Pacific Northwest VX Meet: Seattle

[PHO2GR4]

Hi All,

John (rowhard) and I (PHO2GR4) would like to invite all of you to our Unofficial Pacific NorthWest VX gathering, which will take place on Saturday, February 17th, 2007.

I'm thinking that lunch somewhere in Seattle would be best. After lunch, I know of a few cool locations for group VX photos. I also know (ahem) a pretty talented photographer who will be there, offering free photo services!

This will be a perfect chance to meet, compare notes, compare VXs, trade hints, tips and modification ideas. Plus, it gives you 2 1/2 weeks to get your VX all spiffed up for public viewing! (I know that I NEED at least two weeks to get my ride ready for public appearances...)

Please RSVP in this thread, or PM or email me directly for details (as they become finalized). Anybody have a good idea for a lunch spot in Seattle?

PLEASE JOIN US!

Eric

[littlewing2]

I would love to go, but I will be at the Bob Seger concert in Portland, Or on that day. Is there anyway to make it a different weekend? and maybe a little closer to Portland? Thx!!

[cyronman]

Damn I miss Seattle.


pho2gr4, have you ever taken any shots from that small park up on Highland st.?

[kpaske]

You can count me in. ;Db;

I'm not sure what you guys have in mind for lunch, but there's a really good japanese buffet (great teriyaki, sushi, tempura, soups and salads, desserts, etc) in Seattle called "Todai", and the lunch price is a steal (about $13 I think). One caveat is the parking garage underneath isn't tall enough for my VX unless I remove my full size spare from the roof rack (most garages in Seattle aren't).

There's also a Jillians which is good for get togethers, and there is a lot of covered and uncovered parking in the vicinity. There might even be some decent photo shots nearby the lake. The food there is decent.

On the other hand, finding something outside of the city might be better if you want to avoid the traffic and congestion. I'm game for anything between Portland and Seattle.

[PHO2GR4]

I like the Jillian's idea! Lots of parking around there, and LOTS of photo ops around Lake Union, right across the street.

Todai is nice, but parking is a BEE-hotch.

Can we count this as two votes for Jillian's?

[PHO2GR4]

Damn I miss Seattle.


pho2gr4, have you ever taken any shots from that small park up on Highland st.?

Hi Cyronman,

YES, I live up on Queen Anne Hill, and I take photos at Kerry Park all the time. It's great for portraits and weddings. Not so good for VXs, though, since you can't drive up onto the grass!!! :rolleyes:

And hey, if you miss Seattle so much, why don't you make the drive out here for the meet? :p

[Techy-D]

Hi Cyronman,

Not so good for VXs, though, since you can't drive up onto the grass!!! :rolleyes:

:p

It's a VX, it'll go!!! ;)


This sounds like fun, but I'm still short on time and money. Someday, someday, someday... When will it get better??? I'm starting to get tired of hearing myself say it. :confused:

[Bulldoggie]

I would love to go, I drive to Winlock, Wa. every few weeks.

About 330mi. each time.
A meet closer to Portland would be more central to Or. & Wa. VX'ers.
The gorge is one of the most scenic places to photograph on Earth!
Many waterfalls and viewpoints.
Not many cars on the old Highway this time of year.

[cyronman]

Hi Cyronman,

And hey, if you miss Seattle so much, why don't you make the drive out here for the meet? :p

I used to drive home to the Bay Area from there on 4day weekends. 12 1/2 hour drives...
After convoying in Iraq for 12 months, road trips don't seem so bad anymore.
I'm considering moving back up there one day, but I'm saving my first VX meet ~20 hours away from you down here!
Can't wait for the pics though.

[Knigh7s]

Total Est. Time: 18 hours, 9 minutes
Total Est. Distance: 1259.95 miles

Nope doesn't look like I will be making that one!

What ever happened to the Las Vegas Meet? =P

[PHO2GR4]

1) I'll be in VEGAS BABY from March 25th through 29th, for a photography expo. Paris Resort. Sadly, I have to fly there rather than drive the VX, due to time constraints. Still, I'm happy to raise a glass or five with any VX owners during that time!

2) I LOVE Portland. I get down there whenever I can. Here's a dealio: you guys put together a Portland (or thereabouts) meet at the BEGINNING of March sometime...guarantee me 4 or 5 other VX-heads...and I'll throw my two dogs in my Ebony for a weekend blast.

3) But still...come on...there MUST be a few more of you who can make it to the Seattle meet?!? I'll promise FREE PHOTOS for everyone!

And it's never too early to prepare for Bart's 2008 VX Calendar! :cool:

[rowhard]

Seattle in Feb, Portland in March and it takes me about the same time to get to both. Lucky me. As far as a watering hole and eat's, outdoor parking is a must. Somewhere that management will work with us and rope of a section for VX parking only with maybe a nice backdrop. Unfortcantly, I do not know Seattle well enough to pick one but would consider a road trip tomorrow if there are any suggested places to check.

[PHO2GR4]

That's why I like kpaske's idea about Jillian's, in Seattle. It's close to the major central I-5 exit to the Seattle Center. There are tons of parking areas outside, right along Lake Union. Good areas for photos!

Plus, the food is decent, and there are billiard tables galore!

Afterwards, photos along South Lake Union, then a short drive to Gasworks Park along North Lake Union.

Or a longer drive to West Seattle, to the Salty's on Alki parking lot...which is where I took those few photos in my vehicross.info Gallery page.

[rowhard]

Works for me.

Here's the mapquest link if it's the one on Westlake Ave N.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?latlongtype=internal&addtohistory=&latitude=PBSUoUKGNtciA4FYFvqRgw%3d%3d&longitude=h94God7aXqfMSDMl6LaM2A%3d%3d&name=Jillian%27s%20Entertainment%20Corp&country=US&address=731%20Westlake%20Ave%20N&city=Seattle&state=WA&zipcode=98109&phone=206%2d223%2d0300&spurl=0&&q=Jillians&qc=Billiard%20Parlors

[PHO2GR4]

Westlake Ave...yes, that's the one!

[wekilled]

All:

Man, I would be there in a heartbeat if I could. Would love to meet some other VXers other than just in cyberspace.

I am stuck here in Baghdad (again OIF I and Desert Storm) till probably December. (We are almost certain to be extended for an 18 month tour.) For wheels here I drive around an M1114 Hummer, or sit in the belly of a Stryker. When we were in Mosul my wheels on the FOB were a POS captured Iraqi sniper car.

The extremely small consolation of being stuck here is twofold. First, my VX is sitting in Steilacoom in a warm garage, and second, I have brought a Powerpoint slideshow of my VX from multiple angles, so I can scheme future mods while sitting here looking as though I am doing something Army-related. (geek)I cant spend a whole lot here other than haircuts and really crappy bootleg DVDs, so I should have a little to play with when I get back.

Am planning to do the WAAG Mercedes tube grille when I get back if I can find a good weld shop in Tacoma or Seattle. Kpaske? Figure you might have a lead. Also looking at a throatier, less restrictive muffler.

Anyway, have a few drinks for me, bang your knuckles on some steel, and maybe we can throw a mini-meet togther sometime in the future. If Im in Washington, I'll be there!

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/dougNstryker.JPG

[Bulldoggie]

All:

Man, I would be there in a heartbeat if I could. Would love to meet some other VXers other than just in cyberspace.

I am stuck here in Baghdad till probably December. I cant spend a whole lot here other than haircuts and really crappy bootleg DVDs, so I should have a little to play with when I get back.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/dougNstryker.JPG

I was in Bandrabas Iran, back in '77. I will never forget what it was like to be Hated on sight After one day on the "beach", I returned to the ship with the same $20.00 in my pocket. I spent the rest of the time there taking others duties running the 40' utility boat back and forth just for something to do.
The Brits. were using there zodiac to waterski, the gulf was pea green, and you could see the banded "poisonous" sea snakes swimming by the ship.
No internet or video back then, We did bring our own beer, but at least no one was SHOOTING at us.
All the Best, Doug. Hope we have a meet when you get back.
Thanks, Bill
PS I'll buy the beer.

[Baxman]

Wish I could make it, but will be on a family trip to the coast that weekend. Be sure to take and post pics!

[kpaske]

I was in Bandrabas Iran, back in '77. I will never forget what it was like to be Hated on sightIn Afghanistan it's often night and day depending on what towns you are patrolling. Some villagers are delighted to see American soldiers and will invite you in for tea and flat bread. One town even put up our entire platoon, giving us a place to stay in an empty shop because they felt it would keep the thieves and bad guys away for a while if they made friends with the Americans. It was experiences like those that I like to remember. Other towns weren't so friendly, and you could tell by the stares and mean looks that there might be trouble brewing that day.

No internet or video back then, We did bring our own beer, but at least no one was SHOOTING at us.
Boy, how times have changed. In two deployments the closest to alcohol I came was the night we ate in the Italian compound and got to drink a styrofoam cup's worth of wine. I hear things are very different in Iraq.

[cyronman]

In two deployments the closest to alcohol I came was the night we ate in the Italian compound and got to drink a styrofoam cup's worth of wine. I hear things are very different in Iraq.

yes, yes it is
http://vehicross.info/forums/images/smilies/_beer.gif

[rowhard]

Hey Eric, I think our thread has been hijacked. Only wish all these were responses was for turning out for a Pacific Northwest VX Meet. But then, got pretty much the same response last time in October, Only kpaske responded that time.

[cyronman]

Sorry guys

[Daddy's Girl]

I would love to go to one but they all seem to be too far. Anyone meeting on the East Coast?

[kpaske]

I just don't think there are very many active PNW owners on the forums these days. There are about 4 of us in WA, and maybe another 3 or 4 in OR. I'd love to do the mini-meet, but I'm working this Saturday. :confused:

Sorry for the hijack... We do that a lot around here.

[MZ-N10]

ive always wanted to goto a vx meet but sf to seattle is a bit far....

btw 13 bucks for todia!?!??! im paying close to 20 here.

[PHO2GR4]

Well, it seems like a few of you cannot make it on Saturday the 17th. Would Sunday be better for any of you? I can be there Saturday OR Sunday...or both days. :p

And would Saturday the 24th be better for any of you?

[kpaske]

I'm open the 24th... :)

If it's just going to be the three of us we could wait until the weather gets a little nicer and do a "maintenance" meet like the VW folks do. Even if it's just oil changes and what not, I think it's kind of fun to have other owners around while you're actually doing some work. I'd volunteer to host at my place.

I'm a stone's throw from Fort Lewis, and there are definitely some publicly accessible areas that might make for a decent group photo shot. Not neccessarily all that scenic, but free of buildings and roads and other vehicles at least.

[PHO2GR4]

I think Fort Lewis is closer to John, too.

So, John, wanna do a rain delay until spring? Meet up around the Fort Lewis/Tacoma area instead of Seattle? I only suggested Seattle because:

1) I live here!
2) I thought there were more VXs up here than actually responded to this thread
3) I know some cool areas for photos. And food.

If we get three (or more, dammit) VXs running around near Fort Lewis, peoplewill think we're doing some top-secret military maneuvers! :cool:

[kpaske]

If we get three (or more, dammit) VXs running around near Fort Lewis, peoplewill think we're doing some top-secret military maneuvers! :cool:Right on! Two ebony's and a dragon in a convoy will surely attract some attention.

I'm game for whatever. I thought Seattle might be more central if we had folks coming from Portland and Vancouver, but whatever. We might get more responses once the weather warms up a little.

[rowhard]

I'll be honest, with the lack of reponse and the crap going on at the emerald green VX thread, I'm getting kind of, oh never mind, whatever. I think I'll spend my energy elsewhere

[JAFO]

I could be in.

My VX has been sitting under my carport. The RX-7 has been getting all of the attention lately.

[PHO2GR4]

It would be GREAT if you could make it, JAFO! I got a lot of inspiration for my own Ebony VX from YOUR gallery.

Keep your eyes on the skies. We may still be meeting on Saturday, 2/17...rowhard, kpaske and I are up for that...but if OTHERS can promise to meet up on a different Saturday, we might be able to bump it a week or three.

Littlewing2 is getting some old-time rock and roll on Feb 17th. Bulldoggie wants a different day, too...and a meet closer to Portland! Baxman's going to the BEACH that weekend.

So, it's up in the air. We COULD move the meet to, say Olympia...right between Portland and Seattle...and hold the meet in early March. Or we could just up and move it all the way to Portland. I like the drive.

LET ME KNOW, PEEPS. How about if those of you who CANNOT make it on February 17th give us a list of times/places that you COULD meet, and we'll do one of those consensus thingies?

[littlewing2]

I checked my event planner(haha)and I don't have no events(like I would have any, anyway) on Saturday in the whole month of March. I would be game to drive ALL THE WAY UP TO Olympia. Thats my .02cents. Lets here from the rest of you!!!! :dance:

[PHO2GR4]

Cool! I'll get to see a Proton up close! It's been awhile.

That's LittleWING, from Newberg, folks. How about getting LittleLAURIE from Portland, too? She's got a KILLER Ebony VX.

Anyone else? March meet? Olympia?

[rowhard]

insert .02 (saw that in other thread, liked it)

I am game,... period.

Would be nice to maybe make this a regular thing, maybe every other month or something. We up here, Seattle area commute down there and they, Portland area come up here. An over nighter type of thing. Just imagine a dozen (or more) VX's convoying to Crater Lake or Mt. Rainer, something like that.

[PHO2GR4]

I haven't been to Crater Lake in, like, 35 years! I seem to remember it being COLD. But I was 8 years old then, so who cares about pneumonia?

I would be SO up for a Crater Lake drive.

Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?

[rowhard]

Eric, have you done the North Cascade highway yet?

[newthings]

Most any of these things sound good.
I better start now cleaning the winter splatter off the VX.
Roy

[PHO2GR4]

Rowhard, I've done the North Cascades Loop, but not in my VX!

Newthings, don't worry too much about the splatter: first of all, it's still winter, so what are ya gonna do? Second, my tires illegally stick out from my wheel wells, and constantly kick up mud and spatter all along the sides of MY VX...so no matter what, yours won't be the dirtiest!!!

[rowhard]

Roy, good to hear from you. How's the hideout by the river coming along?

[CrnCnn]

Rowhard, I've done the North Cascades Loop, but not in my VX!

Newthings, don't worry too much about the splatter: first of all, it's still winter, so what are ya gonna do? Second, my tires illegally stick out from my wheel wells, and constantly kick up mud and spatter all along the sides of MY VX...so no matter what, yours won't be the dirtiest!!!


I read all these mods on your profile and stuff were are the pics?!?!?!?!

[PHO2GR4]

More photos coming SOON, I promise. I've been waiting on one last item: Ron/Rudy's front skid plate. I wanna install that, then detail the hell out of my black beauty.

Of course, I'd feel better if he'd reply to my EMAILS...but no luck these last couple of weeks. Sort of spooky.

[Bulldoggie]

I haven't been to Crater Lake in, like, 35 years! I seem to remember it being COLD. But I was 8 years old then, so who cares about pneumonia?

I would be SO up for a Crater Lake drive.

Anybody? Anybody? Bueller?


I've been near Crater Lake twice. Each time the road was closed. I tried to talk a friend into dragging a pair of snowmobiles there, but we went to Newberry Crater instead. Snowmobiles are very fun.
I would love to see Crater Lake at least once. It seems very remote, not being on the way to anywhere.
Jafo, I'm surprised noone bought your Ebony, I think yours was worth alot more than your asking price.
Oly-mpia or Quinalt? I love the coast, I like the Idea of a rally / convoy.

[VXGirlie01]

i know this thread was originally posted awhile ago.....but i would love to know if any VX meets are planned in the pacific NW in the near future?? i am a new vx owner, but a huge car enthusiast and a member of our local and national porsche and exotics club!

jody