(Last updated Thursday, 3 June 04)

...just when you think the scenery couldn't be prettier than last year...

...just when you think the course couldn't get more interesting than last year...

...just when you think you couldn't have a better time than last year...

Chris and Darren top last year !!

By all accounts, Spring Fling '04 was a tremendously fun success!  Our generous hosts, RRR members Darren Muso and Chris Pozarycki, opened their home to a dozen rallye teams.  While finishing the course was each team's goal, every team can claim victory, as the rallye raised over $110 for the Alzheimer's Association!

The morning started off at Chris & Darren's colonial home, Tall Pines, built in 1741.  We were treated to a delicious breakfast and a chance to admire the antique cars that gathered on the grounds.  But soon it was down to business as Chris and Darren explained the rules:

1) Don't speed - only your mileage and trivia answers count.

2) If you leave New Jersey, you've made a wrong turn.

As we leisurely weaved our way thru Warren, Hunterdon and Somerset counties, we enjoyed some of NJ's most picturesque scenery. The route featured the horse and family farms and quaint towns of northern NJ.  But there was more to do than just look out the car window ~ there were stops along the way.  Antique stores ~ toy stores ~ vintage general stores.  And since time was not an issue, all the teams took advantage of browsing and shopping!

The route brought us 44 miles (or longer!) back to our home base of Watchung Ridge Assisted Living.  The cars were arranged in show fashion for the residents and visitors for their Mother's Day Bazaar.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, ice-cold soda (phew, thanks) and the best darn brownies in Somerset County were the afternoon fare.

There were plenty of laughs all around as teams amused each other with stories of their low-speed driving antics.

By 4pm it was time to present the trophies, but not before a well deserved round of applause for Chris and Darren.  Their time, effort and hospitality made Spring Fling '04 a memorable and enjoyable time for all!  Thanks, gents!

...and thanks to the merchants that stamped our cards and put up with our stunt!

Kelly's Gift Shoppe ~ Oxford, NJ

Woodglen General Store ~ Califon, NJ

Country Antiques Shop ~ Pluckemin, NJ

Washington Antique Center ~ Washington, NJ

lamington general Store ~ Bedminster, NJ

The Magic Shop

and, of course, WATCHUNG RIDGE ASSISTED LIVING !!

Thanks to Contributing Photographer, DAN REED !

       ... and the WINNERS are ...

FIRST PLACE Bernie Cooney (navigator extraordinaire) and Pat Caruso (driver mediocre) ~ all questions correct and shortest distance of 44 miles.	Second Place Marco and crew
Third Place Bob Rankin and Ray Koziol	Most Leisurely (uh, longest) Route Jack and Sandy Harrison
Oldest Car to Participate Bob & Jodi Hedderick in their 1950 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan	Peoples' Choice Award at Watchung Ridge Joe Puleo and his 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

pages have been visited since February 23, 2003.