Friends

I have never been accused of being the smartest tool in the shop, but this is one of many prime examples of proof that Shane and I aren't the brightest. This picture is from several years back and was taken in Bristol, TN.

Every year there is a festival, known as Dukesfest (original isn't it?), where Dukes of Hazzard fans get together to meet the cast of the show, watch various stunts and look at hundreds of replica cars.

Shane and I had been to a couple of these, but Catherine Bach AKA Daisy had never been at one until now. Since Shane and I had already met most of the other cast and crew we decided to wait in line to meet Daisy. Of course, most of the other people in attendance that day felt the same way.

The line opened at 9, but after driving all night to get there we hadn't arrived at the track until 10. We immediately got in line, which was already substantial in length. Catherine was seated inside a large white tent, but the line was so long that only a small portion of the line would fit inside the tent, hidden from the sun. I don't remember the exact date, but I believe it was sometime in July and it felt like we were about 3 inches from the sun.

Every couple of hours(yes I said hours)Catherine would be called on stage to sing a song or two or would be called to do an interview with CMT, which was filming the whole thing or would simply take a fifteen minute break. After about 4 hours of doing nothing by standing (sitting) in line, doubts started creeping in. Phrases/questions such as "what the hell are we doing" and "is this really worth it" were heard frequently. Shane and I took turns cheering the other up and insisting that this is what we came to do and yes, it would be worth it.

Now, at this point I need to tell you that there was another person in attendance with Shane and I, Nate. This is significant for the fact that Nate grew up without a TV, so had no idea who the Dukes of Hazzard were and furthermore wasn't infatuated with Catherine Bach like Shane and myself. Nate was simply bored and decided to take the 8 hour road trip with us. After 4 hours of standing in the sun, he was beyond annoyed, but nevertheless a good friend and stood right there with us.

At the 6 hour mark when we were still in line and still in the sun, we almost broke. It was at this point, Shane used the old "it's about the principle now" line. After some arguement, we decided to push forward. It was really less about the principle and more about our inability to admit that we were stupid for standing in line all that time.

After 8 hours and 10 minutes we finally met Catherine AKA Daisy. As you can see by my face, I was toast! Totally burnt. What you can't see very well is the tops of my legs, which were directly in the sun most of the day and were fried beyond belief. I would love to tell you that it was all worth it, that Catherine and I made some connection that will last forever, but I can't. All can really tell you is that we met her and had our pictures taken and had a picture autographed. In fact I can't remember anything that was said, I was so tired and numb. There was no earth-shattering revelation, no grand epiphany. Just two friends who were dumb enough to push each other to stand in line for 8 hours and get sunburned and one who wouldn't leave us. Yet to this day, this is one of the most discussed stories Shane and I have.

Aren't friends wonderful!

Of course we went back the next year!