Buses by the Buoy 2004 -Stan Wohlfarth LiMBO president September 10-12, 2004 was the date of the 16th annual Buses by the Buoy and a good time seemed to be had by all, once again. We had at least 50 campsites reserved and some people doubled-up on sites. This year's location was the Northport Travel Park and Campground near Belfast, Maine and we enjoyed the fish pond, swimming pool and clean bathroom facilities. Some people liked the slightly more rustic campground more than last year, other's would prefer an even more remote or northern location in Maine. Personally, I enjoyed it and have been having a great time at just about everyone of these events since the 2nd annual occasion. Jane Castle, who makes most of the little buoys that everyone gets, was asking me what my favorite Buses by the Buoy was and I realized that I didn't really have a favorite. I've enjoyed all of them and love the uniqueness that each year brings when we congregate at a new location in Maine every mid-September.

I vote for continued variety!, and not too far north:) I can't report on this year's caravan to Mount Battie as we decided to lounge in the pool area on Saturday afternoon while the sun was out to warm things up. Later we went into downtown Belfast and really enjoyed walking around town. We also skipped the Lobster dinner at a local restaraunt and had our own Lobster-boil right at our campsite. Later that evening, Jim Phillips, Scott Castle and a fine traveling "session" musician that Jim knew, played some great music for all to hear. I noticed that even some of the big RV crowd were listening in from their nearby campsites. On Sunday one of the campground staff reported that really enjoyed having us and especially liked the campfire music. I also would like to send out a special word of thanks to Allan, Ian, and Jim from the Beetle Shop in Belfast (right on route 1, just south of Belfast). They were open all weekend and we scored a few parts for our older buses on Friday. On Sunday they were busy helping one of our bus drivers, Jordan Cyr, get his freshly painted Orange camper running right.

When I stopped by on Sunday afternoon they had the rear of the bus in the air and were getting ready to pull the engine for a quick rebuild and hopefully got Jordan on his way in good order. They were real nice folks and Jim even joined us for camping with his two daughters. I just wish this shop wasn't 4 hours away, I'd love to have a resource like this closer to the Boston area. On Sunday we caravanned a short way to a nice ocean-side park in Belfast. Some of us had our lunch there and the much anticipated annual drawing for the Big Buoy was held. Jim, Barbara and Madeline Phillips of Norfolk, MA won it this year and will be responsible for bringing it back in subsequent years. Goodbyes were exchanged and we were on our way south, back to the hustle and bustle of the Boston area. I already miss Maine:) Mark your calendars now for Buses by the Buoy 17 and send an e-mail to Michael King [vacvw@gwi.net] to get on the mailing list for e-mail notification next year.