The Count of Monte Cristo
... was 13, on the June 21 Monte Cristo Run, that is. Fearless leader Bill Walton lead a soggy sortie from the Hogle Zoo parking lot up East Canyon to Big Mountain Summit, where the rain REALLY started coming down. Even those who pooh-poohed rain protection (Gary Lindstrom with undeployed side curtains, Bob and Valerie Lux with a topless MGA) sought all means of refuge (see photo), while Floyd and Kathy Inman sat toasty and dry in their Ford pickup (Hyacinth stayed home). Defrosters and heaters were given rigorous tests in the down hill run to Morgan, where the rain let up a bit. After CICO (coffee in, coffee out), the troupe pressed on to Mountain Green, whence up Trappers Loop, via Snow Basin, to Huntsville.
The cozy ambiance of the Shootin' Star Saloon raised spirits, despite the stern warning "We reserve the right to serve refuse to any one." Star burgers (don't ask what's in them) and some of the local wine (from barley, via Colorado), elevated spirits for the final push to Monte Cristo Summit. There several attendees marveled at how much greener and warmer (despite the cool day) the spot was in comparison with the lunch stop four weeks earlier on the Jackson Memorial Day Run.
Most cars returned home by retracing the route over East Canyon to Hogle Zoo, though some peeled off at I-84 and sped home drafting 18-wheelers.
Earning BMCU loyalty stars were Bill Walton, Gary Lindstrom, Floyd and Kathy Inman, Mark and Joyce Noeltner, Larry Farrington, Stephanie Arceneaux, Bob and Valerie Lux, Tony Walker, Wade Ashby, and Chris Shell.