Triumphest
Laughlin, NV
October 11-14, 2007

October is a fabulous month to drive "topless" to Laughlin, Nevada! The morning of the 10th the group consisting of: Mike and Mary Scoggins, Mitch and Diane Johnson, Larry and Margaret Farrington met Paul Jaroch in Nephi. Paul elected to drive his new Mercedes SUV and it thrilled the girls to be able to ride with him out of the wind for just a bit! No breakdowns, except for a faulty gas gauge, which turned out not so bad. While the boys went back to town for gas the rest of the group contemplated the small graveyard next to the road, taking pictures and having a snack break. In good company these are the times we remember most, right? Stopping in Manti we were lucky to catch the daughter of Ed Roth (Rat Fink) and talk to her for a bit. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate her mom, whom the daughter said would be thrilled that we had stopped by.

We stayed the night in Mesquite, where we were joined by John Perry in his 1500 Spit, and were rolling early the next morning. Paul's suggestion for lunch was a good one, as usual, at the famous Memphis Championship BBQ in Las Vegas. Back on the road and we were in Laughlin before the beautiful sunset. It may not be Vegas but Laughlin has its own charm and virtues. The Colorado River provided boating in different forms, jet skiing, and river walking. The River Palms hotel provided ample parking for the LBCs and were very accomodating in their facilities. The local shopping mall kept the girls happy and the boys were in heaven just hanging around the cars from sunup to well after sundown.

The road rally to Oatman was unique. On the way we saw a man working his mine, Burros wandering the streets of Oatman (Mary is a hands-on kind of a gal!) and a wild west shootout! At the Kingman Az. Museum we found Route 66 souvenirs galore and crossed the street to eat at the hamburger joint with Elvis souvenirs! What a blast from the past!

And now, to toot our own horns, the Awards Banquet was a success for each of the Utah members. Mike and Mitch received Gold awards. Paul just missed the award for a fantastic photo taken at our outing with the British RAF last year. There should be an award for the Mother Ship though!

It was fun to see Bill and Juls Robinson again along with Bruce Schilling! They seem to be enjoying life in the south but we sure do miss them here!

Sunday, the 14th we waved goodbye to new and old friends and steered our bonnets for home. Stopping for lunch along the way and back on the road for a record setting cross country time.

Laughlin was a very enjoyable destination, for those who are skeptics, and we won't hesitate if offered the chance to go again! This year October 2nd to the 5th the VTR Triumphest will be held in Lake Tahoe!!! Reserve your rooms as soon as possible people! We'd love to have more of you join us this year! See http://www.triumphtravelers.org/Events/Triumphest08/TRfest08Home.php .

-- Mitch & Diane Johnson

Click here to see photos from the event