Monmouth Cruise-In And Embarrassing Exit

Last night was the huge Monmouth Cruise-In that attracts around a thousand cars each year. Monstrously big with people all over the place. I have remarked to many that it is a victim of its own success: so big that you just about can't walk it all. From the downtown square all roads and side roads are full of cars and people. I got there late, around 5:30 pm and was parked on north Main over by Hardees. Above you can see the 1967 Chrysler Newport that was making its debut. Since I picked it up last August it has had some work done on it and looked about as good as I could make it, so off we go. Got there in good shape and spruced her up, California Dusted, wheels polished and off I go to see the other cars/trucks/novelty machines, and over to DQ for a Root Beer float.

Its pushing 8:00 pm so I decide to take off since I am not sure where the headlights are going to point. I start her up and people stop to let me slide onto the roadway. Keep in mind that between the cars are almost shoulder-to-shoulder people. I ease out and then the old girls quits on me. Rats, OK, sure hope it starts. It does (after what seems like too long) and I want to make sure it stays on so I slide her into Neutral, and punch the accelerator. Well, evidently it wasn't in Neutral but in gear and I kind of squeal the tires and it dies again. Of course, there are people all around me. Lord. OK, please start one more time, and it does. Then it is a combo neutral (hit the gas), put in gear and creep forward for about 2 blocks, then through the barricades to open road. God how embarrassing. I don't know why I picked this hobby.

Anyway, once we got out of town it was a very pleasant cruise back home with the CD player cranking a few of my favorites, a beautiful night and a cooperative old car.

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