2021 Orillia
Car Rally

After the disappointment of COVID challenges in last year, 11 assholes were not to be denied a chance to see their high school buds: Daryl (Chair), Floyd, Gary, John, Cruiser, Scotty M., Leo, Guy, Rob, Mowbs, and Harps came together September 18-20 in Orillia at The Champlain Waterfront Hotel.

In fact, for some attendees, the “weekend” got started quite early in the week with Scott making the trek all the way from Chicago, with several stops along the way. Pit stops included Detroit, London (and Kitchener?). I believe Beaups, Leo, and Cruiser were participants in these early week shenanigans. and while Beaups was unable to make the Main event, we’ll credit him for participating in the Preliminaries.

This might explain why Friday night was not the usual raunchy affair, despite the “gap year." (Yes, the 5 or so of you who went to Collingwood last year may object to this characterization of 2021, but a number of us were overruled by our spouses.) By 7 pm, all but Mowbs (who had to return home to get his sleeping aid) were present and accounted for in the designated party room. Chairman Coney made sure that every oral desire was accounted with plenty of libations and snacks. John Halley shored that up with a giant wholesale box of carbs. After some intake and catch up conversation, we strolled up the street for dinner. This was followed by a nightcap back in the party room before calling it a day. It has to be said at this point that a key talking point was Leo’s miraculous weight loss. If there was an award for “most improved”, surely Boomer would be have been the recipient as his new look look was nothing short of amazing. Not to be overlooked was Daryl’s ponytail: not sure if was COVID driven or that in retirement Daryl had joined a rock band and just wasn’t coming clean with us.

Following a continental breakfast next morning at the hotel, we met in the parking lot to receive our assignment: google map instructions (and periodic roadside clues) for a car rally through the region. Three teams were assembled, with Chairman Coney and Scott M. serving as advance scouts. The detailed driving instructions estimated the rally to be 194km, to be completed (without stops) in just under 3 hours. Neither proved to be accurate, as incompetence in following instructions (guilty as charged), longer than anticipated searches for clues, and lengthy layover for lunch meant that the chairman’s vision was not followed – he might argue not obeyed – and so in reality this rally was more of a Fun Run. Personal highlights were the Big Chute Marine Railway (very cool boat transport from upper to lower lake), and lunch at Bala Falls on Lake Muskoka (where the world famous Dance Hall had played host to big name acts like Glen Miller, Guy Lombardo). Becky, who was our server at the Pub, was a good sport and took care of us. Following lunch, we got to Muskoka Brewery, but their good fortune (full) was our misfortune, at which point it was getting late and some of us chose to skip the final stop at Casino Rama, opting instead to head back to Orillia and the outdoor bar across the street from the hotel. At this point it is important to acknowledge the incredible amount of time Chairman Coney put into creating the rally and the clues that lined the route. Our failure to abide by the rules of engagement (and cheating, using Google for both directions and clue resolutions) was, collectively, our loss. That said, it was still a fantastic outing, except for those times when it wasn’t clear to me whether we should turn left or right, and some things were said that were both hurtful and damaging to my self esteem. (I have since seen my therapist who helped me overcome the setback.).

Dinner that night was at another fine establishment just a five minute walk from the hotel. A private room had been intelligently arranged, which was not only good COVID protocol, but also ensured other guests could enjoy their meal out without being subjected to our coarse banter and exaggerated recollections of youthful conquests. Our server Corey was an experienced food service professional who managed expectations very well and ensured that we all felt like valued guests, despite some of our off colour remarks and food choices (Gary, did you really think you could eat ALL THAT?!)

Nightcaps back at the hotel followed, and for some an early turn in was in order - a function of amount consumed and/or old age.

Sunday morning breakfast at a greasy spoon was just the ticket to give us all the proper foundation for the final event of the weekend…nine holes at Couchiching Golf and C.C. If there was ever an indication of our slow descent into old age, it’s the fact that the winning score was a +2 over par, despite this being a Best Ball contest (winners being Leo, McCallum, John, Guy). Nonetheless, it was a perfect weather day, and capped off nicely when Stacey joined us afterwards to say hi, as she and Paul were heading out to inspect the construction progress on the Big Hawk Lake cottage. The timing of her arrival coincided with Paul having just being voted AOTW Chair for 2022, our 40^th year. While yours truly had volunteered to organize next year’s event, the collective wisdom of the group (actually 4 votes did it, 3 for me) was that such a momentous anniversary should really be handled by the guy who arguably has been our strongest organizer all these years. That said, a few of us might have thought a vote for Mowbs was a vote for Big Hawk Lake and the sure-to-be-awesome new pad. But the new Chair quickly dosed those flames of enthusiasm, only promising that next year will see a return of some perennial favourites: bonfires and outdoor BBQ.

To wrap up, thanks to Daryl for taking on this thankless job (during a difficult time). Also, apologies that your extensive efforts regarding the precooked hot dogs were underutilized and unappreciated. On the upside, as you have made abundantly clear, you will NEVER organize AOTW again. Finally, if you have read this far, take the time RIGHT NOW to mark Sept 17/18 2022 in your calendars. Until then, stay healthy, stay safe, and stay tuned for what is sure to be a fantastic, milestone event.