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THE RALLY ACCORDING TO SURFCAL:
The Surfcal Post Rally Review & Editorial
Its funny how on another thread, Y-Guy
recalls this weekend as the 1 year anniversary of Nick-Neff-Cough. Of course back then, we didn't even begin to think that
Nick-Neff-Cough would become a significant part of our camping lives, and where relationships-made would even transcend camping.
But thats exactly what I thought about when Wave'n at Da Beach was happening.
Of course, we all had not seen Ab Diver
and Robucko since the first initial Nick-Neff-Cough rally in Bodega Bay. During this rally, it was to nice see Champ and CA-Girl,
and of course Neff and Otter are always delightful. In essence, all the parts of NNCs evolution were represented, Ab Diver
& Robucko being part of the first rally, followed by those who joined soon thereafter in Neff & Otter, and then the
newer generation of Champ and CA-Girl, it was a gathering that ran clear across the spectrum.
And despite those who
joined NNC at various time period, and many whove never met each other, we all camped side-by-side as we all have been doing
it forever, in fact, altogether achieving the timeless and signature pleasantness of a NNC rally. So it was fitting that Wavin
at Da Beach took on that characteristic of hosting members from several time periods, and thanks to Y-Guy, our first unofficial
head honcho to remind us.
Its interesting how fast the hands of the clock seem to turn during a rally. I got there
on Thursday and when it came to packing the gear this Sunday morning, 4 days could not have possibly gone by in that amount
of time.
Officially, the rally began Friday night and from there, an impromptu potluck began to take shape. A T-Bone
steak from CA Girl, some Tri-tips from Ab Diver, a market steak here, a salad there, and with enough heat to roast a horse
in the fire-pit, the festivities began. Of course, the usual imbibing & and tall tales began, and drinking moments took
Champ, Surfcal and CA Girl into the wee hours of the morning.
The kids found old friends and made new ones, and from
the very start to the last farewell, it seemed that each and every one of them had a full weekend, running around screaming
their heads off, to taking leisurely walks and back to darting back and forth and screaming again.
The NNC adults,
all engaging in various activities, and I have to thank Dave for creating one of the most unique experiences one can ever
have at an NNC rally. Ab Diver took Lon (Otters husband) and I abalone diving. And our collective catch became the main entre
of the Saturday night potluck. How often do you catch something and have that become the NNC dinner! The experience was a
gas, beyond description, and Dave, the ever so patient teacher, mentor and lifeguard guided us into the depths of the blue
waters of the Mendocino coast. And then right afterwards, Dave took Lon and I on a personal tour on kayaks of some of the
most spectacular coastal tunnels accessible only via the water. They were experiences to behold.
And there was Robucko,
who despite many, many months of medical procedures, made it his goal to make it to this rally. He made it there full of spirit,
but only for his physical activities to be curtailed due to some horrific back pain that cropped up spontaneously. Robucko,
it was great to see you and it was courageous to see you out there so soon after all youve gone through.
There are
too many things to mention and this entry is already too long, but to you Ab Diver, thank you for being an excellent wagonmaster.
A great time was had by all the good folks that attended. And to all those Ive shared a campground with once again, I couldnt
have camped with a better set of campers.
Namaste
Surfcal
P.S. GSM X2, I got your voice mail messages
on my cell on the way home. I didn't have a signal to save my life out there, but you are the man for attempting to do a "live"
talkback between simultaneous rallies.
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