7AM local time (4AM California time) was a bit rough for me today. Faith was chipper as always, despite the early hour, and gleefully let fly with the “not a morning person” line of badgering through breakfast.

Since we were in a public park, with a fantastic view, the set up was just the basics. With some able help from Ben (Waterfront Diving Center), Faith (DUI VP), Al Morris (DUI Territory Rep), we were up and ready for action within 3 hours. The weather certainly cooperated, and we met several inquisitive Burlingtonians out enjoying the day on foot, bikes, and at the end of a taut leash, trailing behind very happy dogs of all descriptions.

Some nagging doubts had me check the condition of the tent stake puller, which had some issues in Seattle. Somehow, the nut securing the mechanism had disappeared. Worried about loosing the all important claw end, I packed it away in a safe place for the trip to the “west coast of New England”. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the carefully sequestered claw upon arrival in VT. Was it lost in transit? Do we risk not having one when the tents come down? Soooo, a quick call to Celina Tent Company ensured that a replacement was on the way, in time to pull out the tent stakes on Sunday afternoon. With all of that handled, Faith and I did a little shopping for the weekend BBQ needs at Costco and the local Price Chopper. Being the first event here, we really had no idea what to expect for test diver turnout, so the wild-ass guess method was employed. A few hours later we were back at the hotel with 15 minutes to spare before meeting Al and his right hand daughter (literally) for dinner.

A quick drive out to the airport at 10:30PM, provided a welcome break from the usual tide of emails that fill the evenings. Oren (DUI Customer Service & Comic Relief) arrived energized and ready for action as always…must be the caffeine.