LIVE OAK PARK PICNIC 

Fallbrook, CA, July 28, 1996

By Scott Harrison

It was a warm, clear, sunny morning with the fresh morning mist slowly fading away as we wound our way through the hills of Fallbrook. It was a beautiful peaceful ride once you left the freeways and enter the country roads surrounding this quaint little historic town. some- times the rides to and from the club events can be just as enjoyable as the event itself. Such was the case today.

   One by one each of the shiny little Volvos arrived bringing more varieties of barbecue entrees and drinks than we all could eat. What a great opportunity this event gave us to casually socialize with each other and talk about all sorts of subjects (Volvos too of course!) and really get to know each other. Everyone was so involved in conversation for so long that the charcoals didn't get lit for several hours.

   The usual sharing of hors d'oeuvres, entrees and drinks took place as everyone described their own unique recipes for their dish. It became obvious that SDVSA members are as good at eating as they are at talking. The attendance of almost everyone's spouses contributed to a nice atmosphere of mixed conversation and socializing.

   We of course discussed issues directly related to our favorite mode of transportation. Jim shared his recent experience with restoring the engine compartment on his P1800 and expressed his desire to enter it (the engine compartment) in the upcoming West Coast Meet! (Is there a category for that?) Then Goran Freske, Jeff Perry and myself reviewed the recent completion of Jeff's sway bar installation. The front bar is from IPD and the rear is from J.C. Whitney (yes, J.C. Whitney). The Whitney bar is far less expensive and attaches to the frame not the floor pan in a manner that won't rip holes out of your steel floor if you tend to be an aggressive driver. (Note: J.C. Whitney does sell a complete set of front and rear bars )

   Bob Skoog shared some more of his colorful and animated stories of his ongoing (and almost complete) ground up restoration of another P1800. This one is going to be for his wife! What-A-Guy! He has it r running but said he can't drive it around too much because the local police won't believe that the lawn chairs he has installed temporarily are an acceptable replacement for the buckets while they're being upholstered

   Although it was a hot, dry summer day it was very pleasant under the expansive oak trees in the park as a light breeze kept it comfortable. One by one each of us ate and drank our fill and were surprised at how quickly time had passed as we packed up. A few die-hards stayed and continued car talk into the late afternoon. Today's picnic had a little something for everyone - food, drink, great weather, good friends, great conversation and of course the sharing of one of our common interests, the classic Volvo!