Party Near Thunder

I arise from a short sleep immediately wishing to return my head to my pillow. However this can not happen for I must embark on an adventure. My father and brother accompany me on this quest towards a race fans paradise, Atlanta Motor Speedway. The way to the track was a race in itself, not against anyone else, but a race to beat the sun from rising. If we arrived at our destination before the sun lit our faces we knew we would have won; this time however we were not so fortunate. Though we were not far behind we still placed second. As the winner peaks over the distant horizon we can see the beast of iron and steel of into the distance. My stomach had mixed feelings of hunger and butterflies. I see the early morning mist of heat rising from the ground and the dew taking rest on the blades of grass.

We stop in the middle of a field three quarters of a mile away from the track. Nothing but dirt and grass surround us for quite a distance. What others would call a desolate piece of ground, we call “camp”. We immediately set up with the help of the other campers who have met us there. As we continue to grow with each arriving vehicle (mostly trucks/SUV’s), we spot groups, like ourselves, popping up like weeds all over the field. I soon smell the sweet odor of eggs, grits, bacon and sausage, cooking over a fire pit that was not there five minutes ago, which will serve as our morning feast. As soon as breakfast is done and camp is set up, it is time to prepare for the coming activities. The fire is made bigger to warm the campers and the smokers are started up. These are mostly for ribs but some have other uses for them. The fresh smell of the hickory chips fills my nostrils and even though I am still full from the previous meal, you can not wait for the next one.