I drove roughly 1000 miles and parked 50 paces from the Rinkies at the beach. But I didn't know it, so my dad and I spent a half hour looking for them. Then I saw Sam's "beard," and approached the group with all due caution. [My dad got lost and showed up again an hour or so later, but never really came within unsafe proximity to the group.]

I met Jaguar first, and for the first time, and he recognized me. He is talented, obviously. Then someone shouted my name and Lynette gave the first of many tacklehugs.

Everyone looked exactly like I expected, except that I never figured out who half of them were. The foreigners kindly emphasized their accents, which helped. I offered to shake hands with Brunnen-G immediately after packing a hamburger, but she luckily did not hear, as she was busy ogling Dave.

Pixie Stix were presented to Lynette, to the immense pleasure and displeasure of Lynette and Eric, respectively.

Ria and Lynette explained the contents of the previous day and a half to a whirlwind slideshow tour, with soundtrack provided by Rivikah, I think.

People wrestled badly, and many pictures were taken by blackmailer hopefuls. There was food and ginger ale. People cooed at the baby. People mocked Stephen and Stephen mocked people. Ellmyruh kept notes. Then there were group photos with cameras of varying coolness.

Then Lynette gave the last of many tacklehugs twice, and the end. A short drive and questioning-under-a-flashlight-when-we-accidentally-took-the-exit-into-the-Marine-Corps-base completed one of the most confusing outings a person could ever hope for.

Ga"And typical August SoCal weather"be