Fourscore and seven years ago...

(todays report by Regina)

We left Gettysburg sorrowfully this afternoon, we didn't want to leave. It's a beautiful town with lots of history. In the last post i said we went on our own tour and i have to say that Gettysburg has the coolest photo ops so far.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It wasn't my idea to shoot the car

We took our 5 hour tour, ate a late lunch/early dinner (i had a peanut butter bacon burger and rainbow ice cream-yum!) and headed out of town to Blacksburg, Virginia. We passed through Maryland, West Virginia, and we are are currently in Virginia. Beautiful drive with the mountains to the east and west of 81.

 

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And so it begins.

Monday, July 30 marks the 21st anniversary of John's passing. It was only fitting that we begin our cross country journey, CT to AZ on this day. The heavy cloud cover and threat of showers caused our departure to be "top up". We filled the fuel tank with the most expensive gas in the country, $4.09, thanks Connecticut. And gave the car the once over, still not a drip, not a leak, nothing falling off. The only persistent problem was the drivers door was getting more difficult to open from the inside. And i didnt have an allen wrench to adjust it.

My little trip planner had us heading to Hershey, PA. She does a lot of reading and knew quite a bit about Milton Hershey, and his development of Hershey. The day started with the interstate into PA and as usual it was boring. Once in PA the construction and trooper count increased dramatically. We got off the interstate and once again took 2 lane country roads into Milton, PA. Probably once of the nicest places we visited. A stretch stop netted us at a vintage full service gas station with a pile of classic cars and photo ops. The small block chevy powered functioning lawn tractor was a bonus. Once full of Yoohoo we headed back out, top down, sun shining. The drive was incredible, small streams and brooks on the left, hillside and vintage distressed barns on the right. Twists and turns, elevation changes, absolutely no traffic. I was in heaven, so was my passenger, and so was the Dart. Ill let the tour guide take over for our drive to Hershey.

 

Well, we drove into Hershey about 3 in the afternoon, and tried to find a place to stay. That didn't work, as all the hotels and motels there were either unsafe and cheap or unbelievably expensive. So we didn't stay overnight, but instead went to Chocolate World and took a trolley tour around town, and the free ride and ate the chocolate they gave us. If you go, don't eat all the chocolate. I don't think i want to have chocolate until i get home. Bleh.

So instead of staying in Hershey we decided to get a head start and stay in Gettysburg. Halfway through the drive we stop for something to eat because we didn't want to live off of chocolate and granola bars. So we ate at a little diner place on the side of the road. We parked at a prime spot with viewing from the window. When we left there was a 70 Camaro sporting Hot Rod power tour windshield stickers next to us. Then we continued to drive to Gettysburg. With all the construction it was quite difficult. We made plenty of u-turns and stops, and eventually we got into Gettysburg and by our hotel. But we came to a halt once we saw a pair of glowing eyes on the side of the road. Dad hit the brakes, and a big opossum scuttled across the road. I've never seen an opossum before but it was the size of a cat.

We checked into our hotel for the night and slept soundly. (well kinda because dad snores A LOT)

Then we woke up, ate breakfast and took a self guided tour of Gettysburg. The booklet said it was supposed to be 2 hours but it really was like 4 or so. It was quite interesting and i learned a lot.

The lodge at gettysburg was awesome, even in the dark. Individual cabins, on 63 acres on the edge of the battlefields. And better priced than crappy hotels in Hershey. Here are some pictures from our days drive to PA.

This is how boring the PA interstate system is.

 

 

 

 

I i think we missed a turn.

 

 

 

 

Our newest artist friend Gillian painted one of these scenes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a road side photo stop in mid PA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regina farms, enough said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The one on the right was for sale and was a beautiful replic, asking $13kish.

Another mid PA barn stop.

 

 

Hershey PA.

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Sunday sunday sunday

Our Sunday started with a memorial church service for John. Our initial plans were to have us in New York City cruising with the top down. Once i learned of the service, we quickly modified our Sunday plans. We met with John's family again, this time without the Dart. We had a breakfast afterwards which was a location that i had lunch at many times before. It was right in front of where i had my first job at a meat market. We walked around the building for a bit, then off to meet another high school friend that i had not seen since high school. Andrea, you look great and glad we could finally meet up and have a chance to chat.

I was back at Lori's family's house for early afternoon and we sat and chatted for a while. We decided to go out for dinner and Lori and her son got their first ride in the Dart. Top down, as Dodge had intended. As we exited the restaurant, a couple spotted the car and commented on how nice it was. They waited for us to pull out. I "cleaned the tires" to show off. Lori's 11 year old son in the back seat was beaming and asked how i did that. At the next light i showed him, dumping the clutch at a moderate RPM filling the wheel wells with a cloud of smoke. Once the car finally decided to begin it's forward propulsion, i turned and i swear this kids smile swallowed his face. Lori was smiling as well and once again there was a quiet balance in life. I knew then that the trip was quite possibly the best thing i have ever done in my life.

We rode back to their house with the top down, and once in their subdivision, Lori took over the drivers seat. She got us back to the house and we put the top up for what would be my last night in CT. Lori, Art, Gillian and Dermot thank you all for the hospitality, and generosity. Art, sorry i missed you in the morning.

We're a day behind in posting, and Monday was pretty good day with some good pictures, so stay tuned and ill update in the am. Bummed my special surprise didn't work out for this week. But for a bonus, here is a link to the radio interview with Alan Taylor.

http://www.benchmarkradio.com/podcasting/MotorTrend/2012/MT_072812_HR3.mp3

 

Copy and paste that. Not just because Regina and I got interviewed, but because if you love cars, you need to get kids involved. Your kids, your neighbors kids, someone elses neighbors kids. The future of the hobby.

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Seafood, boats, and automobiles

The early part of our friday was not too exciting. Got some awesome French pastry for breakfast, meet up with my brother again, and did some laundry. When you are traveling and living out of a carry on size bag, you wear the same clothes a lot. Met up with some friends for a quick lunch. And then, Regina, my 11 year old daughter, apprentice, helper, navigator, trip planner, and all around coolest kid ever, got a special surprise. When I was young (although older than 11), my dad would take me to the high school parking lot and i would practice driving. Regina has more than earned her chance. As i said she was with me all the way through this project, she was with me from Iowa to CT and will be with me when we finally start the trip to AZ on Monday. Two of our lunch dates (thanks Liz and Rose) got to the parking lot, just after we started and Liz got this awesome video for me. Regina, thanks for being the best kid a dad could ever ask for. Love you.

Now, i've got to give some details here, the Dart has no power steering, no power brakes, and a 4 speed. This video is not the first spin in the lot, but she did not stall the car the first few times trying. She did awesome and even garnered the courage to "blip" the throttle a few times.

 

After our parking lot adventures, which lasted about 15 minutes and included lap after lap in the parking lot we were heading to a birthday party. Not just any birthday party, but Lori's birthday party. Now Lori had not seen the car yet and i was nervous all over again. We got to the house and parked the car in a sunny spot in the drive way. Lori was very pleased with the results. Now, when i was at Johns family's house on Wednesday, i did something and didn't blog it. I didn't want to spoil the surprise for Lori. I had sets of keys made for Marie, Elizabeth, Marie, Richard and Lori, and presented the sets to each of them. The car may reside in my garage in Arizona, but is as much theirs as it is mine. Richard and Lori, i can never thank you for bringing the car to me in AZ, much love. On our way out to Lori's we parked the car in front of the garage where John did his part to start the transformation on the car. It is now an automotive business, seems like John paved the way to that. We took a few photos and headed out.

The party was awesome and i made frequent trips to the driveway to talk about the car. We all stayed up late and Saturday morning came way too early. Now, Saturday was going to be another big day. Seems my pal Ritchie from AZ, knows a few folks and has been spreading the word of this blog. Ritchie's pal Alan Taylor, of Motor Trend radio caught wind of what i was doing, and asked me to call into the live show Saturday morning. Regina and I called in at our appointed time and talked to Alan for about 15 minutes about what we were doing and why. Ritchie, thank you you're a true friend. Alan, thank you as well, Regina and i were beaming from the experience. Ill post a link to the recording of the show when it is available.

http://farm8.static.flickr.com/7118/7634664620_d555e68d08.jpg


 

Saturday was overcast, seems typical for New England for our visit. We left with the top up, headed to Westbrook CT to where my brother has a boat. The intent was for us to head out on the boat and go to lunch. We got to the marina under cloudy skies but enough chance to take a few photos. We got on the boat and once we got a few miles out the sky darkened and we, and by we i mean Regina who was piloting, turned the boat around and headed back to the Marina. As we docked ,the skies let loose and we got back to my brothers truck to take a ride around town and take in some awesome seafood dinner. The evening was "supposed" to be filled with cruising with the car on the Berlin Turnpike, like i did back in the day, and i was going to meet up with another mopar friend that i had never met in person. The rain likely prevented anyone other than Regina and I from cruising the turnpike, and my newest friend Gary drove his 71 challenger down, ...up?? To meet us at an ice cream shop. Gary, just got his car back from some "upgrades" and was proud to take it out. Gary, so nice to meet you. Wish we had better weather and more time, but at least we met in person.

 

We finally hit the east coast with the Dart at the harbor which leads to The long island sound. Im sure Randy's boat is in this picture, somewhere on the left.

 

 

Someone is going to have the best, "so what did you do on your summer vacation" story.

 

The pedestrian door on the left, used to be a single garage door, which is where the Dart began it's transformation. Regina is in the passenger seat, while i stand in the middle of the busy road taking pictures.

 

Artsy shot that regina took on the way to Thomaston.

 

 

 

A rather dark and wet shot of Gary's 71 challenger next to the Dart. Thanks again Gary. Great to meet you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ill just caption this, "Yes, seriously"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ive a few phone calls to make, but i think i have something else special in store for the Dart and our journey. Might have to modify our return route, but there is a higher calling.

 

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Four seasons in one day

I awoke to the rain trails off the tires of the cars that passed our inn room this morning. A sound i'd not heard in years. Yep, it rained. Weather report called for 50% chance of rain all day long. Good thing i made the car waterproof. Before we left for our days adventures we took a few shots on the lovely grounds of the Curtis Housen Inn in Woodbury, Ct. This place was build prior to 1736, making it close to 300 years old. Its quaint, old, and full of charm. Feels almost natural to park the car out front, or back on the grass. Matter of fact one of the grounds keeper wanted to close the carriage house door before the pictures. Then gave me the, "thats a really nice car". Seems hes been eyeing it, and keeping close watch.

 

 

 

 

So, after a bit of breakfast with my bro and sister in law, had to drop the car off for an oil change. Seems that a weeks worth of 2900 miles leads to oil changes often. It'll require another when i get home in a week and a half. So while the car was in the capable hands of Franco, we took a tour of the Pez factory in Orange, CT. My bro, sister in law and I enjoyed it as much as my daughter did. I think the best part was signing the wedding card for factory worker Maria, who was getting married August 23. I talked my way into signing her card, the woman who took our cash for our store purchases said id be a great employee. I told her the commute would kill me.

Nimo, not sure it's in German.

 

 

 

We were able to get to the ocean during a break in the clouds and had lunch on the water. Just before......

Im not really allowed to talk about the how, why, where, or how of this picture. Let me just say that you better hope that you never have to meet the occupants of this, because if you do, your are going to have a very, very bad day.

 

The day ended with a pizza party with about 20 friends and family and of course the guest of honor, the Dart. As we ate and talked a hellacious storm blew into town with winds, lightning and thunder. Thankfully the hail held off and the car only got wet. By the time we left it was barely drizzling. I cant thank all of you for coming from all over the state to see us, and glad i could spend time with you all.

Tomorrow we have an easy day, and I promised Regina something special. Stay tuned. As an added bonus tomorrow is Lori's Birthday, and will be the first time she sees the car. Lori, cant wait to see you. We started the day with rain, the clouds cleared and the sun came out, then by nightfall, the skies opened up and i almost started to think i should have built an ark in lieu of a Dart. Turns out i made the right choice. Four seasons in one day.

 

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A day 4 years in the making...

We awoke Wednesday to the birds chirping and the skies clear and blue. Maybe it was going to be the perfect day. We cruised the Dart over to my brothers house for a good cleaning. As we have come to expect, we heard "really nice car" from several of the neighbors and passing folks. After it was all prettied up, we dropped the top and headed to a local hot dog stand to meet with my great friend Jack and his kids, as well as my cousin Bill who drove down from the Cape to see us. Thank you both! After we ate it was time to drive out to see Marie, John's mom.

This was the moment that i looked forward to with so much mixed emotion. Since i had not lived in CT for over 22 years my sense of direction was a bit rusty and my trusty navigator, Regina, was working the map program from the Ipad. As we cruised into Thomaston we rode past the garage where the Dart spent it's time while in CT. It was John's grandmothers house. It was here that the tears started. The Dart has proven itself by traveling 2,700 miles across the country to the point of beginning without any problems. A short distance later we were at Marie's driveway. I had to stop at the beginning of the driveway to compose myself before shifting to first and driving up the long driveway to the house. We parked to best take advantage of the light and the view from the stairs. We crested the long stairway up to the house and knocked. Several times. Marie was a nervous as I was. She invited us in and closed the door behind her, not wanting to face what awaited in the driveway just yet. Marie, Regina and I chatted for a while and Richard arrived (everyone remember Richard from early in the story?, good.) Since Richard parked in the driveway he had already seen the car. He and I spoke about the car for a few minutes while Marie was out of the room, then i mentioned that she had not seen it yet. So now the four us us were chatting and after a while Marie stood up and said "I'm ready to go down now."

She walked down the stairs never looking up until she reached the bottom and was standing directly in front of the car. She made it known that she was very proud of what i had done and loved the car. This was our special time to share together. Marie, Richard, Regina and I stood around the car for a while talking.

We returned back to the house to chat some more. Elizabeth and Marie, John's sisters were expected to join us after work. Marie and her husband were the first to arrive, and a short while later Liz showed up. They had both seen the car in the driveway and took the "self guided tour". After dinner at the house we all went down to the driveway before dark. I think we covered every detail about the car and the appreciation from the family was overwhelming. I think we all agreed that John was looking down and smiling upon us. Marie, Richard, Elizabeth and Marie, thank you all so much. As i had said, getting the car to Thomaston only gets me to the start of the entire trip. John always said that he wanted to drive TO Arizona. So for John, the journey begins on Monday, which is the 21st anniversary of his death. Miss you my friend.

Marie:

Marie

 

 

Elizabeth

 

 

 

The car all prettied up at my brothers house. In Arizona we don't have much chance for pictures with flowers, or trees, or even grass for that matter.

 

Back at our accommodations for the night. I sat on a bench behind the car, in the dark, in the quiet. Smoked a cigar and listed to the creatures of the night. Once again the world was in perfect balance. Back in the room i got the best night's sleep I've had the entire trip!!

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Homecoming V2.1

The ride through the interstate system in PA was just as i remembered it in the past. Plenty of highway patrol, plenty of construction and pretty country side. There was more than once that i was cruising barely above the 65 mph posted speed limit when a trooper came flying up behind us, just to pass along to catch someone up the line. There was generally only one lane of traffic since they are working on every bridge within the state. The trooper count in PA was significantly high than any other state we drove through. Matter of fact it was significantly higher than all the state we drove through combined.

we crossed into new york and within minutes were met with new york drivers. Enough said. The sign welcoming us to new york, as well as the one into connecticut, were in the center divider, and we couldnt pull off to take photos with the car. This was another day that was full of interstate and the chances for cool car pictures were limited. We exited the interstate in CT, and as we pulled up the the red light, the skys opened up and it rained softball sized rain drops decreasing visibility to near zero. It was so forcefull you could see when the drops hit the inside of the convertible top. We had made it nearly 2,700 miles, from AZ to CT with nothing more than a slight shower in NM, one in chicago, and a wet windshield in Iowa. It rained from the exit, to within 300 feet of our accomodations. Once got the car parked, it was sunny again. I forgot the saying , if you dont like new england weather, wait 15 minutes it will change"

My brother met us for dinner, then he got a chance to drive the car, whipping it through the night in the turns of Woodbury, with a smile on his face. We stopped for ice cream, as required when you have an 11 year old and a convertible. Life seemed to be in perfect balance. We finally got to bed at a decent hour, and as usual, i couldn't sleep. The next day was to be the day that John's family would finally get to see the car finished after so many years. Anxiety, nervousness, anticipation, excited, saddened... My mind was wrought with thoughts, not one of them was sleep. Finally the sand man came, and shortly thereafter he was gone.

 

Since were barely drove the speed limit in PA we averaged 20.1 mpg across the state. Here is the picture of the state tree, the traffic barricade.

 

Another prime parking spot in PA hotel.

 

This is the best "from a moving car picture" we could get from the state of NY.

 

 

 

 

The wipers worked.

Wishing well not needed. We have a guardian angel.

 

 

 

 

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