Scott Loring - High Desert Region PCA Events Chair
Eight adventuresome HDR Porsches left early Friday morning for the trip east to Boise, Idaho and the Silver Sage Region’s “Oktoberfast Car Show” and weekend festivities. Meticulously well planned and executed by our tour leaders, Bill and Kathy Wilson, we all shared an excellent drive and tour.
[soliloquy id="5849"] Photos by Bill Wilson
First stop on the pastoral Highway 26 route was for lunch at the Snaffle Bit Diner, slightly south of John Day. We ate very good food with exceptional service from two ladies who really know how to run a restaurant. From there we motored to our 3-night Meridian accommodations at the Marriott Courtyard. That night we had a wild and crazy dinner at Ling and Louie’s, an Asian themed eatery that was big, beautiful, and noisy.
Saturday morning we gathered at Porsche of Boise for Sage’s version of an Arrive and Drive. With almost 70 cars, one could join any of three groups for a short, medium, or long drive in picturesque Idaho. That afternoon we were treated to a wine tasting at two of the local producers and were well informed by the wine making staff as to Idaho’s fledgling and successful industry trends.
Saturday night we attended a private Porsche Club Oktoberfast dinner at the gigantic and rambunctious Big Al’s, a combination of mega bowling alley, video arcade, active sports bar with giant TV screens, and a restaurant that covered two floors and many thousands of square feet. After dinner we were treated to a personal interview and discussion with George Follmer, race car driver extraordinaire. In his early eighties, George exhibited a fine memory and witty sense of humor.
Sunday saw the car show at the new and expansive shopping village in Meridian. The weather was perfect and the crowds of shoppers enthusiastic as all of the entries were parked amongst the stores. With a live band and plenty of dining choices we all had a good time shopping, noshing, tapping our toes, and chatting with the locals. At that afternoon’s award ceremonies, two of our own were recognized as first place winners in their respective classes…Pete Olson with his Sapphire Blue GT4 and Scott and Kathi Loring with their Agate Gray Boxster S. With over 120 cars exhibited it was an exciting time with a vast variety of Porsche years and models and plenty of aficionados.
That night we had a very special meal at Chandler’s Prime Steak and Seafood. The Wilsons had hired van transportation to the venue as we were all in need of a driving respite. This fine dining establishment is owned by Rex Chandler, a past president of the Silver Sage Region and a true and friendly gentleman. He and his wife visited our private dining room to greet us and they were warmly thanked for treating us to delicious hors d’oeuvres with our cocktails. Very generous!
The group that motored back to Bend together on Monday stopped for lunch in Burns at a remarkably good deli where owner Fran served up fresh baked brownies just before our final leg home. What a sweet (and sticky) ending to a unique and special outing with our cars and good club friends.
The Silver Sage hospitality was friendly and exemplary. And thanks again to Bill and Kathy!