The Thirteenth (unlucky?) Esmeralda Rally was held October 13-14, 2001.
We left from our traditional location at the rest area on I-85. It was a good group:
Everyone took off at their assigned time followed the instructions (well, mostly) and arrived (eventually) at the finish line.
We all (well, mostly) arrived at the Inn about on time. At the finish line everyone (who actually finished) saw this:
(That's Harry Ballard's mailbox there on the left...)
This year, we had two couples actually open the Emergency Envelope; since 1969, this is the first time anyone took that dramatic step. Out of a sense of compassion I won't embarrass those two couples (Ted & Annette Marcus and Jerry & Cecily Rosenberg) by listing their names.
Special congratulations to Richard & Margaret Hauenstein. This was their first Esmeralda Rally and, while missing Checkpoint #1, #2, #3 and the Finish, managed to come in FOURTH! (and they didn't open their Emergency Envelope....)
Pictures at the Inn:
At the dinner, the winners were announced. Everyone stood up and, as their (losing) positions were announced, sat down. Finally, there were only two couples standing:
Bill and Mick Harris (newbies, btw) won handily; Bill could hardly believe it (just look at his expression)! Jim & Jeanne Potter placed a close second.
The Harris' were REALLY excited!
Here are this year's winners surrounding last year's winners (Marlene & Eric Seidel) with the Esmeralda Cup.
In addition to Bill & Mick we had several "newbies" on this Rally:
Richard & Margaret Hauenstein
Ted & Annette Marcus
And we had a "semi-newbie" couple. Back in 1969, the winners of Esmeralda Rally I were B.A. and Ray Cobb. And, back in 1957, I had a fraternity brother named Ed Belin; I haven't seen Eddie since 1958.
Small world.
This year B.A. and Ed Belin
teamed up to participate in Esmeralda Rally XIII!
The music after dinner was great as always:
Sunday morning we gathered for the traditional group photo. We learned (from last year's "photo in the dark" session) to do it Sunday morning:
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