We had completely run out of pre-race activities, and Sunday morning it was time to run the race. There were a few changes to our line-up plans. I wanted Halie to get a view from our top row seats with Caleb, before he switched next year to new accessible seating being built in turn one. Halie took my ticket, and I looked forward to a casual time with a lawn chair on a grassy knoll on the inside of the track across from our turn one seats. But, too much sun the day before triggered one of my skin reactions, and I quickly decided that I needed to be out of the sun completely; I stayed in the camping lot enjoying all the comforts of home . . . . and the race on the radio. Just in case you think it a little sad I didn't go over for the race, here are a couple of pictures of me, comfortable in my lounge chair, protected from the sun by my awning and visor and listening to live race coverage on the radio. The best part is that I would not have to travel down from the top of turn 2 after a few beverages! The crew made the hike over to Gasoline Alley, looking for drivers and other race celebrities. For a short while a section of the track was -- a great photo opportunity. It was time for Micah to have a little rest and drink a fortifying beverage for strength before his great feat. The group rested on the grass in the shade beside the museum. Johanna was positioned in the seats at the top of turn 2 waiting to get pictures of the progression up to the top (usually my job.) She got her first shot of the crew coming from the infield, ready to cross under the tunnel to pop up under the stairs that lead to our seats. While Micah and Caleb got the wheelchair and scooters locked down, Tom and Halie headed for the top. This girl has more true grit than . . . . John Wayne! Tom left Halie to get settled at the top with Tink and then made his way back down to run back-up for Micah and Caleb. . Everybody made it to the top, greeted by Tink, and took the annual pictures (Well, maybe Micah was a little affected by the trip up!). That finishes the story at the top of the stands in turn 2. But, across the street, in the parking lot, I wasn't done yet! I gave the crew plenty of time to get in their seats, and then I made a quick trip over to get a picture from the back side! Follow the red arrows and you can see Caleb in the yellow shirt, next to Tom and Micah . . . Halie is hiding behind the post! The military paraded the track, drivers were introduced, "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America" were sung, an invocation was delivered, Taps and the National Anthem were sung, followed by the Flyover. "Drivers to Your Cars," "Back Home Again in Indiana," and then . . . "Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.
I won't even attempt to recap the race, and I don't have any pictures of the cars going around the track. Just chalk it up as one of the best INDY 500's . . . ever!
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October 2021
We don’t go camping any more . . . we go ‘streamin’ ! The “SIlvermine and His” is our 2018 25' Airstream Serenity with Salsa interior and front twin beds., and ‘streamin’ is the name we use to describe our adventures. Stream along as we document everything from weekend trips to longer summer excursions and full-blown vacations. You know what they say: if you’re not in an Airstream – you’re just camping!
Tom & Ella Brown |