FOOL Convention goes to North Bend & Elliott Bay

7-11-08  Often referred to as "Disneyland for Firefighters", the FOOLS headed up to North Bend Fire Training Academy.  These guys have been having a great time.   Lots of camaraderie, plenty of laughs, and many beers downed.  But this FOOLS Convention was unlike any it the past - for the first time they actually added training to the event.  The Puget Sound & South Washington FOOLS really stepped it up, and rented out the Academy in order to afford all attendees a fantastic hands on day of training.

I wasn't there at the start of their day ... Because they started their day early!  (Tellin ya, these guys are animals!  lol)  But they were still at it late in the afternoon.  From all I saw and heard, this was a wonderful time for all.  They were tired, hot & sweaty, and lovin' it!

At the end of training, it was back to Seattle to get cleaned up and grab some grub.  Everyone went off in their own groups, experiencing all different aspects of the Emerald City.

And apparently the Weather Gods were still pleased with the FOOLS.  Not a drop of rain has fallen on any of their heads during this trip.  During it all, our beautiful Mt Rainier stood proudly in the background for photos.

I hung with the Whidbey Island Fire FOOLS, and found myself having hot wings with them at Hooter's at Lake Union.  Anyone familiar with HeroToHero.US knows that Hooter's has been a strong supporter for us.  They seem to fit in perfectly with our demographic, and are always very supportive of our troops as well.  Besides, they do a pretty good BadAss shot!

After dinner it was time to head over to Argosy Cruises on the Seattle waterfront, where we boarded one of the ships and began an evening cruise of Elliott Bay.  Again, big kudos to the Weather Gods!  Perfect night to be on the water.  No jackets needed, it was great.

The guys were letting down after a long day, and as the sun set and the moon shone down on us, the silliness ensued.  It was time for laughs ... C'mon folks, they are called FOOLS, afterall.  ( ;

Jon Ferguson from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue played his pipes under the moon as the flag waved behind him, causing glasses to raise and huge cheers to fill the sky.

Down below, one of the tables filled with the "riverboat gamblers" who played with pretzels rather than chips, and had us all laughing.

Before we knew it, it was over and we all headed once again to the various venues offered by our fair city.  A few of us found our way to Fado's - Occasional "home" to many a firefighter.   As always, the music rocked and the staff was great.

But it had been a long day, and there was still another to come.  Time to say goodnight.  And gentlemen, it was indeed a great night.  Thank you so much for letting me share it with you all!

lj

Tags: FOOLS, PUGET SOUND FOOLS, SOUTH WASHINGTON FOOLS,  HOOTER'S, ARGOSY CRUISES, PAGLIACCI'S PIZZA, SEATTLE, EMERALD CITY, FIREFIGHTERS, WASHINGTON STATE FIRE ACADEMY, NORTH BEND, FADO'S