Waterfest was....

[brett@netacc.net (Brett Van Sprewenburg)]

...not quite what I expected. :)


Getting there is usually half the fun, but when the weather turned 
soooo bad, it really
cramped our drive.  I have never driven through rain like that, 
especially for so long.

We were caught by torrential pounding rain four times...it caused 
multiple cars to run
poorly (including my own) for days afterwards.

It was truly a nasty ride, one I hope to not have to repeat ever.

Our caravan got separated, cars broke down, people got lost...not fun at all.

Saturday dawned bright and clear, and things started to turn around. 
The usually
waterfest started to get underway...but not before I got (along with 
other people I
was leading around) very lost in Jersey...I really am starting to get 
a dislike for that
state.

FINALLY, we get back to the hotel for some serious hanging out, car 
cleaning, and
good times.  The cops showed up naturally, and just told us to keep 
it cool, but it
was not to be. :(

I'll tell you this, IMO, it was not nearly as out of hand as last 
year, but the close
quarters of hotel 2 did not lend itself too well to a large outdoor 
gathering, which
made things worse some how.  Anyway, the cops where there most of the night
and eventually had everyone head indoors, which didn't stop 
everything naturally.

It was only after I saw the parking lot mess and heard of the 
property damage did
I start to believe that some people went way to far (remember, it 
actually did seem
tamer then last year).  It's too bad that some people have to destroy things to
have a good time...but I can't totally condemn it as I was young and far more
irresponsible once too.  At this point in my life, I sure do not 
agree with having "fun"
in this manner (broken glass in a pool?!), and it sure makes us all 
look bad. :(
What more can I say here?  Wish it didn't happen...it's uncomfortable to live
through while it's happening too...

Getting to the show without getting a little lost would not be right 
either... :)

I went to the show not expecting to win, I've had my time, I would expect other
people to have 'caught-up' and be fielding better / nicer cars then 
mine at this
point.  And in many ways, I'm happy to say, quite a few people have some super
nice rocs, some of them were even entered in the show. :)  After sizing up the
competition, I was reasonably sure of being able to place in the top 
3, so I was
pleased (who wouldn't be really? :-) ).  After several years, I think 
I still have a
pretty good "total-package" nicely modified Scirocco... ;)

At the awards ceremony, I was not angry to learn that I'd lost, 
merely disappointed.
I _am_ a bit tweeked after seeing the scores, considering it was a 
three way tie for
second and if I'd gotten what I'd probably deserved for just my 
display, I might
have even won first....oh well. :/  Still not angry, I am happy for 
the winners, as
I know them all, and each of them have nice cars also. :)

However, this judging situation (not just in our class either) can't 
continue.  Waterfest
bills itself as a (if not THE) premier VW event / show / gathering in 
the east, and it
should be improved as far as judging goes.  Hopefully this will happen.

Now, I like this gathering.  I like the get togethers at the hotel. 
I like the show,
I usually like the trip down.... :)  I'll still go back, especially 
if the show judging
improves.

I might have more to say on this, and would be happy to answer 
specific questions...I
have supplied the pictures Josh has requested BTW, I assume they're going to WF
people to prove a point?

This is a great community we have, thanks for sticking up for me 
without being asked. :)


==Brett
 \/  '84 Scirocco (ITB racer 2B) | "Hot VW's, take two home. They're small"
\/\/ '88 Scirocco 16v (Show), '92 Passat 16v (Winter+) | - brett@netacc.net