​Ertel Cellars Winery Trip 09/18

With the last club's trip to the Batesville area destination having been in September two years ago Bill & Erika felt that another trip there was in order. This was especially true since there have been so many new members since then with several taking advantage of the Fall trip for the mammoth Sunday buffet. This year's trip started with a foggy morning but as the day progressed it burned off and became warm and very nice. Initially there were 45 signed up, but through late attrition the final group consisted of 18 Corvettes, 33 members, and 2 potential members. Due to the large group and length of the trip it was decided that two starting spots would help members leave at reasonable times. Those able to attend and start from the Olive Garden near Noblesville were Bill & Erika Lapham (Hosts), Jim & Bonnie Shaver, John & Ruth Vess, Gary & Marian Cole, Susie Hale & Terry Sitzer, Bob & Sherry Wilbert, Larry & Joy Greenwalt, Jim & Shelley Noelle, Tom &  Nancy Piercy,​ and Keith Riley. A second group met at Post Road & Brookville road (IN-52) Mike & Shirley Berry (leaders), Harry & Tillie Barthalow, Butch & Tammy DeWitt, Mark & Julie Shilling, Mark & Donna Schlichter, Alan & Judy Carnahan, William & Sharon Arnold, and potential members David & Sharron Lucas. To make their trip more interesting the Berry's even had a chance rally among their 8 Corvettes. With Harry & Tillie and the club's charity account winning. That group and the Northeast group met in Knightstown with all 18 soon heading down IN 3 to Greensburg. The trip to Ertel's took a different route as IN 229 was closed due to massive rains the weekend before. This was missed by those that have made the trip previously, as it is a true Corvette road. The route that was finally picked after several scouting trips were taken by the leaders in both wet and dry conditions. Be assured the IN 229 route will be back in the mix for the next Ertel trip. As in past years the buffet was massive and the desert table overflowing. Along with food a number of the members took the opportunity to sample and purchase some of the Ertel Cellars offerings. With the earlier seating time this year the Noelle's were even able to make an afternoon flight to Charlotte to check on their house being built there. The rest of the group made their way back with many using the direct I 74 while others used different state road routes for a great day of Corvette driving. Be sure to sign up for the next trip there.