The day started out sunny and cool, and by mid-afternoon, it was still cool, but raining. That didn't ruin the Old Guys' spirits...we just slowed down a little driving through those torrential downpours.

We started out driving the published route, and as we passed the drivers' meeting location, we're happy we didn't attend...traffic was backed up a mile getting into the IX Center!

We thought we'd be leading the pack (as we usually do), but it turned out that only a few attended the meeting, and the rest of them were already on the road. We did our best to pass them, but the two-laners held us back a little.

All along the route, the residents sat in their lawn chairs, and cheered us on. One group was even cooking some BBQ! I guess in the Ohio country, they've got nothing else to do on a Sunday!

Lunch was just over the line in Michigan (right on Lake Erie), and sponsored by DynoMax. There were several choices, and we opted for fish sandwiches and fries...EXCELLENT lunch!

Trying to get out of the park was almost impossible, and took about a half-hour. We decided to abandon the two-lane route, and we headed for the interstate. That's when the sky opened up, and slowed us down again. The GPS kept us going, without even one wrong turn...boring!

We went straight to the hotel, and checked in. The Old Guys select their hotels by first checking to see if it has a bar, and then by the location. The good news is this one had a really nice lounge. The bad news is that it's closed on Sunday!

We headed for the Fairgrounds, which is just a couple miles from the hotel. There was only one turn we had to make, so the GPS never got turned on. Bad move...we went about ten miles out of the way, and as the rain continued, Packard Bill finally turned on the GPS.

We entered through the wrong entrance, and ended up driving a couple blocks in the dirt, which due to the rain, was now MUD!

Needless to say, we checked in, picked up our Eaton fender covers and Flowmaster hats, and headed back to the hotel. Our cars looked like we'd been muddin' for about 100 miles, and they'll definitely need a bath. Packard Bill said he was leaving his just the way it is...the mud adds character!

Anyway, it's Cocktail Hour, and we've gotta get going. Tomorrow morning, it's off to Racine, Wisconsin. I'm hoping to meet with Vic Edelbrock, and get some drag racing pointers, so I can whip Sonny on the strip.