Finally-- Rolling Thunder

I am going to be writing the blog for a bit as kiwi is busy with lots of details and meet and greet sessions. Once he is clear,perhaps even after the event, jhe will write his impressions during the event. I have no doubt neither of us will leave here the same as we arrived. We only got here this afternoon and already I can tell we are in to something bigger than both of us. The passion of those involved in the set up ,creation and performance is off the charts. No where does any one talk about any thing other than the veterans and the honoring of their service to our country. The fervor envelops you at every turn. It feels strangely exhilarating and uplifting. There will be lots of goose bump moments I have a feeling. Our day started very slowly at our hotel in fairfax. We knew we could not get in here until early afternoon so wasted time doing busy work. Once we had the truck loaded we began the journey in to the bowels of the city. We did not know exactly where we were going but had a fair enough idea to give us some comfort. Once you have travelled across the country on back roads you don't get too excited about not knowing exactly where you are. Stopped for lunch at a chinese place that was unlike anything I had been to before.once you walked in the door and were seated the ladies bring a cart over with lots of dishes pre cooked on the top. They machine gun through the choices and prices of each. At the end yu are supposed to tell them which you would like. They take the dishes back to warm them up and voila your lunch in 1 minute or less. Tis is no kidding. Not more tha two minutes after we sat down there was food in front of us. Guess that gives new meaning to turning tables fast. Most of the food was delicious. Te shrimp were whole,heads on, and were messy to eat. We were wishing we had passed on those. Headed on down the road to find the hotel. We were a little uneasy because the contact that we had been given was no longer with the company so our grand scheme for parking the rig seemed in jeprody. We both felt we were close so kiwi called for directions. Perfect timing as we were one block away. As we surveyed the parking lot and where they had the cones set up for our spot kiwi did not like it. He backed around a couple of times and finally settled on the front two spots. There she sits for the duration. We will be able to get the bikes whenever we need them as well as any luggage we did not bring up to the room. Rolling Tunder is picking up the tab for the room during our stay. This is really nice and much appreciated. I am so impressed with this group from the get go. They are passionate,considerate and focused. Before we were even out of the parking lot we met Ted Shpak,the president of Rolling Thunder. He showed us the Billy lane air force bike and of course jay allen's army bike. Very cool way to start the event for us. We also met ted's right hand,Ahab, from Carolina. As I was instructed that would be the REAL carolina as opposed to north Carolina. Learned something today. We hung out in the roo for the afternoon so I could do the wash. We have been oso the road so long if you only have 3 days on a tee shirt it is considered clean. We won't even talk about socks and underwear. Luckily I have no sense of smell so carrying the dirty wash is no big deal. Poor Carolyn has been on the road since 4 a.m. Trying to fly here. First non stop was cancelled out of LA and then she missed her connection in Houston. We hope to see her soon. Kiwi went down to the front desk to retrieve some packages and came back with instructions to get ready for dinner in 5 minutes. Not a problem for me--tie dye shorts,no sleeve tee shirt and we are off sportin'. Once we got down stairs the day began to pick up significantly. Met Billy lane's sister. He built the air force bike. Met several of her friends and relations as well. They are in town for the presentation. Jay Allen,owner of broken spoke saloon in sturgis, also joined us. Jay was instrumental in the selection of the builders and actually,I believe, came up with the original idea of the bikes to honor the branches of the military. We headed off up the hill towards a place called Irish Four Corners. Lots of folks here so we had a big group for dinner. Sat with Ted,Ahab and Troy(as Cathie says"my boy toy Troy"). Cathie is ted's honey and they are like peas and carrots. So cool to see. Cathie brought her friend Vicki Golding. Vicki is from Australia so she and kiwi had a few discussions I was not privy to. As an aside Vicki won the military idol competition in 2006. Google her to hear her fantastic voice sing the national anthem. Ahab and I had a great discussion about life,love and the pursuit of happiness. The more jack and coke he had the better we thought life was treating us. Funny how much you can find in common with someone you just met from another part of the country. We left feeling like we were buddies and would talk again. Cathie's story is magnificent. Se is the co-founder and executive director of an organization called cammo. This is an acronym for The Center For American Military Music Opportunities. What they do is help vets get involved In the music industry whether it be stage hands,sound folks or singers. The entire organization is made up of and dedicated to vets. Se is a dynamo of energy and as she and I discussed a collector of ANY stray cats that need a hand to get started. Truly and amazing person and well suited to be with Ted. I was captivated by her litany of opportunities she has helped garner for vets. Hope to see this person agai this week end and learn more about how she touches so many lives and still has time for more good deeds. As an aside the food at he Irish place was off the charts. I asked the waitress what I should have if this was the only time I would eat here and she did not hesitate. I was some concoction of bleu cheese,potatoes and lots of different fish like salmon,a white fish and scallops. This was all on a bed of dark rye bread. Can't remember what it was called but it was memorable. I had to leave before the party broke up so I could get the blog posted. A guy's work is never done. I had the title of P R department but was also given security detail tonight. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. I know this is going to be an emotionally draining week end but I want to feel it all deeply so the impression will never leave. Mike and I are happy to share with you. Hope you enjoy.