Cruise 5 2002 Nashville Gathering

The hotel lobby was a favorite hangout. Plans for the visit were discussed and finalized with an air of expectation and excitement.

It was also the place where new connections were made after many years, and where old connections were solidified. Many hours of conversation concerning experiences shared while on board and about the unshared experiences during the years following departure from the "Tom."

The wives, children, and friends of shipmates were greeted and shared in most of the conversation. If the conversation was not to their liking they had no trouble developing their own lines of conversation.

Leroy Mason, Bill Haack, Roy McCord

Roy Mccord, Leroy Mason, Bill Haack, Nancy McCord, Ken Budd

Jim Winkler, Mary Mason

Don Pavey(red shirt), Donna Hack, Ken Budd,Mike Clark

Jerry Flynn, Leroy Mason

Robbie Robinson

Robbie Robinson

It looks like the gift brought tears of gratitude and happiness to Robbies eyes.

Jim Winkler, Bill Haack

Marv Aho

Friday Activities

Attending some of the country music shows has almost become a sacred duty. The sailors from the "Tom" have a good understanding of "duty" and to no ones surprise they did their "duty."

Waiting to get into the Grand Ole Opry

Roy Mccord and Jerry Flynn waiting to get into the Grand Ole Opry

Inside the Grand Ole Opry
Tom Aaron, Lu Troutman and Burl Troutman are looking cool, calm and collected during the show. Too bad you can't see their feet tapping along with the beat of the music.

Back Row - Jim winkler, Mike Clark, Dan Robinson, Bill Haack, Don Pavey,Captain Troutman, Jerry Flynn

Front Row - Roy Mccord, Tom Aaron, Marv Aho, Jack Mckee, Ken Budd, Leroy Mason

Bill and Donna Haack outside of the Hall of Fame

Jerry and Vicki waiting outside of the Oprey

Jerry and Vicki Flynn performing at the Ryman

Merles new set up Man

Saturday Activities

It is quite warm in Nashville so periodic refreshment breaks are looked forward to. This lunch break took place at the Wildhorse Saloon

Marge Robinson, Ken Budd, Deanna Winkler

Jim winkler, Mike Clark

BBQ at Burls' RV

Burl Troutman, Jim Winkler, Bill Hack, Ken Budd

Mike Clark and Marv Aho

Leroy and Burl

Mike, Jerry, and Leroy

Dan Robinson, Tom Aaron, Don and Barb Pavey

Photo 9b

L to R - Donna Haack, Bill Haack, Mike Clark, Roy McCord, Leroy Mason, Jerry Flynn, Burl Troutman, Lu Troutman

Jim Winkler, and Ken Budd

Photo 10b

Bill Haack and Mike Clark
Tree Pushing Contest?

Ken Budd kept busy by taking lots of photos.

After being inspired by several Country Music Shows, I wonder how long the instuments will remain in their cases.

Not too long. Leroy Mason and Jerry Flynn start picking. Tentatively at first but as they grow more accustomed to each others styles they become more confident and before long feet are tapping and hands are clapping.

Standing - Barb Pavey, Nancy McCord, Lu Troutman, Mary Mason, Marge Robinson, Miss Winkler (in front of Marge), Vicki Flynn, Deanna winkler, Kneeling - Donna Haack, Yvonne Aho

Pickin and Grinnin

Burl Troutman

Burl Troutman, Marge Robinson, Deanna Winkler, Ken Budd, Dan Robinson, Donna Haack

Mike and Marv

Mike Clark, Marv Aho, Burl Troutman, Miss Winkler (in front), Deanna Winkler,

Donna Haack, Dan Robinson, Ken Budd, Jim Winkler, Miss Winkler, Burl Troutman, Marge Robinson

Reminiscing

More Reminiscing

Still more reminiscing

Pizza man arriving just before sunset

The sun is setting and the fun goes on. The music attracted a couple from another RV and before long they came over carring a banjo and and a bass fiddle. The number of musicians has been increased and to the delight of all the "band" played on.

Contestents in the Biggest Belly Contest
Marv, Bill, Mike. And the winner is?

A little more reminiscing before lights out

Lights out ends the reminiscing

I'm tired and want to go to bed.

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