| Everybody had to get up early for this one! The folks from
the North met at the Baldock State Rest Area just south of the Hwy 99E/Canby
exit on I-5. We spent a few minutes getting reacquainted, and then we headed
South to Albany. Michael (Maddog) Kahut led the small parade South and good
time was being made until we hit a single lane closure in I-5 just South of
the Turner Interchange. It was not too long of a delay and before we knew
it, we were moving along to Albany The group eventually made it to event
staging area, the Coastal Farm & Home Supply Store in Albany. All welcomed
the rest stop. We made our introductions to old and new friends, as we got
ready to head out for the cruise. Bob and Nancy Minnick passed out some
great route instructions and had a surprise for us all. They included in our
route package some interesting information on Oregon bridge designs and
construction methods which we were about to see first hand. But first we had
to take some pictures of this cruise’s Who’s Who! |
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| On your mark..... |
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| Check out the legs on that Hintz fellow! |
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| Z-dog |
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| We were ready to go! Bob and Nancy led the 16 Z-cars east on
Hwy 20, then Route 226, headed for the first covered bridge, the Hoffman
bridge, just outside of Crabtree. The route was full of fun twisties and
beautiful country views. |
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| Hoffman Bridge |
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| Beautiful sight! |
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Early on during the cruise we passed a farmhouse and in the
front yard were some folks who seemed surprised, then pleased, to see this
impressive line of cars “z”ipping by. They smiled and waved as we passed and
those of us who noticed returned the greetings with horn honking, waves and
smiles.
We either passed by, or passed through, the Gilkey Bridge, the Shimanek
Bridge and the Larwood Bridge. These covered bridges are unique to the area
and not many are left. It is a reminder of simpler times and slower cars.
Thank goodness for our obsession!
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| Larwood Bridge. |
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| Just past the last bridge we had a chance to stop and
stretch our legs at the Roaring River Park, just South of the Larwood
Bridge. Of course, we had to take more pictures to share with the
unfortunates who could not be with us. |
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Bob & Nancy Minnick
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| Gregory's new hardpipes |
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| Dan & Rhonda Lewitzke |
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| John & Nancy Nelson |
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| Mike Nettleingham |
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| Clint & Vickie Barnts |
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| Ryan & Lacey Otis |
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| Lonnie Mandigo |
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| Britton Meatzie |
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| Michael Kahut |
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| Marvin Herschfield |
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| Michael & Terry Hintz |
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| Gene Kidd |
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| Ray Hoen |
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| Next Stop! We eventually ended up at Willamette Vineyards,
one of the premier Oregon wineries. We took the opportunity to visit, sample
some of the wines and, of course, take more pictures. Several folks left the
winery with more in their hands than when they went in. Apparently, there
were a few purchases made. We were able to take some pictures of the cars
all together and in separate groups. What a great representation of the
evolution of the Z. |
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| And the scenery from the top of the hill, upon which the
winery sits, was fantastic! |
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| A view from atop Willamette Valley Vineyards. |
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| Again with less zoom. |
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| It was time for the group to move on and complete the
cruise. Those that continued were able to continue on left the winery on
their way to Rickreall and Farrell’s restaurant. We passed through Albany
and Independence, impressing the local residents with the parade of shiny
sport coupes. |
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| What a great cruise!!! |
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