Hoy7 Hunting Team: August 2007

Thursday, August 30, 2007

After an exhaustive search of farms across the Pacific Northwest the HOY7 hunting team finally found her.

She left us to haul puppies and bales of hay on a thousand acre duck farm. It seems she did such a good job that the jolly old gentleman farmer (who was also a retired NASCAR pit chief and master mechanic) decided to restore her to her former glory. He started with a new 390ci plant, 9" rear and a four speed tranny with a stump puller low. Next he moved to the body where he lovingly filled and smoothed all the imperfections. New white paint and a topper finished the outside while a new blue interior complimented the color scheme. As a finishing touch the farmer installed some cab lights so that she would be easily found among all the lesser trucks surrounding her.

The farmer continued to treat her well but he knew in his mind that he could not provide her with what she truly needed. With a sadness in his heart he put her up for sale in hopes that the right people would come along. Yesterday he found those people.

With duck season approaching and the faithful GMC gone, the HOY7 hunting team knew we had our work cut out for us. How to replace the GMC (that never lived up to Lisa standards) and find something worthy of our exploits. We knew at the time that we were doing what was best for Lise but always felt the void she left. It started with VIN searches and endless hours driving the back roads. Cautious questions to local farmers. Sometimes a glimpse from the corner of your eye. Was that her? Do you think she's OK?

Then days ago as we felt the morning chill of fall in the air, something changed. At first it was just a feeling but then stronger until it was almost certain. She was looking for us too. Yesterday we spent the day on the backroads, looking, watching. From Estacada to Washington State we looked and hoped and crossed our fingers. Then, driving down a country road, we saw her. She looked different at first with her fancy new paint and stylish topper but we knew almost instantly. We pulled into the gravel driveway, past the barn and corn fields and were met by an old farmer. " I knew you'd come back" was all he said, "I've been keepin' her nice for ya."

The farmer watched as she pulled away. A lone tear spilled down his face and he quickly wiped it away. He was sad, but in his heart he knew she was back where she belonged, she was hunting again.

GBCH