11 Things I Learned on the Twitarded Trip to FOOOORRRKKS

Last Fall, I went with the gals from the fabulous Twitarded blog and over a hundred of their crazy, Twilight obsessed followers on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Twilight Mecca of Forks, Washington.

My family thought I was absolutely nuts because I had never met a single one of these people in person and mostly only knew everyone by their very creative online screen names, and yet there I was traipsing off to another state to hang out with them. I even made arrangements to room with three of these ladies based on a very lively Twitter conversation. How lucky was I to end up rooming with the awesome 17foreverlisa, Mrs. P, Cullenarycurser and our bonus next door neighbor (the one person I actually knew in “real life”) TwiredJen?! My sister’s worry that they would all turn out to be cartoon-headed 60 year old men who live in their Moms' basements turned out to be completely unfounded. In fact, I’m nearly certain there wasn’t a single serial killer in the bunch.

And now, here are 11 things that I learned on that trip, just in case you're considering making the pilgrammage yourself. Sure, it’s true that most people make top ten lists, but I decided to go with eleven in hope that this will convince you that I’m kind of over-achievery instead of just wishy-washy.

1. Twitards are the friendliest and most accepting people in the world. It was like we had all been called home to the mother ship to reunite with old friends. We were an instant community of women who completely “got” each other.
Snarkier than you, Dangrdafne, Myg, JennyJerkface, LatchkeyWife, VitaminR

Latchkeywife, 17foreverlisa, TwiredJen, SnarkierthanYou, Twilightcupcake, Jenny Jerkface, Truebldtwilight, TwiloveSue, Mrs. P

2. The Welcome to Forks sign is very cool in person.Cullenarycurser, Mrs. P, JennyJerkface, SnarkierThanYou, TwiloveSue, TwiredJen, 17foreverlisa

3. I have no self control at all when tempted with a store full of Twilight merchandise. None. Whatsoever.
4. The town of Forks deserves an E for Effort for embracing the world of Twilight. Even though Bella Swan doesn’t live in the Swan House, Dr. Cullen doesn’t work at the hospital (he does have a parking place, though) and none of Twilight movies were actually filmed in Forks, it still felt right.

5. Vampires really aren’t allowed on the Quileute side of the treaty line.
6. There are Hos in the Hoh Forest.17foreverlisa, Cullenarycurser, Mama_Cougar, tatoomickey, TwiloveSue, TwiredJen, Mrs.P

7. TwiredJen does a great New Moon Bella impression.
8. Chief Charlie Swan does not patrol Highway #101 between Forks and Port Angeles, but the Washington state troopers do and they will give you a ticket if you speed. Believe me, I learned this the hard way (and am eternally grateful to my passengers for being sweet & demure and not getting us arrested). The Gang (picture borrowed from Twitarded)

9. You should never turn your back on the ocean at La Push beach. CullenaryCurser was taken out by a rogue wave that came out of nowhere. I wasn’t sure if I should try to go help her or take a picture. Luckily she has a great sense of humor. TwiloveSue, StarlitViolets, 17foreverlisa, Twilightcupcake, Truebldtwilight, TwiredJen, Cullenarycurser, Mrs. P

10. The mushroom ravioli at Bella Italia tastes better than it looks
11. Watching Twilight for the 17 millionth time with fellow Twitards was hysterical, like having your own Rifftraxx soundtrack. This was the funniest group ever and only we are allowed to make fun of Twilight.
If you’re still trying to decide whether or not to go on the FOOOORRRKKS trip this year, my advice is to DO IT! It’s something you just have to experience at least once and I’m so glad I did. It was one of my best decisions ever. To (mis)quote a recent circus movie, I wasn’t running away, I was going home.
TwiloveSue XOXO