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Winkie Conference Road Trip, July 12-17, 2006

Return to Oz

Whenever I get the chance, I go with Eric to the Winkie Convention in Asilomar. And whenever possible, we take Torvald along to enjoy the trip. These are the pictures from the 2006 trip. This year, Eric and I joined up with Karyl and Lacey in Oregon, and traveled with them through the Redwoods in Karyl's little PT Cruiser.

At a reststop above Crescent City, we got out of the car to stretch and move around a bit before entering the Redwoods. You can see the car in the background as we look past Torvald down, literally down, the road back toward the city.

Above Crescent City
July 12, 2006 - Above Crescent City

The pictures I took of Torvald looking out at the bay all came out poorly thanks to the bad angle of the light. This is the best one, and I had to manipulate the light settings a bit so you could see Torvald in it. Only minutes before we were down by the water.

Above Crescent City
July 12, 2006 - Above Crescent City

When you go to the Redwoods, you have to visit Paul Bunyan and his pal Babe, the Blue Ox. Torvald had to stand well forward to make sure he could be seen in these pictures with the pair.

Winkie Con 2006
July 12, 2006 - Paul Bunyan!

Winkie Con 2006
July 12, 2006 - Babe the Blue Ox!

Winkie Con 2006
July 12, 2006 - He's Stepping On ME!

Winkie Con 2006
July 12, 2006 - Trees of Mystery

Winkie Con 2006
July 12, 2006 - The End of the Trail

After visiting Paul Bunyan and the parking lot of the Trees of Mystery, we went across the street to the Forest Cafe for dinner. We were greeted by a bear, passed a no wishing well, and settled underwater to enjoy the meal. Torvald got caught by a fish.

Winkie Con 2006
July 12, 2006 - Forest Cafe Bear

Winkie Con 2006
July 12, 2006 - No Wishing Well

Winkie Con 2006
July 12, 2006 - Help!

We spent the night in a little cabin in the Redwoods. Torvald was distressed to see a no dogs sign that bore a marked resemblance to himself, and thus shut himself up in the house for the night without even taking an evening stroll.

Winkie Con 2006
July 12, 2006 - Little House in the Redwoods

Winkie Con 2006
July 12, 2006 - But... I'm a Troll!

Leaving the Redwoods we found the entrance sign and took a handful of final pictures. Look at the size of those trees!

Winkie Con 2006
July 13, 2006 - In the Redwoods

Winkie Con 2006
July 13, 2006 - Look at those Trees!

Winkie Con 2006
July 13, 2006 - Trees!

Finally arriving at the convention itself, Torvald got busy visiting the folks who were around. These included a couple of Munchkins from the MGM movie (and an honorary Munchkin who missed being in the movie due to appendicitis). Clarence Swenson played a Munchkin guard in the movie, and his wife Myrna missed out on being a Munchkin because of illness.

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - Myrna and Clarence Swensen

Margaret Pellegrini appeared in quite a few Munchkinland scenes as a Munchkin, most often with a flowerpot on her head, but also as a sleepyhead.

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - Margaret Pellegrini

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - John Fricke

Robert Baum is the great-grandson of writer L Frank Baum, who wrote the orginal Oz books.

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - Robert Baum

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - David Maxine

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - Gina Wickwar

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - Peter Hanff

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - Angelica Carpenter

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - Katie Fleming

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - Sherwood Smith

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - L Frank Baum

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - Helping with the Sound System

Winkie Con 2006
July 14, 2006 - Trying on a Hat

Winkie Con 2006
July 15, 2006 - In the Enchanted Forest at Asilomar

Winkie Con 2006
July 15, 2006 - Robert Baum as his Great-Grandfather

Winkie Con 2006
July 15, 2006 - Karyl Carlson as Patsy Doyle

Winkie Con 2006
July 15, 2006 - Clarence Swensen

Winkie Con 2006
July 15, 2006 - Margaret Pellegrini

Winkie Con 2006
July 15, 2006 - John Dough and the Cherub

Winkie Con 2006
July 15, 2006 - "I am not!"

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - A Furry Friend

The grounds of Asilomar are as familar as a second home to most Winkies now. The main center of action is the Fred Farr Forum, where the lectures happen.

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - Fred Farr Forum

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - The Gates of Asilomar

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - Beware the Mountain Lion

The beautiful dunes of Asilomar are a nice walk for folks who want to get away from the bustle of the convention action. Torvald enjoys the sites, and stays on the path. He has even spotted a deer while out walking.

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - The Dunes of Asilomar

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - The Dunes of Asilomar

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - The Dunes of Asilomar

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - The Dunes of Asilomar

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - The Dunes of Asilomar

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - The Beach of Asilomar

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - The Friendly Asilomar Dining Staff

When the convention is over, Torvald perches himself on the dashboard of the PT Cruiser, ready to head home. As you can imagine, the passengers get a little tired of watching his butt.

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - Heading Home

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - Lots of Driving Ahead

Winkie Con 2006
July 16, 2006 - Mount Shasta

The crew stops for breakfast at a casino, and Torvald takes the opportunity to check out the games. We think he didn't win anything, but he's not telling.

Winkie Con 2006
July 17, 2006 - Flying Eagle Casino

Winkie Con 2006
July 17, 2006 - "Did I Win?"

A quick stop in Oregon to meet with some friends from the old country.

Winkie Con 2006
July 17, 2006 - Some New Friends

Winkie Con 2006
July 17, 2006 - Mount Hood

Lunch on the way home.

Winkie Con 2006
July 17, 2006 - The Long-Gone Whimpy's Restaurant
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