Best of the West 2020, Santa Margarita, California May 22-24, 2020

Hi, Folks.
As Tom mentioned, we have had 'a few' problems with the machines. At one time, both scrapers were down and the D9H was still running. We got the 637D scraper running again and the D9H 'laid a long, brown egg' the same day, which meant that we had nothing with which to rip for the scraper. Then we managed to locate a replacement front axle for the Cat 660 scraper, which meant that we had TWO scrapers sunning and still no dozer to rip for them or to push the 660.

The joys and delights of working with old machinery. Hopefully, we will have another dozer soon.

Without an accurate quantity survey, I am 'guesstimating' that most if not all of the remaining material to be excavated in the Eastern reservoir, the one closest to the show area, will go into the 4 islands to be built in the storage area. The same 'guesstimate' means that we will be importing material for the outer banks of the reservoir. We have a source of free material which the ranch will have to pay to have trucked to the site so that we can place it in the banks.

Weather - and machines - permitting, that should be well under way by show time and we can then use show time to start top-soiling the outer faces of the banks. For those who worry that this might not be enough to keep the show equipment occupied for the 3 days, it IS a fair pile of topsoil. bigger, methinks, than what we have moved in any 2 previous shows and the haul distances will be longer as well.

On the plus side, the dirt display will be doing something with a purpose beyond just digging a hole and filling it in again.

For those of you who have been to previous shows, I am fairly sure at the moment that the display area and the car park area will be 'flip-flopped' for this show.

Follow the directions.

We will know more by the time Tulare rolls around.

Stay 'tooned'.

Just my 0.02.

All,

As Tom mentioned I can't believe the Best of the West is only four months away! Just a great time to come enjoy the historic Santa Margarita Ranch
and everything is has to offer along with some great people, good weather and vintage tractors!

Looking forward to bringing out some of our collection my boys and I have got running this winter. It has been quite a challenge and still an
uphill battle, hoping to have a Best Sixty running along with the Holt 45 harvester engine and some others. Deas as far as pushing scrapers, if the ranch doesn't get the old 9H running I can always move the 8 in to do a little work with the 660 and others. Looking forward to having another great year and more memories with my boys and good friends! Who knows Tom may surprise all of us with a new rare find!

See you all May 22 to the 24!

Andy Brown

Hi, Andy Brown.
Thank you for the offer of your D8. We are working on the 'dozer situation and will keep you informed.

I don't know what Tom has in store for this year and I don't know yet if Chad Enyeart is coming over either. I am hoping that Chumduffy and his crew choose to pay us another visit too, along with a couple of others who showed up for the first time last year.

It'z early days yet but I am working on a surprise or two for other parts of the show as well - - - cain't tellyer what they are or they won't be surprises.

'The Pope', a couple of others and I had a look at your project on the South side this afternoon - lookin' good.

Just my 0.02

We on the West Coast are known for our great Holt, Best and Cat stuff but there is so much more. This is a post I put up on Smokstak earlier today that sums up a lot.

Where can you go to one place that is far away from the big shows of the Mid-West and Eastern part of the USA and see the only Pontiac single cylinder tractor, the only Improved Johnson 2 cycle 2 cylinder tractor, the only Best 70 round wheel tractor, the oldest Gas Traction 25 tractor circa early 1907, the oldest Sawyer Massey gas tractor (25-45), one of six Holt 30's, one of a handful of Holt Midgets, one of two complete running Holt 120 tractors, and lots of rare Holt, Best and Caterpillar and big steel wheeled tractors, all in one of the most beautiful settings of any show anywhere?

If you have thought of coming out to California for a visit plan on taking in our show on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend May 22-24. Our show is located in one of the most unspoiled spots in California close to pristine beaches, world class wineries and breweries, Hearst Castle, California missions and so much more. This is not the California you see on the news or read about on the internet but rather a step back in time to the California of yesteryear.

Each year we have lots of folks who venture from all over the USA and overseas to come and enjoy the hospitality of the California Central Coast. We invite you to join us this year.

Hi, Tom.
Dang it, Man. You make it sound almost like something that any old iron fanatic shouldn't miss.

BUTTTTTTT,

Yer fergort to tell 'em about the military hardware and the warbirds, the midday commemorative service each day with the flypast by the warbirds, the Disneyland steam trains running and taking passengers for rides, the food and drinks for sale on site, the grand parades and the working earth moving and plowing displays.

And that's not even mentionin' all the great people who seem to appear there.

You gettin' 'old-timer's disease' or sumpin'? LOL.

Just my 0.02.

[quote="Deas Plant."]Hi, Tom.
Dang it, Man. You make it sound almost like something that any old iron fanatic shouldn't miss.

BUTTTTTTT,

Yer fergort to tell 'em about the military hardware and the warbirds, the midday commemorative service each day with the flypast by the warbirds, the Disneyland steam trains running and taking passengers for rides, the food and drinks for sale on site, the grand parades and the working earth moving and plowing displays.

And that's not even mentionin' all the great people who seem to appear there.

You gettin' 'old-timer's disease' or sumpin'? LOL.

Just my 0.02.[/quote]

One of my favorite antiques at the show is the dude with the accent that runs around in shorts and bright shirts. Always a pleasure to chat with him.

Did anyone from SM venue secure any discounted motel rooms for potential visitors?
I don’t think many folks are willing to pay $350 per night plus room tax and whatever else is charged. $250 was bad enough. I might just lay in my sleeper for free, if attending that is.
What about the new motel in Paso? Help us here. JM

Room prices being what they are, a couple of us from Chapter 16 are coming up figuring to pitch a tent and sleep in our vans (it gets too cold for sleeping in the tents) in the ranch's camping area. Kind of rough but a lot of fun. Always room for more! Then there is the Airbnb option which I used last year (stayed right in SM) and will again when I go up to the National Show in Brooks, OR. I am also staying with Airbnb at Tulare in a few weeks. If there is a will, there is a way. The Santa Margarita Best of the West Show can't be beat and is a "can't miss" event.

JanM

Gee

Here is the link to the lodging properties that we have room blocks for. https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__bestofthewestshow.com_local-2Dlodging_&d=DwMCaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=ks9X88WPqpXjmsmljz9gGA25z_3Y0_FG_SDVDkV60CE&m=F5AUjfBqLGSgl8zpe-zz4Kf8qousKKFtau8DDZwPFTg&s=ussvnGX1CSYKdzzzRf8im4c9-RyazPlqvnwWhVcjcYo&e=

Tom