July 25-26, 2003 

With a great run of already fabulous weather, combined with the excitement to fly up to Orcas Island - this equaled one quite memorable event. The bounty of our thanks goes to Russ Borgnin for arranging the many behind the scenes details of yet another successful event. We love you! Comments have been pouring in all morning. The one about naked belly dancing I won't even acknowledge, though I *DO* know who will be selected for that next year ;-)

Most of us 40+ folks arrived Saturday morning and after claiming a camping spot along the airport runway, met up for a nice outdoor lunch on the bay (Thanks Vern's!). Afterwards, some set out to explore the Island on bike or foot....others set out to explore the all the islands at 2500 feet up with demo rides (Thanks to Bob Allen and Russ Borgnin!)...and a handful off to kayaking the bay (Thanks to Evan and that trippy kayak lady!). After recovering from all that glory - and making ourselves presentable once again, we hiked down the road - north beach way - to a friends second home (Thanks Jane and Joni) to a fulfilling (both gastro and social) potluck BBQ and headed back to close out the day, pulling out our sleeping bags and pads and lay outside under the stars, next to the runway. Pointing out stars, zodiac, satellites and the occasional shooting star, we even caught a faint glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. Amazing! Between all that star gazing, a few (no incriminating names here!) entertained us with bad renditions of old sitcom jingles , snappy retorts and the occasional shriek "Oh... I didn't know *HE* was gay!". No doubt, if Roger the Pilot made it this year with his portable hot tub set up, we would not have hit the sack at midnight.

After the Sunday rush to the one and only single shower, we headed back to Jane and Joni's place for a tasty brunch. Even though the coffee showed up late, most contained their grouchy side. I won't mention names here either. An all out group effort to clean up and tear down left us with lots of time to play some more, get in a bike ride to Cascade Lake (Thanks John Ferris!) a bit more kayaking and a cat nap before the scenic trip home.

I speak for OutVentures in giving additional thanks to Ronald S.  and his buddies for cooking up some durn tasty viddles - and lots of 'em for both the BBQ and Sunday brunch. That is one butch big ass frying pan!

Kudo's to Eddie and Steve for arranging the drive up with nearly all our food and gear. Doggies too!

Thanks to both Russ Borgnin and Dave Osgood for the many shuttles to get us all where we needed to be.

There's respect and admiration for Steve Seifert's new instant family. Those boys are adorable and have energy to spare!

And a blanket thanks for all the pilots, organizers, movers & shakers and passengers that made this one helluva fun trip. Maybe next year we can get <name deleted> to do his "special" show for us....

Marc F., and Evan's friends, Marc B. and Gary B.

And if you look closely, the cop isn't wearing a uniform, it's painted on.