Report and pictures from "Buses by the Mill" by Nevin Lesher Buses by the Mill held this long holiday weekend was a tremendous success. Three day of picture perfect weather. Sunny, warm and breezy almost like a fall day. Saturday nite's temperature went down into the mid 40s and many campers bundled up for the evening campfires and made use of heaters in their buses. We all enjoyed some of the best food available and there was plenty of that to go around so no one had to avail themselves of the numerous eating places in the Mystic area. If fact there was enough let over that folks were able to take some goodies home with them. Many took advantage of passes provided by our hosts, Amy and Bill Monk, to visit the famous Mystic Seaport, while others took time to check out the slots and buffet at the Foxwoods Casino, known in the area as the "Emerald City". Didn't hear of any big winners though. Sunday's Potluck late afternoon food fest left many in need of "Power Naps" before a great raffle with all kinds of neat goodies, again organized by our hosts. Later a roaring campfire and samples of Cranberry and Blackberry "Hard" Cider from the Clydes Mill kept everyone warm and really stoked up stories, conversation and lots of laughter. A special unannounced event that took place on Sunday and Monday was the visit of several vintage and classic cars and did these ever get a lookover, with plenty of film being shot up on them. The oldest and beautiful restored was the 1929 Stearns-Knight 7 passenger Touring Car owned by Amy Monks father who fired up its monsterious straight 8 engine and drove in along with Amy's mothers Corvette to participate in the North Stonington Memorial Day parade. The engine was hardly a match for the puny boxer VW 4's that provided transportation for most attending the weekend. It had many clever features like water cooled sparkplugs that drew the attention of the bus owners. Most were loading up and departing by late Monday morning to avoid the afternoon traffic crunch in the area. If you missed out on this event, you really lost out. It was funtastic!!

 

Buses by the Mill 2004
Facts and Observances By Nevin Lescher the count on Buses was 18 which included 2 Eurovan Weekenders. 5 Ivory Westfalias a couple of late model Westies the rest various model Bays Adult contingent must have been over 40 and children to numerous to count. an equal number of dogs of all sizes, shapes and breeds, 1 cat and 1 unknown type of bird.	Gerry Edge's portable Mission Kitchen by Montane complete with T-Paper & Towel Trekker. Check it out on www.montane.com A really neat storage and kitchen organizer. Andrea & Brad Rasso's swing away storage box mounted on the receiver hitch of their "Blue Max" Westfalia. Looked like a great way to store and transport gear and equipment when traveling long distances. My own (Nevin Lescher) Side Screen Room. A three sided canvas room that attaches to the Carefree Sidewinder II awning. Easy to setup and keeps the bugs out. Dropdown side flaps for inclement weather and privacy. Check it out on www.carefreeofcolorado.com Also my replacement custom front table that easily fits between the front seats in driving position with cup holder, small storage drawer and map light. Uses existing Westfalia front table stand and mount. This in conjunction with a floor mounted console between the seats contains a CD player and Vector 12VDC Cooler is our way of enjoying light snacks, beverages and music while traveling without having to stop on the road.	Gerry Edge also had a unique fold up canopy type awning with add-on side panels to completely enclose the canopy. Will fit over a picnic table or any foldup camp table and needs no center pole support. A real classy item. I don't know where he got it or the Brand name. John Netsel and Kevin Kruger had a bladder type water container about 18" X 24" with one side made from clear flexible plastic material and an attached hose with shower noozle. Let this baby percolate in the sun all day like we had this weekend and you've got several gallons of real hot water for a late afternoon shower and shave with enough left over for your dishes and cookware clean up. Great item, roll it up, plop it into its storage bag and away you go like Mr. Clean.