End of the Road

Today would be our final day on the road.  Last night the rains continued and it was still overcast this morning, but the forecast was for some improvement.  With the Model A’s packed, we stopped for gas before hitting the road.

The past two days we added a little extra traveling time to our driving and as a result, we are left with a relatively short day to reach home.  We have traveled to the Kingston/Rhinebeck area of NY many times and one of the routes we like driving is through the upper part of Connecticut. 

For the first part of the day we mostly followed some of the route we took on our first day.  The traffic was light and the ride was very pleasant as we enjoyed the scenery of eastern NY.  We passed through some very quaint Victorian era towns.  Many of the towns were all dressed up for their Fourth of July celebrations.

Crossing the Hudson River, it was noticeably muddier than when we crossed last week.  I guess all the rain was washing sediment into the river.  The other thing we noticed was no buzzing of the Cicadas in the woods. Boy what a racket they made.

I was lucky today and didn’t get involved with any detours.  After a short stop for a break somewhere in Connecticut, Wayne took the lead position and guided us the rest of the way home.  Boy did it feel strange to be in the pack and having a Model A to follow.

The rural CT roads were very pleasant and the weather was cooperating with no rain and some occasional sun.

We had a final “ceremonial” lunch stop and then one by one we broke off for the final ride to our homes. 

We traveled 178 miles today, so you can see it was a short driving day.  The total mileage for the trip was just a little over 2000 miles.  This was Andy's first long Model A tour and he and his 1930 Tudor handled the trip nicely.  The Model A's of the Linden's and Champagne's were trouble free, only Mike had a to do a repair of the the headgasket, but that was a straight forward repair.

Hudson River

Wayne in the Lead

Water, Water everywhere!

Well, the skies opened up again last night and we had heavy rain and thunder in State College.  Mike was out checking the cars but it was too late.  At breakfast we were a little worried about some water getting into the gas tank.  Fortunately that was not a problem.

Getting on the road, out first order of business was to get gas.  This was accomplished by stopping along our route at a Shell gas station, but this wasn’t just any gas station, it was filled with gas memorabilia.  What a pleasant surprise.  The weather looked like rain so I put on some Rain-X while at the gas station, just in case.  I needed it!  As we hit rain off and on all day.

We continued on RT45 and enjoyed watching the farms.  We passed by a number of Amish farms that appeared to be very prosperous.  The farms were nice, but I must be a detour magnet, as we got routed on another one today.  Not as bad as yesterday’s, but still a little frustrating, by the time we made it to a rest stop (McDonald’s) I could see that the locals knew a very short “short cut” instead of following the detour signs.

We had lunch at a diner in White Haven and found the place to be very nice.  It was a place where the locals came.  One women saw the Model A’s and came by to let us know she was originally from Reading.  She mentioned her brother (Dick Nichols) lived in Andover and had a few cars, including their grandmother’s 1934 Chevy. 

As we made our way towards Stroudsburg, we hit yet another detour.  Give me a break!   This one was a little confusing so I stopped to ask for some directions.  YES, I did, really! The woman at the desk was very helpful and even had the alternative directions to 18 miles out of your way detour, printed up. As we started on the alternative route, it started to rain; the road started to climb up hill and then became very curvy.  It was now raining VERY hard, but the Model A’s continued onward and upward.  In spite of the heavy rain, I commented on one of the lakes we passed by, to which Wayne replied that there wasn’t a lake there in the morning.  By the time we got off the detour the rain had almost stopped.

We made it to Stroudsburg and on to RT 209.  As we drove through the Delaware Water gap we could see the rivers and streams were raging because of all the rain.  When we got to Matamoras, PA it was still early, so we made a decision to keep on going to Kingston, NY.  Again, it was off and on rain all the way.  We did have to be on our guard as we had deer on the roadway a couple of times.

By the time we arrived at our hotel in Kingston we had traveled 266 miles. Diner tonight was a pizza party in the breakfast area of the hotel.  It was a very nice way to end the day.



Amish Farm and clothes on line



Jordan's hamburger

Hotel in Miffleburg

Three State Day

Our stay in Marietta, OH was once again pleasant.  We got on the road by 8 AM and found RT 7 to very Model A friendly.  RT 7 follows the Ohio River and we just enjoyed the early morning scenery.  Observing the river, one had to reflect on how important rivers were in the development of the country by moving goods (and people); AND, the fact that after all these years our major rivers are still major transportation routes.

One thing that we also noticed was the occasional oil pump in the midst of a field.  Most did not appear to be pumping, but it seemed a little odd to see these so close to the river.  I guess if there was oil “in them thar hills” someone is going to bring it to the surface.  I guess there is a little bit of Jed Clampett in everyone.  Kind of the premise of the Discovery Channel show “Backyard Oil”  http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/backyard-oil

Our planned route had us jump over to the West Virginia side of the river and take RT 2.  The scenery was similar, but different on the WV side.  We made our way to just south of Pittsburg and followed a path that would take us around the city.  Good plan, bad idea.  We encountered a detour that really sent the GPS into a tither.  I got so frustrated that I had to take a break.  Fortunately, a local guy gave us some directions and we were soon on our way.  But, the route took us up one heck of a hill, something we were trying to avoid as we had enough of the mountain roads in WV.  On the plus side, we did have a great view of the valley from the top.

We made up some of the time we lost by the detour once we got to RT 22.  The traffic was light and we were able to cruise right along at about 50 mph.  We did have a few more hill climbs but the A’s handled them.  We also encountered a few bursts of rain, again nothing that bothered the performance of the Model A's. 

On a side note, I saw a road sign for Horseshoe Curve.  For those unfamiliar with this land mark, it is a famous engineering feat to make it easier for trains crossing the Alleghany Mountains.  Check it out at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horseshoe_Curve_(Pennsylvania)

He had a late lunch due to our escapade getting around Pittsburg and we decided that we would make our overnight stop in State College, PA. 

RT 22 turned from a 4 lane road to a nice 2 lane road and that eventually turned into the smaller RT 45 which was very pleasant for our drive.  Andy is bringing up the rear of the caravan, which is good, since he is able to spot points of interest as we travel and relay the info to us.

We arrived in State College just after 5PM and got settled into the Hampton Inn.  Well, that is except for Mike and Grace.  It seems that their room was not ready.  Instead of having poor Mike & Grace wait, the manager said “what the heck” and put them up in a suite.  Mike said it was the best room they have had on the trip.

Wayne & Sue made reservations for dinner at the Outback and I must say that very large Foster's beer tasted very good.

Today we traveled 280 mile, from Ohio, West Virginia and PA.



River Barges



Crossing into WV

Interesting cliffs

Homeward Bound

The day began with a flurry of activity at the host hotel where everyone was focused on checking out.  There were Model A’s everywhere all getting packed up for the return trip home.  Our group was no different;  Mike and I were parked on the sidewalk area with a number of other A’s.

We turned our moto-meters northeastward and started our journey home.  We would be taking a somewhat different route home, to avoid the mountains of West Virginia.  After our experience on the way to Lexington, we made a group decision to take an alternate route home.

Today we would return to Marietta, OH, but instead of taking RT 7 in OH, we took RT 2 in WV.  Since these roads follow the river, there were no hills and we really made good time.  Leaving Lexington we followed RT 60 Huntington, WV and enjoyed the countryside.  I am still in awe of all the beautiful horse farms that we passed by.  We switched over to RT 2 in Huntington and made our way north.  One interesting aside, we passed the “famous” Hill Billy Hot Dogs in Lesage, WV.  This place was featured on Diners, Dives, and Drive-ins.  http://www.hillbillyhotdogs.com/ .   Unfortunately, we didn’t stop because it was a little too early for lunch, but it was sure an interesting looking place.

We did cross over to OH and picked up RT 7 to Marietta where we had reservations for the night.  After a little rest and checking the cars we settled in for the night.

Total mileage was 240 miles today.

Winding Down

Friday saw quite a few Model A’s leaving for home.  The day consisted of a few seminars, the Banquet in the evening and some bus tours.  The Champagnes took the horse farm tour.  The Lindens and Doyles did a self-guided tour and visited the Woodford Distillery.  Andy went back to the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Woodford Distillery is in Versailles, so we set the GPS and headed off.  The nice side benefit of our trip was that the roads to the distillery took us by the most beautiful horse farms one could imagine.  It is easy to see why horse racing in the sport of kings.  The drive was very enjoyable.

We arrived just in time in time to take the 11 AM tour.  The buildings of the facility were also very historic; in fact a few are National Historic buildings.  Our tour leader was very energetic and gave us a good explanation of the process Woodford goes through in the making of their Bourbon.  Some of the vats were really bubbling away and the barrel storage area for the aging of the bourbon was very impressive.  Back at the visitor center we got to do a tasting of the product in our own shot glass.  To be honest, I found the Wild Turkey American Honey much better.

Jordan was getting hungry, so we decided to go to the local eatery suggested by our tour guide.  It was only 8 miles to Wallace Station via some more spectacular farms.  Wallace Station lived up to its reputation.  The place was packed and there were a handful of Model A’s there as well.  While we placed our order Grace and Jordan secured us a table.  The sandwiches were not only good, they were big. 
http://www.wallacestation.com/Wallace_Station_Deli_and_Bakery/Home.html

We chatted with a few of the other Model Aers and then headed to a local antique shop.  We didn’t find anything.  It was getting a little late, so we decided to head back to the hotel, but not before getting some supplies for the return trip tomorrow and getting gas.

Mike and I dropped the ladies off at the front door before returning to the parking lot where Mike changed his oil and I check my overdrive and steering fluid.  Andy showed up from his day at the Horse Park and checked a few things as well.

The banquet was the end of the convention and we had our table reserved.  Thanks to the table that Andy picked for us, we were one of the first to be served.  The food was actually pretty good.  Unfortunately the program was just too long and after 3 hours we decided to leave without hearing the results of the fine point cars or other awards to be given.  We’ll have to wait for the results in the magazine.

There has also been some local coverage in the paper.  Check out this link:
http://www.kentucky.com/2013/06/27/2695491/model-a-enthusiasts-meet-in-lexington.html#

Tomorrow it’s time to head home.  Today we drove about 30 miles.

The Grand Tour, and other stuff

Mother Nature really decided to open up her skies last night and provid us with a large thunder storm and heavy rain.  The good thing is that the Model A didn't float away or get damaged, and they got a good wash for free.

With nothing on the agenda for us (Doug & Nan) and the fact that Jordan was with Auntie Jen, we slept in.  We did make our way to the lobby for a quick bite to eat and met Mike & Grace.  Today the host club was going to post the raffle winners so we made our way to the Hospitality room and checked the listing.  We didn't win (well yes, but only a door prize) But Grace won the split the pot and two other raffle items.  Congratulations.  I didn't hear if the Champagnes or Andy won anything.

My plan for the morning was to change the oil, so it was off to the repair tent and with the great help from the crew there I got it changed just before Wayne pulled in to do the same.  We both checked a few other things while we were there.  Everything checked out OK.  Mike checked all the head nuts on the engine and all were tight.  He said he would check them for the next few days just to make sure.

The host hotel has been great, allowing special displays outside on the entry area.  Today the host club was able to display a pretty unusual assortment of Model A towed tear drop trailers.  A few of these were also driven to Alaska.  Dick O'Brien and I contemplated going to Alaska when we went to Vancouver, but this was not the way we were planning to do so.  The display was very interesting and looking into the cramped quarters of the teardrop, one that Nan was sure was not for her...and I guess that means me too  :-)

Some of the group decided it was time to hit the laundramat and fortunately there were some near by.  Mike & Grace hit the Avaition Museum we did yesterday.

Just as we were starting to get ready for the Grand Tour the skies opened up again.  As fast as it came, it went, so by the time we got to the parkling lot to line up for the tour it was dry.  I made use of the wait time to put on some Rain-X.  Good thing I did because it started raining again.  Fortunately it stopped when we finally got out of the parking lot, and it cleared up nicely for the Kentucky Horse Park, where the tour ended up. 

The tour to took us through some of the most spectacular horse country and stables that you have to see to believe.  It no doubt costs a lot of money to provide facilities like the ones we past.

The Kentucky Horse Park is a wonderful facility, with excellent museums, interpretive centers, historical programs and Gift Shop all related to horses.  The acerage of the place is also very impressive.  We drove the Model A's to our parking area and then were transported to the visitor center to start our visit.  We didn't have anywhere enough time to visit the entire park, but our admission today would allow you to come back tomorrow.  I think Andy is going to take them up that offer.

We toured as much as we could before we made it back to the center where we would have dinner and the see the Tour Class Awards.  The food at the buffet was excellent, everything was tasty, hot and served very efficently.  We adjourned to the horse rink so we could see the awards.  They had each driver drive in while they announced their score and proceed to the other end of the rink (dirt I might add).  We were all excited to see what award Wayne would get.  He got a MARC Award of Excellence with 485 points (I think).  Great job.  It was an impressive sight to see all the cars lined uop in the arena.

The return trip to the hotel was straight forward, only about 9 miles compared to the 25 we did to get there.

I think the total mileage today, if you just did the tour was 34.

Time to do the maintenance

The convention is really getting underway today, with many tours for the participants, judging of the show cars and maintenance for many of the cars driven to Lexington.

In the car repair department, Mike decided it was time to replace the head gasket on the coupe.  With the help of the crew at the repair tent Mike removed the head and scraped everything clean and replaced the gasket.  In doing so, he also fixed the fan on the water pump and replaced the distributor body since the shaft seemed to too tight when trying to turn the rotor.  The engine fired right up and it sounded very good.  Mike will re-torque the head nuts until they finally seat.

Andy was in the next slot at the repair tent, but he was just doing a normal oil change.  That is something that I will do tomorrow.

Wayne was scheduled to get his Model A into judging, and also be part of the judging team.  I can’t say for sure, but I think Gene Bunce also had his Cabriolet in Touring Class for judging as well.

In the meantime our daughter Jen and son-in-law Rich joined us in Lexington.  Rich found all the Model A’s pretty interesting and bought a raffle ticket to win the 1929 Tudor sedan that was being raffled off at the meet.  After lunch, Jen and Rich took Jordan home with them for a little side visit.

It was a nice afternoon so Nan and I decided to head out to do a little antiquing.  We did, but didn’t see anything that we had to have.  Leaving the antique mall we decided to visit the Lexington Air Museum.  This was a nice little museum and we had a personal guided tour of the facility.  The exhibition was small but interesting.  I enjoyed the displays that you could get in to see how it felt in the pilot seat.

After a light dinner we joined Wayne and Sue to attend the Fashion Show and Awards.   This show was a little different in that they host club tied in a skit of folks in 1930 getting ready for the Kentucky Derby.  That was a nice touch.  Seeing all the fashions being modeled still amazes me that people can find these fashions in such good condition.  In fact the women who won the top award bought the dress in Maine which was originally made at a shop in Wellesley, MA. 

A make your own ice cream sundae followed the fashion show.  This event is kind of old school, but they seem to be popular anyway.  There was also a display of the fine point show cars, and a display of the largest turnout of A-400 Model A’s ever in attendence at a national convention. 

I was happy to see Ben Johnson, of the MARCOM club, had his beautiful A-400 in the fine point judging area.  I also saw a Model A with a very interesting history.  It was a plain 1928 Tudor sedan.  However it was engine # 616.  The owner claims that this was the Model A that Henry Ford was driven around in on the day the Model A was introduced.  Now, I’m not going to debate that claim, BUT, I happen to know that Henry Ford was staying at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury on weekend the Model A was introduced.  So I guess some parts of this story need to be investigated.