Thank You to all who put alot of time and thought into this event. We had a great time!Again, it was a privilege to share sno and friendship with cat people. Each time is a good time. And folks coming from far and near. On behalf of the Hood River Crag Rats, a big thank you for your auction participation and donations to our organization. I hope we did okay in sharing of the story of Cloud Cap.
Your very welcome on the valet cat shuttle, glad you could ride the board down.I know some of the videos are too long but hopefully some will make it in here. Special thanks to Gordon for driving my crab walking cat down so I could take a run on my board. Best run all season! Also thanks to team Davis for taking me up higher so I could board down again. It’s not often I get to do it because I’m usually the driver. Pretty impressed with their snowmobile tracked machine. And since Nick has “staged” my house for sale with his cat, I’ve had two offers on it. But they both want the cat included. Lol!!
I would be seriously amiss if I failed to mention some other details about this Serenade:
One of the highlights of the Serenades is the awarding of the Old Grouser Award. Last year’s winner was Dacx’s son Boone and the tradition is last year’s winner must create the next year’s award. He did a fantastic job, and the 2025 Old Grouser Award went to… Cider Tom.
He was absolutely the right choice, and is most deserving of the award. Yes, he’s a “made man” in the Snow Trac Mafia, but he is a genuinely good guy who contributes greatly to the snowcat community, as well as this forum.
Here’s Boone presenting the award. You can’t see it, but at the very top of the trophy is a no-kidding Matchbox Snow Trac. (Truth be told, way back in the 1960’s... I had one of those.)
View attachment 189035
The ladies, (some might call them “snowcat widows" as our snowcat projects allegedly take us away from our wives or girlfriends)
always have a great time at the Serenades as well. This photo in it’s original form may look pretty innocuous:
View attachment 189039
But what’s really going on is a Boomerang Toast. That’s Mrs. Mother Tucker (Gloria) on the left, Mrs. BFT (Lisa) to her right, Mrs. Pointy Chops (Anna) in the white shirt, mostly hidden is Mrs. Tye One On (April), and furthest right is Mrs. Logger 1965 (Ginny).
View attachment 189038
Back at the 2023 Cloudcap event a group of trouble makers known as The Green Tucker Mafia was born. These miscreants profess loyalty to the misguided concept of Tucker Sno-Cats painted green. Here’s a photo of them back in 2023.
That’s Nick (Tye One On) on the left, Sno-Drifter (Scott) to his right, Aaron (Pointy Chops) to his right, and Chad (The Most Infamous WBJ1) far right.
View attachment 189036
Well, they reprised their roles in 2025 at Cloudcap Same people, just Sno-Drifter and The Most Infamous WBJ1 switched seats. They sure seem proud of their misguided loyalty!
View attachment 189037
I should point out for accuracy that the original Cloudcap event was to raise money to help pay for a new roof for the Cloudcap Inn. In the interim two year period the new roof, made of specially treated fire resistant Cedar shakes, has been installed. Back in 2023 it leaked hugely, and the roof had a resemblance to a potato chip with its undulating curves. Whoever installed it really did a fantastic job and the new roof will keep the Cloudcap Inn, what is the mountain home of the Crag Rats, in great shape for decades to come. Truly, a worthwhile cause!
Lastly, here’s the Pontoon Princess in her element at Cloudcap with the summit of Mt Hood in the background. None of the Serenades would have happened without her, and I think everyone who has been to one of these would agree, SHE is what makes these so spectacular.
View attachment 189040
I will add that the Serenades are not just an opportunity to put screen names with faces, but an opportunity to make friends, and re-connect every year. None of this would happen without Pontoon Princess, and we are all very grateful.
You are so right Mr BFT, With out our friend PP we would never have met. And i would not know any of my other sno-cat friends. Love comming to see all of you like minded folks. It is an honor to know all of you.I would be seriously amiss if I failed to mention some other details about this Serenade:
One of the highlights of the Serenades is the awarding of the Old Grouser Award. Last year’s winner was Dacx’s son Boone and the tradition is last year’s winner must create the next year’s award. He did a fantastic job, and the 2025 Old Grouser Award went to… Cider Tom.
He was absolutely the right choice, and is most deserving of the award. Yes, he’s a “made man” in the Snow Trac Mafia, but he is a genuinely good guy who contributes greatly to the snowcat community, as well as this forum.
Here’s Boone presenting the award. You can’t see it, but at the very top of the trophy is a no-kidding Matchbox Snow Trac. (Truth be told, way back in the 1960’s... I had one of those.)
View attachment 189035
The ladies, (some might call them “snowcat widows" as our snowcat projects allegedly take us away from our wives or girlfriends)
always have a great time at the Serenades as well. This photo in it’s original form may look pretty innocuous:
View attachment 189039
But what’s really going on is a Boomerang Toast. That’s Mrs. Mother Tucker (Gloria) on the left, Mrs. BFT (Lisa) to her right, Mrs. Pointy Chops (Anna) in the white shirt, mostly hidden is Mrs. Tye One On (April), and furthest right is Mrs. Logger 1965 (Ginny).
View attachment 189038
Back at the 2023 Cloudcap event a group of trouble makers known as The Green Tucker Mafia was born. These miscreants profess loyalty to the misguided concept of Tucker Sno-Cats painted green. Here’s a photo of them back in 2023.
That’s Nick (Tye One On) on the left, Sno-Drifter (Scott) to his right, Aaron (Pointy Chops) to his right, and Chad (The Most Infamous WBJ1) far right.
View attachment 189036
Well, they reprised their roles in 2025 at Cloudcap Same people, just Sno-Drifter and The Most Infamous WBJ1 switched seats. They sure seem proud of their misguided loyalty!
View attachment 189037
I should point out for accuracy that the original Cloudcap event was to raise money to help pay for a new roof for the Cloudcap Inn. In the interim two year period the new roof, made of specially treated fire resistant Cedar shakes, has been installed. Back in 2023 it leaked hugely, and the roof had a resemblance to a potato chip with its undulating curves. Whoever installed it really did a fantastic job and the new roof will keep the Cloudcap Inn, what is the mountain home of the Crag Rats, in great shape for decades to come. Truly, a worthwhile cause!
Lastly, here’s the Pontoon Princess in her element at Cloudcap with the summit of Mt Hood in the background. None of the Serenades would have happened without her, and I think everyone who has been to one of these would agree, SHE is what makes these so spectacular.
View attachment 189040
I will add that the Serenades are not just an opportunity to put screen names with faces, but an opportunity to make friends, and re-connect every year. None of this would happen without Pontoon Princess, and we are all very grateful.