Baby, It’s Hot Outside

I think these photos are self explanatory. Those big piles of snow from last winter are looking pretty good right now.

Weekend at Coos Canyon

Post by Greg – Last weekend Mark and I took the wheelers to Byron Maine to check out the area trails.

 

We set up camp at  Coos Canyon campground on the the Swift River which is also known for gold panning.

 

About 100 feet behind our site was this gorge cut into the bedrock by the river. The cliffs are up to 30 feet high and during the day it’s a popular swimming (and jumping) spot.

 

 

There are many unique features carved into the rock along the river. The technical term for them are ” hydraulic erosion features”.

 

 

 

I was impressed with this tree on the rim.  Still not sure how it survives.

 

 

Some of the available accommodations at the campground were pretty rustic.

Others were very nice. So there is something for everyone.

 

 

 

We rode the trails most of the day Saturday  stopping to take in the views .  The local variety store was a popular stop for lunch and gas.

 

 

On Sunday morning we spent a little more time exploring the river before packing up and heading home. We didn’t find any gold, but  we did experience  a scenic and ATV friendly part of Maine..

 

Beanpot Invitational 2011

Saturday, we got the opportunity to go to one of Derek’s shows. These pictures  and videos do not do it justice. Drum Corp has come a long way since the days of the Fulton Goucho’s. We sprang for the VIP tickets which got us seats on the 50 yard line, programs and VIP parking. We decided that was the best way to go from now on. The air was full of excitement with the buses, people and kids. Above is the equipment bus for the Spartans. They also travel with a food wagon, 3 coach buses and lot of helpers.

Greg caught this shot of the guy sitting in front of us. It has their summer schedule on the back.

Don’t you just love a man in uniform. The Spartans are based in Nashua, NH. Each group gets approximately 10 minutes to perform. They are also judged on getting their gear on and off the field within a certain time limit. Derek is a member of the pit. They have a lot of equipment to move. The Spartans performed second. The first group was the Muchachos from Manchester, NH. They are the only group that doesn’t age out. Their members range from 14-69. The other groups have age limits. This was Derek’s only opportunity because you can’t be older than 21. The Spartans are in the open class and competed against the 7th Regimen. The Spartan have dominated each time so far this season. All the other groups are in Class A. They are much larger and complex.

The Spartans are coming onto the field. The guy in front is the drum major. All the drum majors have their own platforms and conduct the group. If you watch some of the other videos you will see that the larger groups often have more than one.

Derek was on chimes, gong, mallets and base drum. He was hopping. The sun was setting as the Spartans performed so unfortunately the video wasn’t as good as it could have been. Click on photos for larger view.

After each group played they came around and marched off in front of the grandstand (which was packed).

Spartans (click to view)

7th Regiment, New London, CT (Click to View)

 

Jersey Surf, Camden County, NJ (click to view)

 

Madison Scouts, Madison, WI (click to view)

The Scouts were incredible in their precision and sound. They are unique in they are all men including the color guard, very impressive group.

 

 

 

 

 

The Class A groups have been touring the country for the whole summer. It’s a huge commitment for the kids, parents and all involved.

 Spirit of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA

(click to view)

The Spirit used music from show tunes. The girl in the red dress came slowly across the field wrapped in a black cape. It was a great show.

 

The photo below is also the Crossmen. Unfortunately my battery died partway into the Boston Crusader show and the Carolina Crown from Ft. Mill, SC. They were the group that took first place.