2015.06.19 Day 2 at the Hot Rod Reunion

 

Our gang started the day with breakfast at Bob Evans.  Much to KK’s delight, the waitress that he had last year took care of us this morning.

At the Hot Rod Reunion, we set up our area, and were quick to head out to view the other vehicles and the swap meet.  Mallory has taken over as the default driver of our golf cart.

Mallory driving the golf cart.

Mallory driving the golf cart.

You don’t have to be an expert on cars to enjoy and appreciate this event.  It is easy to see that there have been millions of hours and dollars spent restoring these vehicles, and these owners are passionate about them.  Some of the most enjoyable cars we looked at had an information board in front telling the story of the car, just like KK and Mallory made for hers.

Car lineup.

Car lineup.

Stephanie found a Ford Falcon similar to a car her parents had when she was a child.

Stephanie found a Ford Falcon similar to a car her parents had when she was a child.

We also made a short walk through the pit area and found Big Daddy Don Garlits.  I remember going to the races as a young boy and getting my picture taken with his car.

The one and only Big Daddy.

The one and only Big Daddy.

We checked out the vendor area this morning, which included a huge area of tools for sale.  I don’t think KK could walk past it without making a small purchase.

KK and I visited the raceway to watch some dragster racing.  We only got to see one race before a light rain started, which halted the activity.  The name of one of the dragsters was the “Spirit of Tulsa”.

You really can’t get any closer to the action than we were.  I loved the old raceway and the grandstands.  All of the stands were covered, which we appreciated.

Beech Bend Raceway.

Beech Bend Raceway.

Once back at camp, I took Mallory and Marissa into town to buy some groceries for lunch.  We grilled out bratwurst and hot dogs and enjoyed some time under our tent.

Cherry Bomb Admirers.

Cherry Bomb Admirers.

Mallory, Marissa and PK playing cards.

Mallory, Marissa and PK playing cards.

Lunch time.

Lunch time.

In the mid-afternoon, I took Mallory and Marissa next door to the Beech Bend Amusement Park.  We spent a couple of hours on the rides.  They had a surprisingly excellent roller coaster, considering the size of the park.

Marissa and Mallory at the Beech Bend Amusement Park.

Marissa and Mallory at the Beech Bend Amusement Park.

Steve and Mallory at the Kentucky Rumbler.

Steve and Mallory at the Kentucky Rumbler.

Mallory and Marissa upside down.

Mallory and Marissa upside down.

 

While waiting in line at the Haunted House, Mallory was watching an employee walk down the way toward us.  A squirrel ran out of a magnolia tree and across his path.  The guy yelled, “Ricky! Get back in the tree!” at the squirrel.  Ricky didn’t listen.

Mallory and Steve on the Zero G right before I’m asked to put  my phone away.

Mallory and Steve on the Zero G right before I’m asked to put my phone away.

Mallory and Steve at the top of Zero G.  Pic taken from the Cherry Bomb home base.

Mallory and Steve at the top of Zero G. Pic taken from the Cherry Bomb home base.

One of the rides at the park was called the Sea Dragon, and it had an interesting story.  The park purchased it from the Michael Jackson Neverland Estate.  As best I can tell, Marissa is sitting in the same spot that Michael Jackson once sat in.  Not sure that is a good thing.

Mallory and Marissa on the Sea Dragon.

Mallory and Marissa on the Sea Dragon.

Michael Jackson Neverland Ride.

Michael Jackson Neverland Ride.

While we were at the amusement park, KK and PK got to take in some more of the racing.

The "Spirit of Tulsa" at the Beech Bend Raceway.

The “Spirit of Tulsa” at the Beech Bend Raceway.

KK picked us up on the golf cart after a few hours of rides.  The entire crew had enough fun for the day so we went back to the hotel for showers shortly after that.

KK enjoyed some fine shopping at Cabella’s and Sam’s Club while the rest of us recuperated back at the room.  We finished the night with dinner at Rafferty’s, which was very highly ranked on TripAdvisor.  And it was well deserved.  We had a great meal and conversation.

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