Well, now that everyone is accounted for, I thought I'd offer up some toast and roast or roast and toast about the weekend and my esteemed trail mates.

This was my second Fall Gathering, and it was a great weekend despite the rain, or in some crazy way because of it. I continue to be the student, a very enjoyable role, and learn about the vagaries of wheeling, despite the fact that I leave my truck untouched for the event.

I enjoyed another opportunity to ride with different club members, learn about each of them, enjoy their respective talents and good will, and learn what to do or not to do should I ever have a trail truck. I enjoyed three nice meals as well. In fact, I'm still bit embarrassed when I think how I must have looked with a plate of good food that only grew and grew as I moved down the buffet table, topped at the end with what appeared to be 1/2 of a chicken!

But the company is what I enjoyed most. Each Gotham member continues to be a unique and remarkably considerate personality.

Romel brought his son, Ryan, along, and their bonding reminded me very well of the many times I have camped and skied with my own children. Romel is doing the right thing. Kudos! Still, Romel was able to add to his LC treasure trove; he left with a 40 fender hanging out of the back of his truck!

I had never Met Mike Stevens before. He is a very able wheeler and a damn nice guy. He showed some nice grace under pressure. He also drove many miles from his home in Pennsylvania.

OB is another Gotham member I had not met before. Also a very able wheeler and nice guy! A sleuth who would be an exact fit if Mod Squad were recasted. A designer of gearing who may ultimately tag on a few more reduction boxes and do away with the need for a rear drive shaft. And a raffle winner so successful as to make "Raffle Envy" a newly accepted malady in the great book of LC illness.

Rich C. drives Toyota's newest addition to the 4 wheel scene with aplomb. His truck climbs like a mule, yes like a mule! He keeps his eye on the trail and is a deft interpreter of line and terrain. And another nice guy.

And then Mark and Jon, each very unique.

Mark has always been generous with guidance and Cruiser enthusiasm. His 60 is a beast; I've never seen it vanquished. Except for Saturday when I helped him with his broken Birfield and enjoyed every greasy moment! Mark is always more than prepared, bringing plenty of food, water, tools, parts, and other things available but never unpacked. And always willing to share with those without, principally Norris.

Jon is Mark's counterpart. I wonder if they were once one force so omnipotent and omniscient that they divided in fairness to the rest of us. Jon is a technical wheeler, with an intuitive sense of the physics of rocks and mud. He can get anyone up and/or down a trail. He speaks loudly and clearly, methodically. I might offer him a Director's Chair. He, too, is a great guy.

I'd trust any of these guys to watch my back. Regards, Norris.