EVENTS => Upcoming Events of Interest => Topic started by: 1HOTACR on December 23, 2014, 11:00:43 AM

Title: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: 1HOTACR on December 23, 2014, 11:00:43 AM
SoCal ~ CentralCal ~ NorCal  Viper Clubs
2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierras

                          See the posts below from hemotox  for more information and Lodging

FRIDAY MEETING SPOTS

Coming from L.A. We will meet at 7:30 a.m. at Denny's in Sylmar for Breakfast. Depart at 8:30 a.m. and head out to meet the Southern Group.
Denny's: 12861 Encinitas Ave, Sylmar CA.
http://www.yelp.com/map/dennys-sylmar-2

Coming from the South meet at 8:15 a.m. and depart at 8:30 a.m.
Summit Inn Restaurant
5970 Mariposa Rd
Oak Hills, CA 92345
http://www.yelp.com/map/summit-inn-restaurant-oak-hills


Both group will meet together at  10:30 a.m. 
Indian Wells Brewing Company
2565-CA14, Inyokern CA. 93527
http://www.yelp.com/map/indian-wells-brewing-company-inyokern
(Four miles South of Petersonville on Hwy 14)



ATTENDING:

Eric J.
Glenn & Stephanie
Gary & Melissa
Lance & Lori
Jim & Judy
Jay & Jennifer
Nino & Ruth
Randy & Diane
Keith & Rita
Dan & Mayo
Eddie & Michelle & Madison
Tom & Nancy Lavesque - Central Cal




A few Pictures below from last years run.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on January 20, 2015, 11:31:51 PM
I'm in as well as OriginalRoot (Joel Larson), this will be a most excellent weekend and incredible run.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: Mr. Fangs on January 21, 2015, 01:11:57 PM
Made this run last year, and it was a blast.


Never been to Bristle Cone forest. Looks like a great side trip.



Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on January 22, 2015, 02:21:11 AM
Couple pics from a past run to the Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Owens Valley at 10,000 feet



(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/car%20runs/Viper/IMG_1462_zpsz7ssank6.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/car%20runs/Viper/IMG_1482_zpsb2zqo5ah.jpg)


Incredible place with amazing vistas and 4000 year old trees.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: OriginalRoot on January 24, 2015, 03:14:55 PM
3rd time on this run for me, Fabulous Roads, Good Peeps.... I'm Definitely IN !
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on January 29, 2015, 06:41:30 PM
Viper Club Members planning on attending this run.

Here are the local accommodations for Bishop and Mammoth Lakes for August 7, and August 8.  One night each in Bishop and Mammoth Lakes.

LODGING
You can start booking your rooms now. Please note that the Creekside Inn in Bishop is not set up as a "room block", but tell them at the time of making your reservation that you are with So Cal Viper Club.  This is prime vacation season for these hotels and they sell out every night.  They won't block out rooms this time of year for a reduced rate.

Bishop - August 7th, 2015

Creekside Inn - AAA/AARP discount available $-$$
725 N Main St.
Bishop
Tel. 800-273-3550  Mention you're with the SCMM group.

La Quinta Inn $
651 N Main St
Bishop
Tel. 1.760-873-6380

Mammoth Lakes - August 8th, 2015


Alpenhof Lodge  $
6080 Minaret Rd.
Mammoth Lakes. California
Tel. 1.800-828-0371

The Village Lodge $$-$$$
1111 Forest Trail, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Tel.  1.760.934.1982 or 1.800 MAMMOTH

Westin Monasche Resort  4/5 stars  $$$
Hillside Dr
Mammoth Lakes CA
Tel 1.866.599.6674   
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on January 30, 2015, 12:28:52 AM

For those of you So Cal Viper Members who don't frequent the Sierras in the winter, these few photos should inspire you for this August's Eastern Sierra Viper Run.  Images taken Jan 28 returning from Sun Valley, Idaho :-)


Looking south at Bishop on the left, Owens Valley upper left, Buttermilks central right, Bishop Tuffs lower left
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/car%20runs/MINI/bishop%20owens%20valley%20names_zpse3y8r7y2.jpg)


West side of Mt Tom, Bishop upper left, Mt. Tom center left, John Muir Wilderness center right
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/car%20runs/MINI/mt%20tom%20john%20muir_zpsoyupnyw3.jpg)


Westside of Sierras looking east.  Owens Valley upper left, Mt. Whitney upper right, central Sierras mid center
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/car%20runs/MINI/mt%20whitney_zpscdfg602k.jpg)
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: Steph on February 01, 2015, 04:01:35 PM
Hotel reservations made, looking forward to it!
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: PCH VIPER on February 03, 2015, 12:12:52 PM
I was bummed to miss this last year.   I'm in for this year !!!
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: 10 BANGR on February 03, 2015, 04:43:01 PM
Quote from: PCH VIPER on February 03, 2015, 12:12:52 PM
I was bummed to miss this last year.   I'm in for this year !!!
+1, Count us in.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on February 05, 2015, 08:36:35 AM
Well guess what?  Copper Top BBQ received an enormous recommendation from YELP! And the So Cal Viper Club picture is against the front wall of the camera as it swings past to see some of the people dining at the Copper Top.  Another most excellent place on the Viper Club Eastern Sierra Run this August.

http://abc7.com/food/big-pine-barbecue-joint-crowned-yelps-top-restaurant-in-2015/504624/ (http://abc7.com/food/big-pine-barbecue-joint-crowned-yelps-top-restaurant-in-2015/504624/)
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: snake on February 05, 2015, 02:18:39 PM
Jim and Judy are going.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: Fast Eddie on February 16, 2015, 10:25:02 AM
Count me in.   ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: Banzai Ben on February 23, 2015, 02:55:27 PM
Me too!  :)
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on February 23, 2015, 07:41:53 PM
Quote from: Banzai Ben on February 23, 2015, 02:55:27 PM
Me too!  :)

Wow, this is like a miracle.  Ben is coming on the Eastern Sierra run.  Perfect!!!
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: Jay M on March 17, 2015, 05:34:12 PM
Jennifer and I plan to attend again this year.  Can't wait!  Reservations have been made.

~Jay
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: Nino Valmassoi on March 22, 2015, 01:38:50 PM
Please add Nino and Ruth to the list.  This will be our first time on the run.  Looks like a great trip.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: 10 BANGR on April 28, 2015, 04:40:05 PM
Sorry, Laura and I will not be able to make this trip.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: HISSSN1 on May 25, 2015, 10:14:31 AM
Eddie and Michelle are in hotel booked night one at Creekside Inn and night two at the Village. Madison might go, if so then we drive the Hellcat.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: 1HOTACR on July 17, 2015, 11:04:23 AM
Eric has come up with a great destination stop on the way to Bishop.  Check it out.  8)

The historic Mount Whitney Fish Hatchery is again open to the public after being closed by a devastating mudflow in July 2008. The hatchery building, completed in 1916, is a beautiful and unique structure with hand-laid stone walls and hand-hewn timbers.

The shady grounds and main pond are excellent for relaxing, a picnic, and fish viewing. New restrooms are available. Volunteers staff a gift shop and give tours inside the hatchery. This is an excellent rest stop.

Access is west of Highway 395 on Fish Hatchery Road two miles north of Independence, CA.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: Banzai Ben on July 18, 2015, 06:39:44 AM
Sorry, I can't make it after all. Family get together for my parents 60th anniversary.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on July 18, 2015, 06:35:48 PM
Here are some images from last weekend on the Eastern Sierra, specifically Hwy 6 > Hwy 120 > Hwy 395
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/car%20runs/MINI%20DBV/Hwy%20120%20summit%207-11-15_zpsyspjcbkr.jpg)
Panoramic view of Mono Lake, from Visitors center.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/car%20runs/MINI%20DBV/mono%20lake%20panoramic%207-11-15_zpssegz2zfy.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/sagehen%20summit%201_zpstpz06gsb.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/sagehen%20summit%202_zpsmfpvugpy.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/sagehen%20summit%203_zps9tkb53xq.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/sagehen%20summit%204_zpsbweibf9r.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/sagehen%20summit%205_zps1kfalecj.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/sagehen%20summit%206_zpsrlvxfvru.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/sagehen%20summit%207_zpsvhadjofo.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/sierra%20escaprment%20bishop%207-11-15_zps1ewqcuia.jpg)
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: HISSSN1 on July 22, 2015, 07:23:11 PM
Where is our meeting point going to be ? Madison is coming with us the Hellcat is out for this trip, going to drive the Challenger SRT8 in Hemi Orange.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: 1HOTACR on July 25, 2015, 02:16:53 PM
Quote from: HISSSN1 on July 22, 2015, 07:23:11 PM
Where is our meeting point going to be ? Madison is coming with us the Hellcat is out for this trip, going to drive the Challenger SRT8 in Hemi Orange.

FRIDAY MEETING SPOTS

Coming from L.A. We will meet at 7:30 a.m. at Denny's in Sylmar for Breakfast. Depart at 8:30 a.m. and head out to meet the Southern Group.
Denny's: 12861 Encinitas Ave, Sylmar CA.
http://www.yelp.com/map/dennys-sylmar-2

Coming from the South meet at 8:00 a.m. and depart at 8:30 a.m.
Summit Inn Restaurant
5970 Mariposa Rd
Oak Hills, CA 92345
http://www.yelp.com/map/summit-inn-restaurant-oak-hills

Both group will meet together at  10:30 a.m. 
Indian Wells Brewing Company
2565-CA14, Inyokern CA. 93527
http://www.yelp.com/map/indian-wells-brewing-company-inyokern
(Four miles South of Petersonville on Hwy 14)


Don't forget to bring your two way Radios
We will use channel 7, sub channel 21.  These radios are used to notify members on the run of road conditions, on coming traffic, notification of Highway Patrol radar sensing, communication between drivers, and notification of change in plans while on the road.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: RandyT on July 29, 2015, 08:41:40 AM
Diane & I are planning to go.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: Keith on July 29, 2015, 05:38:56 PM
Keith & Rita are in as well. Sounds like a lot of fun.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: 1HOTACR on July 29, 2015, 05:46:26 PM
Quote from: Keith on July 29, 2015, 05:38:56 PM
Keith & Rita are in as well. Sounds like a lot of fun.

Glad you two can make it.  Talk Dan and Mayo into coming.  They wen't last year and had a blast. 8)
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: copperhead122 on July 29, 2015, 10:43:49 PM
Dan & Mayo are in. Hotel reservations made.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on August 02, 2015, 10:25:55 AM
Friday, August 7,  lunch will be in Lone Pine, not Big Pine.  Copper  Top is in Big Pine, and is 30 mi farther north on 395, and the waiting lines are 45 mins.  We will have lunch at 'The Grill" in Lone Pine. Adjacent to the Dow Motel south end.  Manager is Herman.  If you go past the Dow Motel,  on 395, you have gone too far.  Reservation is for noon-12:30 PM.  Our destination after lunch is the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery, just north of Independence, Ca.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: HISSSN1 on August 06, 2015, 03:45:37 PM
Eddie,Michelle and Madison will meet you at Denny's in Sylmar we are not going to eat but will be there by 8am.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: Jay M on August 06, 2015, 04:05:07 PM
Jennifer and I will skip Denny's breakfast as well, but plan to be there at around 8am to meet up.

~Jay
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on August 09, 2015, 02:56:35 PM
Some images from the SoCal Viper Club Eastern Sierra Run 8-15
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%201_zpsue6sl1pr.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%202_zpsjnwp8ac6.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%203_zpsc5afchic.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%204_zpsrhh41esi.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%205_zps2winliq2.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%206_zpss8ce1jdl.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%201_zpspkqahcsq.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%202_zpsvacom1sq.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%203_zpsce5hxaba.jpg)

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%204_zpsgbantffd.jpg)

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%205_zpsrmogkbbr.jpg)

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%206_zpsiy16tnjj.jpg)

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%207_zpsqwfhxvzt.jpg)

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%209_zpsezlwkay3.jpg)

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%2010_zpssfcmtru9.jpg)

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%2011_zpslqlwaqio.jpg)

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%2012_zps5iaqktlf.jpg)

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%2013_zpsv530wbri.jpg)

(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%2014_zpsqlcz3zw2.jpg)
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on August 09, 2015, 03:59:57 PM
A few more pimags of a great weekend.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%2013_zpsv8ky3u9s.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%2012_zpsuohmgdei.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%2015_zpsy6xlf25w.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%2014_zps4lhou0y7.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%2013_zpstt5s7xaz.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%2012_zpsosij23va.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%2011_zpsegigeqoe.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%209_zpsrsvv7alq.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/ancient%20bristlecone%207_zps4m3z05fo.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%2017_zpskuzw39uy.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%2016_zpscnxz4fhx.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/eastern%20sierra%208-15%20%2015_zpstwynhxdz.jpg)
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: HISSSN1 on August 09, 2015, 04:08:47 PM
Thank you Eric a well planed out road trip. Michelle,Madison and I had a great time. The roads we took were awesome and we got to see some very pretty views. The lunch and dinner were great places, the service and the food, all very good. Thanks to the SoCal group it was a awesome trip and great to see you all. Hope to see you soon. 


Eddie driver of the Orange caboose.
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: NK BREKR on August 09, 2015, 09:46:48 PM
Awesome pictures Doc!  Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on August 09, 2015, 10:12:41 PM
Quote from: NK BREKR on August 09, 2015, 09:46:48 PM
Awesome pictures Doc!  Thanks for sharing!

You should have been with us!
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: RandyT on August 10, 2015, 09:55:49 AM
Eric, Thank you for a great weekend. Diane and I had fabulous time. Well done!
Randy & Diane
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: Steph on August 10, 2015, 12:32:02 PM
What a fun weekend, I believe a good time was had by all!  Eric, having you as our tour director was absolutely fantastic!  The sites we visited were beautiful and your vast knowledge of the area added to the enjoyment.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting this all together!  We are truly grateful for everything you did to make this run so very successful!  People like you is what this club is all about!
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: 1HOTACR on August 10, 2015, 08:53:17 PM
A great weekend.    Don't miss out on next year!   A few pics from a different view
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: 1HOTACR on August 10, 2015, 08:57:41 PM
"  Running on empty   Running on"
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: 1HOTACR on August 10, 2015, 09:13:09 PM
The Flora
 
and our new club mascot   
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: PCH VIPER on August 10, 2015, 09:46:29 PM
Lots of great pictures !!!!
I have a bunch up on my website too.   www.kouchicentral.com (http://www.kouchicentral.com)


Thank you EJ for everything.  Lori and I had a great time and look forward to doing it again next year !!!
For those that missed it, you truly missed out on some awesome (and extremely spirited) driving, beautiful scenery and non stop smiles with great friends.

Here are just a few of my pictures:

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1496.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1518.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1547.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1564.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1570.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1727.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1808.JPG)


Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: PCH VIPER on August 10, 2015, 09:49:46 PM

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1827.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1836.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1844.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1945.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/15-13%20mammoth/DSC_1996.JPG)

Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: hemotox on August 13, 2015, 02:59:11 PM
Forgot to mention the fantastic lunch at the Von's parking lot Saturday before running 6 > 120 :-)
Title: Re: 2 Night Run to the Eastern Sierra Aug 7,8 and 9 2015
Post by: 1HOTACR on August 13, 2015, 04:03:02 PM
Quote from: hemotox on August 13, 2015, 02:59:11 PM
Forgot to mention the fantastic lunch at the Von's parking lot Saturday before running 6 > 120 :-)

Heck yea.  That was the highlight of the trip watching the Ants in the parking lot take away the spilt Potato Chips 8)