Can you give a wharf rat's ass?

I sit here with a view of the Bay of Fundy having my last morning coffee in the Digby Nova Scotia area. I was here for most the week to attend and perform at the Wharf Rat Rally which is reportedly Atlantic Canada's biggest motorcycle rally. The crowds grew as the week went on then the party was almost crashed by some dude named Earl.

Hurricane Earl was coming up the coast and of course the media was hyping it up as Armageddon because that is what they do, feed hype and fear.
Many people pulled out on Friday as they were afraid of getting nailed by Earl. Vendors shut down and prepared for the worst and put their wares away but stayed.
The group of riders staying at the hotel resort where I was decided to have an all night bonfire party in Earl's honor.
 When a bit of rain started to sprinkle. It made us laugh and get up and dance in the rain, which stopped and started through out the night. We partied til 5am when it looked like Earl was a no show.
In the morning Earl showed up apparently as hung over as the resort residents. All he could muster was a bit of blowing wind that took a few leaves off trees and some warm rain for a few hours.
By mid day Earl had left and the rally kicked off again. Vendors re-opened their tents, shows commenced and the few true bikers that weathered it out were there to keep it going. Riders started to return from nearby towns.
Sunday the weather was sunny and windy. Actually it was more windy than when Earl was here but the storm was gone and riders returned....in droves!
The main road into Digby was backed up out to the highway and they kept coming. All sorts of brands from all sorts of manufacturers and several vintage rides too. Within hours the main street was wall to wall bikes and shut down to cars...and they still came. The pic I have here is from Thursday, 2 days before Earl and not even half of the scene I describe. As I write this my camera is in my room charging but I will post pics and video when time allows.

The feel of the rally was one of old friends you had yet to meet. Maritimers are some of the most down to earth folks you will ever meet and are always willing to strike up a conversation or invite you to their party. There was little or no brand attitude that is usually present at some events. No one here cares what you ride they are just happy you are here too. It was a nice feeling and the rally was family friendly by day. At night the main street empties out after the fireworks. A few local bars for the die hards but most retreated back to their hotels and campgrounds to have private parties. In short, no major trouble spots despite the large turnout.
I look forward to next year as I plan on returning. As for Earl? I couldn't give a wharf rat's ass if he came back either, but he has to bring his own beer this time.

Digby Harbour