Great RS Meet 2007 (Earth)
Overview
Since the dawn of RS, Face has desired to invade the AmeriLand. He had visions of crossing the great pond since as early as 1999, yet life and finances did not allow his quest until the summer of 2007. For a long time in RS as well, we've envisioned a large conglomeration of RS members to see if the sheer fabric of time and space could allow such a high concentration of SW geekery and insanity to exist in such close quarters for more than a few seconds.
All throughout RS history, starting in July of 1999, there have been many RS meets of one, two, three, four, and even five RS members, often lasting multiple days. And while the idea that we could all get off work and school and have the finances to gather in one place for several days for a Great RS Meet was a foolhardy one, we pressed on nonetheless, corresponding our meet with the arrival of the Face.
So from July 13 to July 17 of 2007, a few days after Face and his intrepid Brit friend Lord Lawrie rained down terror upon New York, Face, Lord Lawrie, Corran, Janson, Shadow, Gavin, Halley, and Rillao were drawn together to a humble campsite in Lake Chabot Regional Park in the east Bay Area of California for the largest gathering of RS members in universal existence.
The photographic evidence tells the story. And Face and Lord Lawrie’s full AmeriLand Adventure.
Memorable moments
With bonus photo links to the dedicated Picasa galleries. Posted, generally, in order of occurrence.
Face piloting Britannia
One of the scariest moments of Gavin’s life was driving up from LA to the Bay Area with a sleep-deprived Face and Lord Lawrie at the controls of the Britannia. Once in the bay area, the rest of us got to witness the terror as Face tried to maneuver (successfully) through busy California freeways as he fell further and further behind as he attempted to follow Shadow’s lead car. And then there was the crash after the meet, where a hard stop caused Lord Lawrie to plow into the back of an SUV, totaling it (The Britannia barely got a dent). Fortunately, no one was injured, and the couple in the other car were vacationing Brits as well. Both parties got new rentals and continued on their way.
Chatting with the prodigals
Despite her inability to physically be present at the RS meet, Red was there in spirit via video chat as we made preparations at Shadow’s house. We were also able to communicate with other RS members, like Myn, Tyria, and Zak, via cell phone calls, AIM chats, and text messages.
Taking Face shopping
Don’t. Face found American grocery stores bewildering and went ballistic over the amount of food Shadow piled into the cart (most of which we ate). He also lost it at the check stand when the cashier asked for his phone number for the purchase. Needless to say, everyone in the store knew Face had been there by the time he left.
How many Rogues and Wraiths does it take to pitch a tent?
Setting up a tent became a half-hour ordeal with the absence of instructions and a rain cover. Incidentally, we also forgot the tent poles as well, but Halley and Rillao were able to pick them up on their way in. After the tent was finally setup, we discovered the instructions…on the inside.
Shadow’s cooking
It’s not really camping when you have a chef! We ate like kings. And, of course, there was Sith!Cake.
Cleaning the grill
No matter what was cooked on the grill, it took an intensive and exhausting amount of scrubbing to get it clean before the next meal
Playing with fire
Not surprisingly, perhaps, Rogues, Wraiths, and fire made a dangerous combination. Whatever could be burned was.
Duct taping the grill
Halley, the only RS pilot known to keep his X-wing held together with duct tape.
Prancing through the woods
We did the entire time. Honest.
The blazing inferno
Although most of the RS members in attendance found the daytime temperatures quite pleasant, the moment the unfamiliar sun peeked from the clouds, the Brits set to sweating and slapping on the hats and sunblock to protect their light epidermises for the scorching rays.
American sports
The American members of the group took it upon themselves to teach the Brits American sports, such as ultimate frisbee, football, and baseball. Although the Rogue’s proved to have superior speed and athleticism (as well as night vision), the Wraith’s height advantage and strategy won in the end.
The attire
From “Darth Vader in Retirement” to “Ninja Cross” to “Chewie is my Copilot” to “Allow me to Explain through Intepretive Dance,” the Rogues and Wraith’s were fashionably attired for the event. And we can’t forget the Hats of Adventure.
Frequent trips to civilization
Despite all the stuff we brought, we found ourselves driving back down the mountain (a good 20 minutes back to town) for more supplies. I think we did it 3-4 times in just four days.
Gaming
When we weren’t pitting our physical strength against each other, we battled mentally in a series of games, such as SW Trivial Pursuit and Cranium.
*Happy Ewok Dance*
In each game Face won, he and others performed the Happy Ewok Dance of victory.
Silencing Janson
In an moment Face has been waiting for since the dawn of RS, he duct taped the mouth of an all-too-talkative general.
Saluting Taz
We burned a smore for Taz and saluted our fallen comrade. We burned a smore for Myn as well, our world traveler who would have been with us had he not been…world traveling.
Hanging with the Rogues
After the official meet had ended, and as the Wraiths parted their separate ways, the Rogues hung out and spent the rest of the afternoon visiting Rillao’s and Halley’s houses, touring their stomping grounds, taking panoramas, greeting the ocean, playing lots of video games, and downing ISD-sized burritos at the ironically named La Imperial restaurant.
Feedback
Taken from the related RS board topic
Corran
Just got home, and let me be the first to say that the RS meet was AWESOME! All that insanity in one place was quite an event. And because we had gotten to know each other so well online, the meet was just like getting back together with old friends rather than meeting online strangers. No awkwardness, and even Face's friend Ben was accepted into the family, despite the fact that, at times, he was pretending he didn't know us Ah, but what can you expect when a bunch of SW geeks get together?
And let me also say that without Shadow, we'd be savages crawling through the woods, stealing food from other camp sites and pillaging tents for supplies. Due to her hard work, preparation, and cooking mastery, everything worked out very well, we had what we needed, and we ate like kings. Literally.
Gavin
Mwahahahaha
Kai
Excellent photos boys and girls!
I also enjoyed the plentiful ewok dancing (although it did get repetitive!), Indy Face and the shot of Shadow in a tree. And Halley's burrito. It looked sauce-tastic.
Rillao
If it wasn't obvious from the pictures, the meet was a huge success and full of awesomeness.
Red
So many good pictures! Teh sad I wasn't there - but yay for webcam shots! I think you caught a blur of my little cat Caeasar escaping, too.
Tyria
Those were awesome pictures! Maaaan, I wish I'd been there. Next time.
Callista
Man, looks awesome. Wish I could have come and finally met some of you!
Shadow
It was verily awesome. And yes, without me, the boys would have starved. I'm sure Rillao would have survived, but the boys would have been driving into town every day for food.
The general consensus is that we're going to do this every 5 years. Next time will probably be Idaho, followed by the UK. This is, of course, bound to change within 5 years. And logistics will probably be completely different as well. Most of us could conceivably be married by then!
Myn
Wow that looks like one ridiculously awesome weekend! Especially the hero pose. Oh, and Halley should get a promotion just for his room alone.
Face
I'm home! Good ol' Britain, with its excessive rainfall!
Still, American adventure gets two giant thumbs up, and the big RS Meet was just the perfect addition! It was FANTASTIC to meet you all (or see you again!), and I'm really looking forward to the next one!
Lingo
Common phrases used or created during the meet:
Flash in the pan
Undercrackers
"Face, pick a lane!" "I think I'm actually getting the hang of this." "Then why are we drifting?!"
Yellowstone Sam
Pishwash
Door!
Airlock!
The speed of light is no match for the speed of raccoon
and of course...
The Minister of Intergalactic Affairs.
Group shot
Full gallery of photos plus Face and Lord Lawrie’s full AmeriLand Adventure.
