100 days

Despite the ever-increasing depth of snow outside my window today, chassis-related events coupled with our first planning meeting last week have stirred the spirit to more firmly focus on 'the trip'. 

100 days sounds like a big number but, in truth, isn't. It's just barely enough time to coordinate the elements necessary for a proper trip. This being the 7th trip with this group, the planning has become a bit easier, but each year poses its own obstacles which must be overcome. The primary needs, however, are firmly trenched into the budget: location (Speedway camp lots), lodging (campers), beverages (water - for when the beer runs out), and of course food (primo grilled meats to be exact).

Everyone has their favorite camp food, but ours is not simple fare.  Burgers, brats, dogs and potato salad are generally eschewed for a more civilized palate.  The menu is annually given extra attention and love with a grilling phenom and our very own 4-star chef. It's not uncommon to find this on our plates at Indy (less the expensive linens and flatware, of course)... 

Budget variables such as 'entertainment', 'sundries', and 'hospitality' can often be the death of our budget, but also have historically provided some of the more priceless (albeit confidential) moments of the Indy trip.  I've found that the more organic and spontaneous those spirited events are, the better, so planning and budgeting for those is right out.

Now with mind distracted by furthering the details of the upcoming trip, I must put away this blog. 100 days is seeming like about 50 too few, but 50 days ago would've had me making lists, calling friends, and discussing budgets... on Christmas.

Ah, well, so it goes every year, time to grab another gear...