale assures me we will enjoy "Whiskey Makin Wednesday."

Well, we did make it back home and was only a few hours late for work Tuesday (the 22nd). We felt bad that we had missed FPF, however, the entire group seemed happy that I had managed to shove Otis out as we came back thru Louisville (on the Indiana side).

One other thing-we met this guy in Nashville--and for some reason he wants us to star in a movie--it's called "Black Hog Down".