Thursday, June 20, 2013

Drop Everything and Attend Mooning Amtrak Day
















Yes, you read that right: Mooning Amtrak. July 13 is the 34th annual Moon Amtrak event in Laguna Niguel, California.

It goes back to 1979 at The Mugs Away Saloon by the railroad tracks in that southern California city. That's when a man named K.T.Smith said he'd buy a drink for all who would run outside to the railroad tracks and moon the next passenger train. Many did.

Today that bar bet has turned into the annual Mooning Amtrak, an event that attracts thousands of mooners and spectators the second Saturday of every July. (Although nobody buys you a drink anymore if you drop your pants.) 

















The event, is permitted, though perhaps not sanctioned, by the City Laguna Niguel, The Sheriff of Orange County, Metrolink Rail Agency and Amtrak. (Perhaps they simply prefer to "turn the other cheek.")

A giant train schedule is posted outside the Saloon for those who want to participate in the mooning. It lists all the Amtrak and Metrolnk trains from 7:35 AM until 11:22 PM--yes, you can be like the real moon and moon the trains in the dark. Organizers ask participants to bring a lantern or flashlight to, um, illuminate and accentuate the exposure.

Passengers who ride the trains are advised that the best "views" are on the east side of the tracks between the Irvine and San Juan Capistrano stations. Apparently, the trains slow at this point so riders can take in the "scenery."

So, in case you are wondering about what to do this summer, you can (literally) drop everything and head to California. 

More information about Mooning Amtrak can be found on the Mooning Amtrak website.


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