I didn't find much I could afford at the swap meet, but I got some nice new stuff from Mike Ross of BE&A, and Bill Allphin of A+M. And some cool pictures of Rosco P. Coltrane!
If you will indulge me, here are a few observations from a first-time attendee at Carlisle:
The C-C.com tent is a great idea! I very briefly met 72challorange, resq302, ViperMan, and a few others. I chased 4C around for a while, and saw his car, but never met up with him. I later met up with Barry Washington at the T/A Registry tent, and I was surprised how helpful and friendly he is.
The state of PA is beautiful! The drive down I-76 is breathtaking (...and I found a free gas cap at one place
). We stayed in Harrisburg, and visited Hershey while we were there. The people were very friendly and accomodating for visitors to the area. Harrisburg is a fascinating place, with a lot of history. My family and I spent a couple of evenings walking the town and taking it all in. I also went to the sprint car races at Williams Grove - some of the best racing you will ever see.
The toll roads (turnpikes) are...ummm...expensive.
I could not believe that the drive from Toledo to Carlisle cost me $26.50. The states of Ohio and Pennsylvania must be very proud of their roads.
Carlisle is worth whatever it takes to get there. I have attended the Mopar Nats (Columbus) for the past 10 years, but I found Carlisle to be leaps and bounds better (for me). Columbus has the drag racing, but Carlisle has a VERY well organized show, clear vehicle and pedestrian paths, paved roads in the swap meet, NO golf carts in the swap meet, more technical sessions, and some of the best cars you will ever see (...and did I mention Rosco P. Coltrane?).
It was great to meet so many people there. I am already looking forward to seeing everyone next year!
-Tom
