2002 Annual Conference Pictures, Page 3

The sissy bus. You don't think the photographer would be with the death-march group, do you?

The photographer loved those cool backpacks everyone got. We might have seen more faces if the IRMA emblem was on the front of people. But with scenery like this, who needs faces? It's one of the spots the sissy bus visited. By now, you've surely recognized Paul Hayden, associate publisher of Lake Superior Magazine.

The sissy bus crowd listens to a Yellowstone National Park ranger describe the area. "Every three months, someone gets too close to the edge of the canyon and falls to his death," the ranger said. "Its been about that long since we lost the last one." Good thing we were the sissy crowd because we didn't lose a single member over the edge.

An unscheduled stop led members in quest of buffalo. Well, at least we can say the place is beautiful – where IRMA members, if not buffalo, roamed that day.

Tim Sayles, editor of Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and Bryan McGill, editor of British Columbia Magazine, discuss buffalo with Anita Willis, assistant editor of British Columbia Magazine. Know the difference between buffalo and bison? A buffalo is a large mammal with hair and horns. A bison is something an Englishman washes his face in.

David Dauer, director of operations & creative services at Offshore, proves that at least two members survived the death march, himself and the cameraman. Either that or he's a very fast cameraman. Want to see him do it again? (David Dauer)

Bill Royer, president of the magazine group, and Dick Royer, publisher, of Chesapeake Bay Magazine braved the death march. Notice the weapon in Dick's left hand. He had to give it up in the airport on his way home after the conference. (David Dauer)

Beverly Magley, editor of Montana Magazine and president/conference host this year, found a friend on the death march. Look closely. It's either a dragonfly or one of the local fly fisher's backcasts. More wildlife looms in the background in the form of Mike Meier of Quebecor World. The death march was all Beverly's idea – and she led the group in her perpetual tireless fashion. (David Dauer)

Those death marchers have begun to string out behind Beverly. But who wouldn't pause to smell the mountains? (David Dauer)

Is this worth a bout with leg cramps or what??? (David Dauer)

You can see the shadows of their smiles. (David Dauer)

"How many death marchers will this bridge support? Was that a creek I heard?"
 
"The word is creak, you stupid caption writer."
 
"Well, it sounded more like roaring rapids, anyway."
 
(David Dauer)

A short story contest called "A Dark and Stormy Night" was introduced on both buses. Here, Betty Royer, Dick's wife, and Betsy Haggerty, editor of Offshore, work on their entry after returning to Chico Hot Springs. The third member of their team, the photographer, is more fascinated by the buttons and dials on his camera.

Jack Lowry, editor of Texas Highways, and Win Holden, publisher of Arizona Highways, talk with Alison Dickie, associate publisher of albemarle, Living in Jefferson's Virginia, on the porch of the hospitality suite. Bryan McGill, editor of British Columbia Magazine, listens in. In the background, Betty and Betsy put the finishing touches on "A Dark and Stormy Night."

Throughout the conference, members put on pound after pound. We can still taste that ranch-style food. The extra weight helped prove it wasn't just a dream.