Meeting with Friends and Family

I set out this morning without too much fan fare and got down to Middletown right on schedule. I spent a couple of hours hanging out with Peter – looking at track videos and talking about our plans for the near future. It was great seeing him and I wish that I had come down earlier in the summer to go sailing. The boat looks great after all of the restoration. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to see Lys because she has one of those nasty things called a job. One of these days I’ll have to get me one of those. ;) Oh and don’t forget to tell Lys that I said “hi” and give her a big hug for me.

I had also planned on meeting up with Brian but there was a little miscommunication and things didn’t work out. I guess we’ll just have to meet up in NM after I talk him into to taking a trip out to go skiing at Taos. Hmm… I wonder if he is as much of a wild man on the slopes as his behind the wheel of a car? Most likely.

Time to roll

Just one last post before I really hit the road and leave the comfort of a familiar home. This morning was all about saying good-bye and taking one last look to make sure I haven't missed anything. Which some how I always manage to do.

Kerrie got an extra hug or two this morning and I tried to give the cats a little more attention than normal but they were too busy doing their normal routine.

Indi was intently focused on the birds visiting the feeder just outside the window. Kona was sprawled next to his well worn scratching post and Nemo was just being himself, "Spooky". If there was ever a cat with paranoid delusions it would have to be him. At times I think he is even affraid of his own shadow.

Miata Depot

It took a little creative packing, some serious problem solving skills, and several iterations to get every thing to fit without compromising the field of view or driving position. It is going to feel like I am driving a store on wheels because there is so much stuff wedged in there. Let me show you what I mean. Note: click on the photos for a larger view.

The Big Move

As many of you know, I have been talking about moving out of New England for many years and now it finally looks like it is the right time to head West. I've already got the "essentials" packed and am thoroughly impressed that I was able to cram so much stuff into such a small car. I'll have to post some pictures and a list of items so that you can see what I'm talking about.

Anyways, the real adventure starts on Monday morning when I ease the fully loaded car on to the open road. This will mark the beginning of a 2,535 mile road trip that is scheduled to take 5 days. I know that I can make it out to New Mexico in 3 days but I wanted to make a few stops along the way to visit with friends and family.


The first stop will be in Middletown, CT to spend a couple of hours with Peter and Lys. Then it is off to Trumbull, CT to say good-bye to Brian who happens to be a fellow track junkie. I still haven't figured out how I'm going to scratch that itch once I get settled in Albuquerque but I am going to have a little fun on the ride down.

If all goes as planned I should get a chance to drive the "Tail of the Dragon" on Tuesday. This is a very special stretch of road for driving enthusiasts as it has 313 turns within 11 miles! The Miata was made for just this occasion but it should be little interesting with a full load. I may just have to empty the car at a hotel before I take it for a spin. ;)

I'd suggest checking in from time to time because you never know what misadventures may happen along the way. Past trips have left an indelible mark on my memory and I can still vividly remember:

• Riding with a sales rep who had mastered the art of multi-tasking. I was absolutely floored when I watched him drive a mini van at 85+ mph with one knee, while talking on a cell phone, taking notes, not watching the road, and some how not killing anyone. I think this guy could give Michael Schumacher a run for his money if he was only focused on driving.
  
• Then who can ever forget having to carry around a stinky one legged old man at Walmart. That cloying stench still clogs my nostrils when I think about it. Whew! I guess no good deed goes unpunished.
  
• Oh and there was that time when I had to kill time with a couple of strangers at the airport and one of them happened to be a sex therapist. I learned a few things that day that I really didn't need to know but they had me laughing so hard that I was in tears.
  

Hot Laps At Watkins Glen

I met up with several friends (Chris, Roger, Aaron, and Ron) for two full days of hot lapping at Watkins Glen in the RX-8. Aaron and I had a lot of fun battling it out around the track. At some points his Porsche 944 Turbo would pull away with its extra horsepower and at other times I was able to reel him back in, especially in the Bus Stop. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get good video of any of us running in a pack.

Roger and Ron


Aaron


Chris


Roger


Roy


One lap around the track.

M'sters Fall Run

I tagged along with the M'sters Miata for their annual Fall Run through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. They did a great job of planning out an interesting route through the mountains. One unexpected thing happened during the run. Every time I shifted th eperson behind me would give me a thumbs up. At first I had no idea of what was going on. Then he got on the radio and said that the car was on fire. Fire?!?

When I got home I setup the camcorder and tried to duplicate what was happening. When I played back the video I was surprised by what I saw. Check it out.

Whirlwind Trip Through Oregon

I spent a week visiting my brother Peter in Oregon. My dad came along and we made the rounds around the state. The variety of the area was truly amazing. Starting in Bend, Oregon it only took a couple hours to go from high desert, pine forrest, rain forest, sandy beaches, high rocky cliffs, lava flows, and calderas. Amazing!