knightfan26917
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Posts posted by knightfan26917
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The waiting is the hardest part. So they say.
My 09/15/2011 appointment never happened. If a friend of mine at the hospital hadn't sent me a message that morning asking what time I'd be there, I wouldn't have known. She noticed I wasn't on the schedule. So, I called and was told the surgeon was out of town at a conference. They CLAIMED to have called me, but the number they told me they called wasn't mine. UGH. So, LONG story short, the appointment is Thursday, September 29, 2011....
AYE ... TOO much on my mind and NOT enough happening (in certain ways), if that makes sense. I HATE medical bills and wasting time.
Sure wish I was on a ROAD TRIP right now or back on the RADIO ... or both.
One good thing about surgery? I'll have time to read, WRITE more of my Route 66 story, plan road trips, listen to music, etc.
"This ferris wheel just keeps on spinning 'round, playin' mind games with the ground. Can we stop this time, or must we go again?"
"Hopelessly, I feel like there might be something that I'll miss ... I feel like the window closes oh so quick."
"Tell me what you think about your situation. Complication, aggravation is getting to you."
"Just don't let me lose my mind. All I need is a real friend to pick me up again."
Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic
CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"I'm fading away" __ Simple Plan __ 'Untitled'
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If you haven't explored your area ... driving roads or being a "tourist" to see what you find ... I highly suggest you take time to DO IT. And, yes, that includes myself.
I've mentioned before how I explore the back roads west of my home town when I'm driving my Monte Carlos. I've discovered some neat, secluded areas (particularly long stretches of back roads!), as well as some interesting short cuts. This time, a day before my birthday, my Aunt Chris and I went for a drive to explore some areas in central/western/northern IL.
Our trip (Sunday, 09/18/2011) was preceded by a conversation we had this past spring. We were talking about the drive out to Mt Morris IL, particularly when IL RT 64 was partially closed for road construction, ~8 years ago. At the time, part of the detour around the construction area took us on a long stretch of back road where we watched a farm house turn into a "castle". We wondered if the house had ever been completed ... and, if so, what it looked like today. So ... we decided to go check it out. I was quite disappointed to see it unfinished and abandoned.
We also went to Byron IL, Durand IL, Freeport IL and Lena IL, taking mostly back roads between towns. We only hit I-39 coming back home.
Some pics from our adventure...
...Lindenwood IL, looking at the farmhouse with the "castle" addition to the back and both sides:
...Lindenwood IL, the house and barn:
...Lindenwood IL, part of the "castle" addition:
...NE of Byron IL, haunted house:
...Durand IL:
...Lena IL, museum:
...Lena IL, Stagecoach Trail:
...Freeport IL, Little Cubs Field, marque:
...Freeport IL, Little Cubs Field, Harry:
...Freeport IL, LIttle Cubs Field, scoreboard:
If you want to see all of the pics, I have 'em on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2457510359364.2146820.1300282613&l=145446f357&type=1
Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic
CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"You never know all the riches you own 'till someone takes them away" __ John Schneider __ 'Take The Long Way Home'
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*nods*
I sure appreciate the support ... thank you all.
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'Fraid this is just a "quick" visit again ... basically to let ya'll know that my appointment with the surgeon is THIS Thursday, September 15, 2011.
Some background details:
My 3 previous open heart surgeries were...
...November 1977, 1st pig's valve installed
...March 1987, 2nd pig's valve installed (outgrew 1st one)
...January 2003, 3rd pig's valve installed (2nd one too calcified) & 1st pacemaker installed
Hope everyone remembered on 9|11. I had a good day with...
..."Nephew Time":
...and a Cruise Night:
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Someday tomorrow will smile" __ Oak Ridge Boys __ 'Dream On'
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Hard to believe cruise night season is nearly over. Hope to see some of you yet this year....
Pics from the entire year are here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/2011CruiseNights
MORE HIGHLIGHTS!
...SUNDAY, 09/11/2011, Elgin's Rookie's:
...Saturday, 08/27/2011, S Elgin's Beef Villa:
...Sunday, 08/28/2011, Elgin's Rookie's:
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"I knew she was a jewel in disguise" __ Kathy Mattea __ '455 Rocket'
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LOL ... yes! It was only as I was leaving that Jerry mentioned them to me. As I recall, Jerry asked me what I thought of "my" 2011 Dodge Charger, and I had to tell him that it was just a rental. I then told him about my other cars, and that's when he said something about having to show me something on his '57. As we walked to the side of it, I think he said something like, "And, I bet you know the wheels I have!" OF COURSE! My '87 MC LS has them!
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Sure hope my upcoming surgery only puts a temporary stop to my road trips....
10 more highlights from my 2011 journey:
Thursday evening, 06/23/2011, Plato Center IL, sure wish I could buy a 2011 Dodge Charger...
Tuesday morning, 06/28/2011, Cuba MO, restored Wagon Wheel Motel...
Thursday evening, 06/30/2011, Terrell TX...
Friday afternoon, 07/01/2011, Oklahoma City OK...
Sunday morning, 07/03/2011, Colorado along I-70 W...
Thursday afternoon, 07/07/2011, Pullman WA...
Sunday afternoon, 07/10/2011, Augusta MN...
Monday evening, 07/11/2011, Illinois along I-39 S...
Monday evening, 07/11/2011, home ... bought these at Becky's Barn, 06/27/2011; notice the car themes. Plus, the "Mail Pouch" Barn...I saw that on the Lincoln Highway in Ohio...
Friday evening, 08/05/2011, home ... FGMCC Western Meet Plaque on the left; Northwest Motorfest Participant Badge on the right...
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL *
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Traveled down the road and back again" __ Andrew Gold __ 'Thank You For Being A Friend (Golden Girls)'
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Dave,
It IS an awesome place. I took a few more pics of it that evening. It is in Florence OR on US 101 just north of the intersection with SR 126. Hope that helps!
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL *
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"A melody can bring back a memory take you to another place in time" __ Clint Black __ 'State Of Mind'
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I'm confident we will. Seems like it usually takes a few near misses before connecting with someone.
So true!
I've had a few near misses with people ... then eventually met up with them "down the road".
On the other hand, I love how some chance encounters make this world so small. My favorite story of that magnitude is this one:
http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/roadtrips/1106/DSC07591r8_jpg.html'>http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/roadtrips/1106/DSC07591r8_jpg.html
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"How can anybody be so lucky?" __ John Conlee __ 'Domestic Life'
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My "car season" may be winding down quicker than expected, but it sure has been a weird summer, at least compared to the last few years.
For the first time in over 5 years, I've attended cruise nights regularly, 5 nights in a row at one point. All the pics I've taken at cruise nights this year are here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/2011CruiseNights
Some highlights...
...Elgin IL, 06/05/2011, Sunday:
...Dundee IL, 06/08/2011, Wednesday:
...S Elgin IL, 06/10/2011, Friday:
...Dundee IL, 07/20/2011, Wednesday:
...S Elgin IL, 07/22/2011, Friday:
...S Elgin IL, 07/29/2011, Friday:
...S Elgin IL, 07/30/2011, Saturday:
...S Elgin IL, 08/05/2011, Friday:
...Elgin IL, 09/11/2011, Sunday:
...Elgin IL, 09/11/2011, Sunday:
While I've attended cruise nights, I most-likely will NOT get to 1,000 miles on each of my Monte Carlos in 2011, for what would've been the 3rd straight year of doing so. Instead, depending on how the next few weeks go, I may be lucky to reach 500 miles on each. Heck, I've only put gas in them twice so far this year; gas mileage numbers from the 2nd fill up are below.
One reason I've put so "few" miles on my MCs this year is because of my 2011 road trip, which I took in the middle of the summer this year (instead of in the last 4 months of the year) and drove over 9,300 miles:
https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/CoastToCoastRoadTripFri06242011Mon07112011
GAS MILEAGES
Calculations are based on most-recent fill-ups, Wednesday, 09/07/2011, for my Caprice Classic and Sunday, 09/04/2011, for my 5 MCs (2nd time I've gassed 'em up in 2011).
1979 Caprice Classic, 350 V8 w/TBI
...196.8 miles driven @ 12.125 gallons to fill up = 16.23 mpg
1972 MC, 350 V8
...210.6 miles @ 13.268 gallons = 15.87 mpg
1976 MC, 305 V8
...205.9 miles @ 11.775 gallons = 17.49 mpg
1979 MC, 350 V8
...207.1 miles @ 10.408 gallons = 19.89 mpg
1981 MC SC, 3.8 V6
...208.3 miles @ 9.496 gallons = 21.94 mpg
1987 MC LS, 305 V8
...146.0 miles @ 7.597 gallons = 19.22 mpg
So ... anyone else experience a weird summer in TwentyEleven?
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL *
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Take a trip to the city lights" __ Supertramp __ 'Take The Long Way Home'
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I'm sorry I didn't give this more attention when you first posted it. Guess I was distracted.
NO worries, Dave!
That was some trip, and from the trip pre plans I recall reading, you must have seen a bunch of friends and relatives.*nods*
Yep, indeed, I did! And, I had a blast! Wish I could be on the road 24/7/365.....
What can I say about your father's passing......sorry, sad, and we have all been there, or will be. Heck, I still "talk" to him occasionally when I need advice, and it has been 25 years for me.Actually, that was not my Dad who died ... that was the father of one of the people I met in Oregon during my road trip. She had posted an EPIC thread about the restoration of her Dad's car on one of my other groups/message boards. But, I sure appreciate your words.
Thanks for sharing the post about your trip. What a ride!
You are welcome!
Life sure can be a roller coaster ride. We're pulling for you! And, we look forward to hearing about more road trips.Thanks! I'm already planning a few road trips...just wish I could be on the road all the time.
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Forgot to highlight the "overnights":
FRI, 06/24/2011 ... Smithville OH
SAT, 06/25/2011 ... PIttsburgh PA (after stops in York/Carlisle)
SUN, 06/26/2011 ... Pontiac IL
MON, 06/27/2011 ... Cuba MO
TUE, 06/28/2011 ... Tulsa OK
WED, 06/29/2011 ... Wichita KS
THU, 06/30/2011 ... Azle TX (after stop in Terrell TX)
FRI, 07/01/2011 ... Amarillo TX (after stop in Oklahoma City OK)
SAT, 07/02/2011 ... Longmont CO
SUN, 07/03/2011 ... Taylorsville UT
MON, 07/04/2011 ... Williams CA
TUE, 07/05/2011 ... Lebanon OR
WED, 07/06/2011 ... Seattle WA
THU, 07/07/2011 ... Boise ID
FRI, 07/08/2011 ... Bozeman MT
SAT, 07/09/2011 ... Fargo ND (after brief stop in Sioux Falls SD)
SUN, 07/10/2011 ... Bloomington MN
10 pic highlights:
Sunday morning, 06/26/2011, Ohio, Lincoln Highway...
Monday afternoon, 06/27/2011, Staunton IL, Chris' 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe and my 2011 Dodge Charger rental in front of Rich's Ra66it Ranch. Rich has a 1973 Monte Carlo that he bought brand new...
Wednesday late morning, 06/29/2011, Chandler OK, Jerry McClanahan's 1957 Chevy, but notice the wheels, 4th generation Monte Carlo "honeycomb"/"checkerboard"...
Saturday morning, 07/02/2011, New Mexico, US 87 N & US 64 W, parting/gathering storm...
Monday afternoon, 07/04/2011, California, a vista along I-80 W, just before Exit 156...
Tuesday evening, 07/05/2011, Florence OR, Bliss Diner, US 101...
Wednesday morning, 07/06/2011, Newport OR, very beginning of US 20, which runs right through my home town of Elgin IL...
Thursday afternoon, 07/07/2011, Idaho, US 95 S...
Friday afternoon, 07/08/2011, Twin Falls ID, Visitor Center Vista...
Saturday evening, 07/09/2011, South Dakota, storm along I-90 E...
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"We can't afford to let one moment pass us by 'cause it's a short piece of time" __ Dierks Bentley __ 'Long Trip Alone'
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additional highlights:
...Saturday, 08/27/2011, S Elgin's Beef Villa:
...Sunday, 08/28/2011, Elgin's Rookie's:
...Sunday, 06/05/2011, Elgin's Rookie's:
...Friday, 06/10/2011, S Elgin's Village Squire:
...Sunday, 06/12/2011, Elgin's Rookie's:
...Wednesday, 07/20/2011, Dundee's Maxwell's:
...Thursday, 07/21/2011, Elgin's Mr C's:
...Saturday, 07/23/2011, S Elgin's Beef Villa:
...Friday, 07/29/2011, S Elgin's Village Squire:
...Friday, 08/05/2011, S Elgin's Village Squire:
If you will be at any of these cruise nights, CALL ME if you want to meet up:
847-
337-
9897
___ SUN ___
* to the end of September *
@ ROOKIES
2486 Bushwood Dr
ELGIN IL
___ MON ___
* to the end of September *
@ ROOKIES
1545 W Main St (IL RT 64)
ST CHARLES IL
___ THU ___
* to the end of September *
@ MR C'S
1350 E Chicago St (IL RT 19 & Shales Parkway)
ELGIN IL
___ FRI ___
* to the end of September *
@ THE VILLAGE SQUIRE
480 Randall Rd
S ELGIN IL
___ SAT ___
* until the SNOW flies *
@ BEEF VILLA
1225 W Spring St
S ELGIN IL
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"T-tops down in my Cutlass Supreme" __ Uncle Kracker/Kid Rock __ 'It's Good To Be Me'
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I had planned to be in Amarillo that night, but didn't realize I'd make it to town so EARLY. My stay in Oklahoma City OK for the lunch hour that afternoon was not as long as I had planned. We had considered going to see CARS 2, but the movie timeslots didn't match up to any of our schedules all that neatly, so we decided not to go. Thus, I arrived in Amarillo a few hours earlier than anticipated.
I sure hope we are able to connect in person. I've so enjoyed following your trips.
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL *
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"The rhythm of the rails is all they feel" __ Steve Goodman __ 'City Of New Orleans'
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I continue to enjoy your posts and photos, Ara. Hope you are well!
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy" __ Eagles __ 'Take It Easy'
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Hey Dave,
I liked your write-up ... and thoroughly enjoyed your pictures! Sorry I couldn't help with the planning either, but glad that you had a good time.
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Can't help but think of yesterday" __ George Michael __ 'Faith'
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Dale,
EXCELLENT pics! Thank you for sharing them with us.
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL *
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"The years go by and time just seems to fly, but the memories remain" __ Daughtry __ 'September'
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Dave,
Love the write-up and the pics!!!
Did you, by chance, see or eat at the Bliss Diner? I saw it exactly 2 months ago TODAY (5th of September) on July 5, 2011. One of the pics I took:
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"I'm in no hurry" __ Citizen King __ 'Better Days'
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...too short. We are NOT guaranteed a "next time" to take action, meet, gather, talk, or say what is on our mind or how we feel. Just sayin'.
I've been scarce 'round these parts and probably will be for a while because life happens. Along with other issues, I finally received the results of my CT scan of the chest. My aorta is, indeed, enlarged. So, the next step is to see the surgeon ASAP to discuss surgery options; I've had 3 previous open heart surgeries. While I still haven't really processed this news myself, I suppose the good news is that people who THINK I have a "big heart" now have proof....
Not sure what this means for my cars or my road trips, but we'll see.
MEANTIME ... some quotes:
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light."
"I'm a personal luxury coupe in a beige crossover vehicle world."
"Life is like photography; you develop from the negatives."
"Worry is pulling tomorrow’s clouds over today’s sunshine!"
"Bad decisions make good stories."
"Cars are new once, but old forever...!"
"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."
"Due to the current economic climate, the light at the end of the tunnel has been switched off until further notice."
"Mileage wears out an automobile, while walking three miles a day keeps the body in shape."
"Travel is a triple delight: anticipation, performance, and recollection."
"We'll never be ready if we keep waiting for the perfect time to come."
"One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter."
"Happiness does not depend on circumstances; it is an attitude. It's like finding your favorite radio station that you can tune into at any time!"
"Life is like a snow globe; you think everything has finally settled down, then someone comes along and shakes up all those little pieces again."
"Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once."
"The road is a place where we can free our minds from the distractions of the world and focus on the journey ahead."
"Broken people are dangerous because they know they can survive...!"
"Scars are just tattoos with better stories."
"Sometimes life is just about rolling down the windows in your car, blasting your favorite song & forgetting the world for a while."
"How lucky it is to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL *
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"The hope is we have so much to feel good about" __ One Republic __ 'Good Life'
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After returning from my road trip, it took about a week to get to a cruise night, but I then went to 5 cruise nights in a row, Wednesday (July 20) to Sunday (July 24) and took a BUNCH more pictures in the process:
https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/2011CruiseNights
*** Attending any of the cruise nights listed? CALL ME ... if you want to meet up:
847-
337-
9897
Additional Highlights...
...07/20/2011, Maxwell's:
...07/21/2011, Mr C's:
...07/22/2011, Village Squire:
...07/23/2011, Beef Villa:
...07/24/2011, Rookie's:
...07/29/2011, Village Squire:
...07/30/2011, Beef Villa:
...08/05/2011, Village Squire:
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Ain't she a beautiful sight?" __ CW McCall __ 'Convoy'
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COLD TREAT, 07/30/2011, Culver's, S Elgin IL:
The Cars:
Neal and Katie:
*** PLEASE NOTE ***
OCTOBER FEST, 10/15/2011, Volo (IL) Auto Museum is CANCELED.
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Nope, sorry, nothin'" __ Jo Dee Messina __ 'My Give A Damn's Busted'
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This one is taken directly from my road trip files. It happened just this year, while I was in Englewood CO. A pink Toyota and a baby blue Ford ... together:
http://www.motorgnomes.com/2011/08/from-the-road-trip-files-odd-things-seen/
And, I've added a couple more sections to my Route 66 story:
http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"It's a winding road when you're in the lost and found" __ Zac Brown Band __ 'Colder Weather'
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Jim,
Thanks for sharing this ... very cool. Makes me wonder how much of "today's" stuff will be researched and searched for and found by those living 50, 75, 100 years from now....
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL *
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Didn't I tell you?" __ Colbie Caillat __ 'Realize'
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This has been an excellent trip! I'm glad you shared it with us. -Jim
INDEED!!!!
I've viewed the pictures and read through all of your posts on this trip. Holy cow ... so ... simply ... awesome! Very glad you shared it with us here.
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL *
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"It goes so fast" __ Jodee Messina __ 'Was That My Life?'
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Very cool, Denny.
And, I'm sorry we didn't meet up while we were both in Amarillo TX at the same time a couple months ago. So close, yet so far away.....
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL *
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Where do you begin?" __ Dolly Parton __ 'Starting Over Again'
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Steve,
Very sorry about your health issues. Thoughts/prayers en route....
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic |
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"It's time to take a leap of faith" __ Steven Curtis Chapman __ 'Dive'
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I can hardly believe it has been a month since my road trip ENDED. It's been a rough few weeks since I got back home, which hasn't helped. I finally had the CT Scan of my heart/chest Saturday, August 6, 2011, and, given some other things happening (mostly not-so-good; one maybe good), I may be scarce for a while. I haven't even driven my MCs much this year ... MAYBE 100 miles so far on each of them. I kinda doubt I'll get 1,000 miles on 'em this year for what would be the 3rd year in a row.
Anxiousness + uncertainty + waiting + powerlessness + helplessness + feeling lost + not feeling well + hating medical crap = NOT a good combo. BUT ... I'm still alive and such. HA! Life is, after all, TOO SHORT PEOPLES!
One current bright spot is my nephew. He will be 3 in ~3 months ... and it has been fun watching him grow up. And, yes, because of Uncle Cort, he knows cars VERY well...! This was taken right before my road trip:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=32629252&l=17237f10b8&id=1300282613
NOW ... to my 2011 road trip notes and pictures (with captions)...!!!!
"SNAPSHOT" FACTS/FIGURES
...22 states visited = IN, OH, PA, IL, MO, KS, OK, TX, NM, CO, UT, NV, CA, OR, WA, ID, MT, WY, SD, ND, MN, WI
...# of days = 18 (Friday, June 24 - Monday, July 11)
...Friends/Family seen = MANY!
...Miles driven = over 9,300 (wish I could buy a 2011 Dodge Charger!)
...Total cost = over $2,600.00
...Pictures taken = 697
...Memories made and kept = PRICELESS!
SOME THOUGHTS ALONG THE WAY
A fine line exists between planning a road trip TOO much and not having enough "concrete" plans...and it is tough to negotiate/balance those....
I just HATE saying goodbye....
Reminisced with several friends about my 2004 road trip ... and how it can't be possible that was 7 years ago....
During the trip trip, I lost touch with many online, but I was in touch IN PERSON with many awesome friends and family members.....
For me, it has become harder & harder to come home after a road trip because my home IS the road, though I'm hoping that will soon change....
SOME HAPPENINGS ALONG THE WAY
06/21/2011
...I should've been elated that my road trip was ON, but I wasn't; I was drained and in knots.
...My cardiologist's office waited until just after 5p to call to tell me the CT Scan (heart/chest) could wait until AFTER my road trip.
...Luckily, I made to the rental place in time, and my first drive in a 2011 DODGE CHARGER was SO WORTH IT!
06/24/2011
...Embarked on the road trip over an hour late, but it all worked out...I think!
06/27/2011
...With the Road Trip Kickoff Weekend over (having had less than 10 hours of sleep between Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, traveling all the way to PA and back to IL), I started the second phase of my road trip...after 6 hours of sleep Sunday night into Monday morning in Pontiac IL.
...Spent the night in the Marilyn Monroe room of the newly-renovated Wagon Wheel Motel (Cuba MO).
06/28/2011
...Saw part of the tornado destruction in Joplin MO and was thrilled when Gary Turner (Route 66) shook my hand and said, "I KNOW you!", remembering me from my 2009 Route 66 journey.
06/30/2011
...Watched the 12:30a and 7:30a showings of "Golden Girls" on The Hallmark Channel at Jake and Mel's home in Wichita KS.
07/02/2011
...Could NOT believe my road trip was half over already.... Needed a "mind shut off" button, but never did get it....
07/04/2011
...Chose SLEEP over SUNRISE (had planned to be up at 4a to watch the sunrise west of Salt Lake) and glad I did; it was CLOUDY that morning so I wouldn't have seen the sunrise anyway.
...In the morning, I finished the rest of the delicious, world-famous cinnamon roll from Johnson's Corners (north of Denver CO).
...The day of driving was "contemplative" as I drove west.
...Ended up just north of Sacramento CA, spending the evening of July 4th alone; hadn't planned on that.
07/05/2011
...Ended the day watching the movie "Gran Torino" with my cousin and her best friend. Never did get to see CARS 2....
...Earlier in the day, I met Angela, the author of THE EPIC thread, and saw "Dad's SS"...:
http://www.montecarloss.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=484380#Post484380
...Unfortunately, Dad was in the ICU while I was there...and died on July 20, 2011:
http://www.montecarloss.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=885895#Post885895
07/06/2011
...Traveled US 20 from Lebanon OR to the coast and back. US 20 runs through my home town, Elgin IL. I drove eastern portions of US 20 during my August 2010 road trip to the NorthEast US.
07/07/2011
...With a twinge of sadness and excitement about seeing more people along my travels, I turned my rental 2011 Dodge Charger east, towards home.
07/08/2011
...Stopped in Twin Falls ID, after leaving Boise ID and the First Generation Monte Carlo Club Western Meet; I was at the FGMCC Eastern Meet 2 weeks prior in Carlisle PA. In Twin Falls, I stopped at the vistas and at a church my grandfather pastored MANY years ago.
07/09/2011
...I was supposed to stop in Sioux Falls SD, but with "no room at the inn" and no friends calling, I found myself headed an additional 3 hours north to Fargo ND to spend the evening, or rather, early morning hours....
07/10/2011
...POOL PARTY in the evening at a cousin's home in MN. Had a BLAST ... and, yes, I did swim. Holy cow was that nice!
07/11/2011
...After a stop in Freeport IL to see some friends (and eat at a restaurant along ... US 20!), I steered my rental 2011 black Dodge Charger into my home driveway ~9p.
07/16/2011
..."Uncle Cort, let's play cars. You're done" ... said my 2+ -year-old nephew, peering up at me after dinner Saturday night, just seconds after he noticed my plate was clean, too. That was a slice of heaven after a ROUGH WEEK.
...Earlier in the day, I drove my 1979 Caprice Classic for the first time since returning home. I drove all 5 Monte Carlos the next day, Sunday.
07/20/2011
...Returned the 2011 Dodge Charger, though I wanted to keep it.
...Then, I drove my '79 CC to a cruise night, which turned out to be the first of FIVE cruise nights IN A ROW (Wednesday, July 20 - Sunday, July 24).
LINES FROM SOME SONGS HEARD
"Put some gravel in my travel"
"Every time I see your face my heart takes off on a high-speed chase"
"Don't underestimate the things that I will do"
"I'm gonna take my chances taking a chance I might find what I'm looking for"
"Out here its like I'm someone else"
"Time just seems to fly, but the memories remain"
"We were coming alive"
PICTURES ... SLIDESHOW link:
(You will need to adjust the "second" interval so you can read all of the captions!)
Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL *
MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Got the wings of heaven on my shoes" __ Bee Gees __ 'Stayin' Alive'
Yachats And Newport On Us 101, Oregon Coast
in Pacific Coast Highway / U.S. 101
Posted
Cool ... glad that helps, Dave. I didn't make it up to Yachats, as I headed east out of Florence back to I-5 to get to Lebanon OR that evening to spend time with a cousin and her best friend.
And, thanks ... appointment didn't happen; it is now scheduled for THIS Thursday.
Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic
CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"You really think you're in control?" __ Gnarls Barkley __ 'Crazy'