Centurion Posted July 16, 2004 Share Posted July 16, 2004 Memorable JourneyBuick road trip makes local historySEATTLETHE BUICK SHOP RAG FIRST EDITIONFriday, July 16, 2004By Brian D. LauranceSEATTLE -- The car was really only a slightly battered 1959 Buick -- it had a body, and a comfortable seat fastened to the floor.Okay, okay. Roberta provoked me. Here's the real story:Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 9:30 AM, members of the 2003 Pacific Northwest Caravan to the Buick Centennial in Flint, Michigan will gather at my house in Lake Stevens for the first annual " <span style="font-weight: bold">Flint Caravan Reunion Tour</span> "Yes, many of us who thrilled to the power of mighty Fireball and Wildcat engines and dazzled America's highways with massive chrome grilles, portholes and sweepspears will gather for donuts, amateur videotapes, photos, reminiscing, and a leisurely day tour to our North Bend, Washington departure point. It was one year ago -- July 17, 2003 -- that we met to journey together to Flint. The trip together and our time in Flint have fueled memories for years to come:There was Gary Klecka's epoch-making journey from Alaska in the '55 Roadmaster. There was Robb Johnson and his beautiful '09, out of the trailer and onto the streets at every available opportunity. There were Gary and Shirley Cummings in their majestic 1931 96C, narrowly escaping a serious accident in the Montana Rockies. There was Dirk Nelson, whose '51 Roadmaster would roll no further on the intended trek to Flint. There were Chuck and Carla Russell, whose '53 Special roared past everything and everyone else on the highway.And, as the Buicks rounded that final turn to enter the Flint Cultural Center and the Buick Centennial Celebration, there was that great Buicktown volunteer who warmly greeted us with "Welcome Home". My wife and I almost cried.So, if anyone wants to fly into Seattle tonight from Flint, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Los Angeles, or Australia -- you're welcome to join us for tomorrow's tour. We'll even save some donuts for you, and will toast with our orange juice glasses to one of America's great pioneering automakers and the Buick Club we enjoy so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raleets Posted July 16, 2004 Share Posted July 16, 2004 Brian,Trust me when I state to you, and all who made the journey to Flint from the West Coast/Alaska, one of the top ten thrills in the life of Bob & Judy Leets was having the HONOR of escorting that fantabulous caravan into the Flint Cultural Center upon your arrival for the 2003 Buick Centennial Meet!The view from the rear view mirror of our '56 Special was PRICELESS as we were leading your caravan the last few miles HOME.We once again salute all of you for making your wonderful trip to Flint.Best wishes,Bob & Judy LeetsFlint, MI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUICK RACER Posted July 16, 2004 Share Posted July 16, 2004 Brian, have a donut and a coffee for me tomorrow, and thanks for the great story on your adventure to Flint last year!!! I just saw the remains of my Brother's '56 Century #1 piston yesterday, was part of the never ending story of his trek with his '90 Estate Wagon with kids and wife and my Mom and sister in the '95 Riv coming to Flint last year! And we wondered how it made it here and back, but Buicks were meant to be driven, even on 7 cylinders! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted July 17, 2004 Share Posted July 17, 2004 What a great idea! You are to be commended!!! Hats off to all who made that tour. My wife and I toured in with the Boston to Flint tour, and I think the drive over was definitely a major highlight of the meet. I hope we can do that again with the nationals over the next few years, especially if San Diego gets the nod for 2007. John and Linda De Fiore#3757 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest my3buicks Posted July 17, 2004 Share Posted July 17, 2004 Still remember like it was yesterday just by dumb luck being at the right corner at the right time watching you all come off the highway and parade into the show grounds. Got goose bumps it was such a site!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurion Posted July 19, 2004 Author Share Posted July 19, 2004 Thank you all for your positive comments.Bob, I shared your statement with the group on Saturday morning, and we were all encouraged by your gracious words!Many digital photos were taken during our Saturday tour, and I'll try to get some of these posted here later in the week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK Buickman Posted July 23, 2004 Share Posted July 23, 2004 Brian (and all other Buick people)--It was exactly one year ago this Friday that we began the festivities of our lifetime, the 2003 Flint meet. I will be celebrating on Friday the 23rd with a four-hole cake made with Dynaflow oil. Then, I plan to celebrate by drinking some Wildcat beer (this is real beer that I bought last year in the Yukon, Canada, transported to Alaska via '55 Buick Roadmaster). burp...AK Buickman...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK Buickman Posted July 26, 2004 Share Posted July 26, 2004 One year ago today, July 26, 2003, many of us were enjoying the Saturday show and swap meet in Flint! I wish that I was there right now. Tonight, I will celebrate by enjoying some Wildcat beer and watching the video of this historical event!Happy Motoring...AK Buickman, BCA #1955... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurion Posted July 27, 2004 Author Share Posted July 27, 2004 Gary, I wish I were there also. By the way, your videotape taken during our journey was one of the highlights of the reunion tour. And we enjoyed sharing your telephoned greetings with the rest of the group. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUICK RACER Posted July 27, 2004 Share Posted July 27, 2004 As I was mowing the grass on Sunday, I reflected back on the camping trailer, tents, '56 Buicks, '90 Estate Wagon, my mom's '95 Riv in the back yard. The friends that stopped by to have a chat and a brew. The dead grass where Chris dumped gas when he had the carb and intake off his '56 and how I wish I had taken some more pictures of the 'yard'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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