12 Step Music Fest

Freakin AWESOME, what a great event!
Sparky, BoPeep, myself and two chilluns left a day early and arrived on Wednesday. This being the first long trip to take on the 'new to me' Goldwing, I am now an admitted bikeochondriac. I just knew on the trip down that every little noise was going to be a massive engine failure or something similar. Thankfully, none of that happened.
Leaving that early actually gave us time to set up our entire campsite, three tents and a large travel trailer. The venue itself is layed out quite well with spacious sites and everything is kept almost OCD clean by the KOA staff and the event volunteers. There were even a few official park critters, such as three roosters (who, by the way, crowed just outside my tent every morning (5 AM? pretty close to being dinner!). There was also a gray cat, who didn't bother anyone, but it was very friendly and helped soothe some of those who couldn't bring their own pets.
Friends of our fellowship Lanee and Steve, along with Bubba showed up Thursday, I still can't figure out how it took six hours from West Palm Beach to the event, but I don't think I would ever trust a GPS unit. On Friday, Prez Harley arrived with his entourage, including First Lady Maggie and his chilluns. A couple of other friends, Lauren and Jennifer from West Palm also showed up later that day.
If you couldn't attend this years event, make sure you go to the next one. It was one of the most premier events I have ever attended throughout my time in recovery.
Fellowship abounded quite freely with everyone getting along. There were meetings going on almost all of the time we were there and there was never a dull moment at the Coffee Shop venue in the park.
The gates officially opened at noon on Thursday, and the park was filling up at a swift pace, even though event producers Rich and Dawn didn't quite get the attendance they were expecting (Badddd hurricane, which actually never affected the event in any way). There were attendees from many different states (and fellowships) who made the trip down to the Keys.

For a first year event, it appeared it went off without any apparent major glitches. Only one band was unable to make it and that was because of hand surgery on the lead guitarist. Hope he recovers fully. The major scheduled performers just absolutely set the crowd on fire with their totally awesome performances, which as I have heard before, 'they rocked the house down'.
I personally rode into Key West a couple of times while I was there. The scenery in the Keys could turn the most devoted agnostic into a believer. I do have one question though. I seen a business named the 'Pirate Wellness Center'. Is that a rehab for pirates, matey?
The Third Tradition would like to really express our gratitude to the producers and all the volunteers (especiaaly those Security people from Alternatives MC) for making this a 'must attend next year' event!
Did I mention how awesome this event was this year?
Enough of my rambling on, it's time for me to shut up (when isn't it!) so you can go take a gander at all of this years photos.

Ride Safe, Ride Sober, Ride Free
Nitro