August 13th, 2005 a group of Cascade Cougar Club members attended the Fordnutz Cougar Club event in Surrey, British Columbia. Visiting our Canadian friends has been a long standing tradition for the CCC

Club members attending were Karl & LaDonna Gehlhaar, Jeff & Noel Bingaman, Dave & Kimberley Nashif, Scott Ferguson, and Tom Wood. The Gehlhaar’s left earlier in the the week to celebrate their wedding anniversy in British Columbia. Their 67 XR7 rode in the enclosed trailer so they could visit the Vancouver area during the weekend.

The Nashif and Bingaman contigent met at the I-5 rest area in Smokey Point, WA, Saturday Morning and “Cat Pooled” across the border to the Aston Pacific Hotel in time for the 11:30 AM mystery cruise. The mystery cruise was composed of 18 vehicles led by Scott Ferguson in his 1968 XR7G. A nice cruise led everyone to the Trev Deeley Motorcycle Collection in Richmond, BC. “The museum is Canada’s foremost motorcycle collection and considered one of the finest in the world. More than machines, each of these motorcycles inspires memories and has a story to tell”.

The second stop on the mystery cruise was a Cannery Museum. Some members got lost on the way and had an enjoyable time at a local Dairy Queen instead. Fortunately, some Fordnutz members made the DQ detour, and guided everyone back to the Fordnutz Hotel.

Next agenda item was a very nice dinner at Delrio’s restaurant. Numerous cars performed tire traction tests were performed leaving the hotel parking garage. A certain Black 1967 XR7 was doing an additional  active tire traction test in the restaurant. parking lot. This display was noticed by a local member of the RCMP who added to the excitement of the dinner event.

Returning to the hotel, members enjoyed the swimming pool and annual throwing of ice contest.  Saturday evening was concluded in the Hotel lounge serving desserts and liquid refreshments. Some club business was discussed, but barely heard or remembered above the laughter and story telling.

Sunday morning the car show began promptly at 9 AM. Very nice turnout of Cougars and other mostly Ford cars. Many of us enjoyed seeing the Canadian cars and some of the unique names such as one the Meteor brand One of which seemed to be a cross between a 1949 Ford and 1949 Mercury. A nice representation of Ford Canada was displayed. I recall hearing 85 cars and 20 something Cougars attended.

The weather was beautiful and enjoyable. Most Cascade Cougar Club members could be found under the shade provided by Karl’s trailer awning, and Dave’s pop-up canopy.

Following a full day of Cat-Chat and storytelling Cascade Cougar Club members were well represented at the awards ceremony. Karl & LaDonna  Gehlharr’s Black 1967 XR7 received a special wedding anniversary award, Long Distance USA award, and 1st place in the competitive 67-68 XR7 class, then received the Best of Show Award.  Jeff Bingaman in his blue 1970 XR7 brought home 1st place  in the 69-70 Cougar convertible class. Scott Ferguson placed 1st in the special Cougar class with his Green 1968 XR7G

The southbound border crossing at Aldergrove went smoothly despite a member having to explain patiently to officials the subtle difference of collector plates. Club members Ted and Lucy both met the southbound Cat Pool at a casino located near Everett, WA. Car parts were exchanged, and everyone enjoyed a prime rib dinner before the final leg of the journey back home.