Early on, I knew I HAD to meet Spaw. He (like SRS and katlaughing) kept promising to show up at the Getaway, but they never made it. So, one time after the Getaway, I drove east and kept driving. I think it was 2001, just after September 11. I drove US 50 to Wheeling, and then followed the Ohio River to Louisville. I crossed over to Cincinnati, and then went up to Dayton and the Air Force Museum. I think it was there I decided to see Spaw. So I did the requisite tour of Columbus, and then headed down to the Spaw Shrine at Bremen. As I've said before, the road was littered with roadkill for miles before Bremen, so knew this was the right place. I got to Bremen, and it was a pretty little town with brick streets.
Finally, I got to Spaw's house. I rang the bell, and Spaw answered. He opened the door and cooly said, "Joe Offer, what the hell are YOU doing here?" I felt like this was something earth-shaking, that I would finally meet Spaw, and he acted like this was something that happened every day. I had tried to prove otherwise, but it was clear that Spaw was cool - really cool.
So, we had a nice conversation and I headed on back to my plane in Baltimore. Frankly, I don't remember anything else from my trip. I remember the first part of my trip very clearly, but nothing at all after Bremen. Once I met Spaw, it was like there was nothing else to do.
And I'm sure glad I met him. Wish I had met Katlaughing.
-Joe-

P.S. And I also met SRS. Glad I did that. Damn, that woman makes a mean eggplant Parmesan!