Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Events => Topic started by: Garry on November 05, 2018, 06:52:07

Title: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on November 05, 2018, 06:52:07

I am in the process of planning to attend the 2019 Pagoda gathering in San Diego in October next year. I am also bringing my car. Its a bucket list thing. ;D
m

At this point I have got my shipping of the vehicle from Melbourne Australia to LA arranged and also the registration requirements of driving a foreign car in the USA/Canada. I still need to arrange the insurances and a mountain of other details.  Once the car is in LA, the fun begins.


From landing the car in LA, the plan is for my wife and I to go have a bit of a drive around the USA and Canada. We plan to drive up the west coast to Vancouver, across the Rockies to Winnipeg, mosey on down to Columbus Ohio (for a vehicle service with Joe JA17) via Chicago then back up to Detroit and across to Quebec, down through Maine to Philadelphia and then on down to Virginia.  At this point I am hoping to put the vehicle on a road transport with others coming from the Virginia[size=78%] area across to San Diego.[/size]


Plan is to arrive in LA at the beginning of July, at least catchup with Dr Benz if he has a gathering in August and to meet up with as many others that are on the general route.


What I am looking for at this point is suggestions on the “must see” or “must attend car shows” that may be on around that time. I have visited most of the places when I was living in the USA and.I am going to be very flexible on route and timing other than ending up in Virginia to catch the transport across to San Diego for the October weekend Pagoda gathering then back to LA and ship the car home.


Any suggestions are welcome.


Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: JamesL on November 05, 2018, 07:31:06
Awesome

That's one very big bucket you must keep your list in!
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: pj on November 05, 2018, 07:37:26
Garry, what a great trip that will be! No matter when you come through Ontario-Michigan-Ohio, we will organize a welcome for you.

BTW, I know things in Australia are upside down compared to North America, but your drive to Vancouver will take you up the west coast, not the east :-)
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on November 05, 2018, 08:23:27
Peter,


I was thinking it is east of me and upside down as well. ;D ;D ;D
 Geographically embarrassed
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: JamesL on November 05, 2018, 08:34:13
But it IS the east coast of the Pacific ocean and you will be driving the coast road.  ;)

(Jealous, in London)
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Jowe on November 05, 2018, 18:31:24
Great plan Garry. Just a reminder; they are driving on the opposite side of the roads in the US  ;) When you are in all the planning details, have you ever thought about sending in the car for a leftie conversion?  ::) ;D :P
Cheers,
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Vander on November 05, 2018, 23:37:45
Has any one else on the US east coast, started to figure out shipping?
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: wayne R on November 06, 2018, 10:40:05
Garry you will have a marvelous time, good on you it will be an experience you wont forget.
Let me and my wife know if you want any help in CA, as i have very good reliable car club friends  there,.
 We both go  back every year to CA, Arizona, Nevada, shes goes with our daughter to shop, i go to shows and
bring  parts back. But im sure  the Pagoda team will give you lots of help, and support.
I  want to give you a little advice on shipping back cars from US, there are changes all the time, and over the years
i have  returned about 12 to 15 cars, and in case you dont know here is the latest i experiance with my Pagoda, 3 months ago,
every car now imported has to have an asbestos check , that is they test it in LA, before it goes into container, your car should be ok,
mine was , although i was worried about the old crappy fire wall all flaky etc ,but was ok. A Ford Galaxie  in the same container
had Asbestos in the head gaskets so had to  be replaced before shipping. Its just another crazy way for customs to make money i think.
Also not all shipping agents in LA have the facility to do this so they send to the agents that  do..
My agent here on gold coast his agent has the facility name is  Oceans International in LA ,and all cars are safe inside there warehouse.
So dont be alarmed ,you will be ok , just letting you know---regards Wayne.

Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: JamesL on November 06, 2018, 12:25:58
Johan

Garry has already been down that road - albeit converting it LH to RHD. Epic thread here > https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=14705.0
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: wayne R on November 07, 2018, 00:18:53
Thanks Garry ,you have it all under control----regards Wayne.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: BaronYoungman on November 16, 2018, 22:43:58
I saw Chicago mentioned... Ariana and I would love to be host for a day,  we can overwhelm you with useless Windy City Trivial, and of course REAL CHICAGO DEEP DISH PIZZA.
Bob
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on November 16, 2018, 22:47:11
Now I have done it, not only paid my Pogadafest entry fee, but booked two airfares from Melbourne to LA, arriving 29 June and departing 10 October.  That should give me enough time to drive down to San Diego :D :D 8)   


Well do a drive from Melbourne Australia to SanDiego via LA Seattle, Portland Maine and then back to San Diego.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Tyler S on November 18, 2018, 17:21:13
Garry, Be sure your IDP “International Drivers Permit” is current. This is done in your home country.

CBP forms need to be filled out for the importation. No registration in any state is required when you are a tourist and the car is imported and tied to your passport. The only issue that may arise is when traveling to Canada.

A few usefull links.
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/278/related/1

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1664/~/temporary-importation-of-a-car-for-personal-use


Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on November 21, 2018, 05:52:16
Tyler, thnaks for that info. 


The shipper has indicated that i will still need a pollution exemption form from EPA that is a fairly routing exemption for that aged vehicle.  I am planning on insuring it with Haggerty for the period.  They have asked for a six month policy and that is fine, i will have it there about four months.  I have checked the Canadian crossing and they appear to be happy for crossing back and forth with the vehicle provided registered and insured and i have a licence....


The hard bit is if i need third party liability.  The shipper is saying with the Australian Registration, that comes with it and i don’t need to do anything.  I will get an IDP due to the extended time.


The next difficulty is getting an advance visa for a 120 day period, normally only 90 days so am going to the US consular near by here in the next week or so.


Next big hurdle is getting health insurance for that period for both of us as well.  It looks like I can only get 90 days but that is still a work in progress
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: specracer on November 21, 2018, 11:28:07
You asked about "must see" car events? You mentioned Detroit, couldnt tell from you itinerary if the Woodward Dream Cruise works for you, but it is an amazing gathering. August 17th

http://www.woodwarddreamcruise.com/

Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on November 21, 2018, 20:39:00
Thanks Andy,


Will note that one, timing will probably be tied to the gathering at the Benz Dr get together if occurring but am certainly going thru there around that time.


Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: suzy on December 13, 2018, 18:48:58
Garry, I think there are a few of us members living in LA who could meet you for a meal.  you should definitely go to the Peterson Museum which is a fantastic car collection of several floors.  you should make sure you buy a ticket to the vault, which is a separate fee but worth it.  Go online, take a look.

Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on December 13, 2018, 21:11:29
Thanks Suzy for those suggestions.  I have heard about the museum but whilst having been through LA maybe 30 times have never been there.  This time I will make a point of doing so as I think I will be there for some time sorting out the off loading of my car with the help of Tom Collit from LA Restorations so would be nice to all get together.


Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on February 14, 2019, 04:03:36

Purchased Pagodafest tickets ✔️

Air Tickets purchased ✔️


Car currently being fully serviced ✔️


Bank account opened in USA and cards being issued ✔️


Registration process agreed ✔️


Long Term visa applied for and nominally approved ✔️


House Sitter arranged for 4 months. ✔️


Shipping company on standby for vehicle in late April. ✔️


To do:


Arrange insurance with Haggerty.


Decide what spares to carry for a 10,000 mile drive.


Work out servicing where.


Deliver vehicle and keep fingers crossed...


What have I forgotten?



Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on February 14, 2019, 10:47:11
Hi Garry,

Great Planning for a supper trip!

One thing I would do and that would be;

Establish the route you plan to drive in North America, then start a new thread listing the major cities you plan to stop. Perhaps Members have plans to meet up with you for a coffee or two. :) Also Members in certain areas you will be passing may let you know of service shop locations they might be using for there Pagoda. I think you have the rest of it well planned.

Wishing you a wonderful trip! I know several Members here in Ontario Canada look forward to see you.

Best,

Dieter

PS. I think Garry with this trip you will break all records for the longest trip ever taken by a “Pagoda SL Group” Member.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Jordan on February 14, 2019, 14:52:24
Garry, looking forward to meeting you again at Dan's in August.

Not to be an alarmist but you mentioned you opened a US bank account.  In doing so have you checked to make sure you will not have to file US taxes with the IRS?
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on February 14, 2019, 22:39:19
Jordan,


Simple answer is no.  I did note that the Bank were not doing any withholding tax.  Given that the interest rate on the account is 0.2% i don’t think it is going to earn a lot of $$. 😂. It really is only a debit card account although they did issue a cheque book.  I haven’t seen one of those for years, didn’t know that they were still used.  In Australia we are getting to the point where there is very little cash used either, it’s all tap and go cards even for a cup of coffee.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Brian in NL on February 18, 2019, 18:18:28
The US is like a third-world country when it comes to secure banking. Checks weren't being used in Europe when I moved here 12 years ago. They are the easiest route to fraud in banking.

But I digress … enjoy your adventure, Garry. Sounds like a lot of fun. If you make it up north to Washington state, let me know. I have a friend who manages communications for the Lemay - America's Car Museum, in Tacoma. I haven't been there yet, but I hear it's fantastic.

Happy Motoring and see you in October!
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on February 18, 2019, 19:42:01
Hi Garry,

I know you are planning your route well, however, if you are in the neighborhood of Bowling Green, Kentucky stop by the Corvette Museum. Or near Dearborn, MI the Henry Ford Museum. Both places are always great to visit. I was there last in 2013 with Robert G. We took the VIP Factory tour (the guide takes you all along the assembly line and it takes about 3 hours. Then he gives you a special tour in the museum explains everything). The factory and museum are at the same location. We stayed at the Museums Manager B&B very safe parking for your Pagoda :)

The Henry Ford Museum is always a great place to visit (you may have been there in your past travels. Robert and I will make the trip again in June (we have a massive car show here the first weekend in June, just about a 15-minute drive from my residence). We plan to make a repeat trip down there to both places after checking out cars from all over North America. The fellow that puts on this car show is the son of the Birth control inventor, needless to say, a multi-millionaire. Robert, as I may have mentioned, is a car nut (corvettes, chevies, Cadillacs etc). There will be all kinds of cars there. Last year they had some 3000 cars there on the golf course. Yes, you guessed it Steve P. villa and his guest house is on the golf course. This, of course, will be all done by the time you pass in our area, however, the golf course is open every Thursday up to late September there are normally some 200 plus cars local cars (depending on the weather) there, again all kinds of makes. Last year I meet therewith Dan C. Hugh R. we had a nice visit.  It would be cool if you and some of the other Pagoda's that are planning to come out to Dan's Benz Barn can join us there the Thursday, August 22, 2019, and we can then all together make our trip to the Benz Barn that would be cool to have an Australian Pagoda in the group. I should start a separate thread to see if that would work out.

Dieter

Corvette Museum -----> https://www.inspirock.com/united-states/bowling-green/national-corvette-museum-a64050383?ad_acc=iphk&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzKnjBRDPARIsAKxfTRAJ7Xh-Z0RXRUg9EevRL63tULdDfjtrIuomCEGHro5rCLqhiVzOuRsaAiaAEALw_wcB

Henry Ford ---> https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/henry-ford-museum/

Country Cruising Event May 31 to June 2, 2019, a great place to visit.

web site----> https://www.fleetwoodcountrycruizein.com
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on February 20, 2019, 09:45:32
Am putting together a general outline of how my wife Kate and I will get from Los Angeles to San Diego, via Vancouver, Chicago, Ontario to Maine and then down onto Virginia before transporting car to San Diego.

Rough timing, remembering that we are going to freewheel where ever we care to go on the way.

Fly into Los Angeles 27 June 2019. Hopefully car will arrive week before.

Drive north arrive Santa Rosa around 7-9 July

Drive further north to Vancouver arrive around 20-22 July

Drive via Banff and Great Falls across east to Chicago arriving around 15-17 Aug

Quick run down to Blacklick Ohio and back up to Detroit around 21 August

On to the Benz Dr gathering near London Ontario on 23/25 August

A slow meander East to to Maine and then turn south for a slow drive arriving in Greenwood Virginia around 20-21 Sept in time to pick up the group truck transport thereabouts across to San Diego

Arrive in San Diego in time for the Pagodafest on 3-6 Oct

Return with car to Los Angeles to fly out on 9 October, car to follow on ship to Australia.

looking for any suggestions or must see suggestions along the way, this is not a fixed route and happy to deviate along the way.


Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on April 01, 2019, 07:57:08
Well, things have moved along a bit since last time I posted.  Have myself Pagodafest tickets, two return air tickets with Qantas, and am in the process of preparing the car for the trip.

Tom Collit has agreed to act for me to receive the car and to get a few bits I may need to carry for the long drive around the USA for a few months.
Baron BobYoungman has kindly offered to lend me a Petrol Pump to carry just in case of any problem.  I am not allowed to ship things in the car.

Shipping is all ready arranged and just need to make one phone call and drop the car off for its container voyage to Los Angeles.

Insurance looks to be good with Hagertys although I have to sort out my licence and will probably need to get an international one to satisfy them.

By the end of April it will all be ready to start the journey of Bella to Pagodafest 2019.
Yoohooo. Looking forward to the trip and catching up with old friends along the way.

Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: kampala on April 01, 2019, 08:58:42
Insurance looks to be good with Hemmels although I have to sort out my licence and will probably need to get an international one to satisfy them.


Garry,

Sounds like an amazing trip.   Will let you know if I am in Los Angeles when you first arrive - as I might need to be there for business - and we can connect.   Will send you my contact.

About your INSURANCE - you mention Hemmels?   Really?   The company in the UK that restores mercedes etc?

Oz
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on April 01, 2019, 13:46:11
My mistake, never Hemmels I meant Hagertys.  Lol


Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on May 11, 2019, 11:18:38
My 230SL Pagoda goes to the shipping company tomorrow for shipment from Melbourne Australia to Los Angeles USA and due there 25th June


I have done a full service and tidy up of the engine bay and given it a good run to iron out a couple of bugs with a sticky accelerator.


So the journey to Pagodafest begins.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on May 11, 2019, 15:57:04
Hi Garry,

Hagerty just shared this video with his customers, perhaps it would have been something you could have done before handing your car over to the shipping company to protect some areas against stone chips during your America cross country trip. Perhaps there is a place in California where you can get it done. I had it done on my then BMW Z4 when I drove her to California along Route 66 in 2011.

Anyway I just wanted to share the video with you.

——-> https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2019/05/08/diy-xpeltracwrap-installation?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_content=19_May_11_Weekend_News

Dieter
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on May 11, 2019, 22:46:06
I have seen this done here but it was super expensive for what it was, like $600 for the front so i spent my money on a good car alarm instead...
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on May 13, 2019, 05:33:54
Car has been handed over to the shipper today, next stop Los Angeles arriving there on 25 June. 


Fingers crossed..
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Benz Dr. on May 13, 2019, 06:17:55
Is that color 334?  I have a 190SL in that color.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on May 13, 2019, 06:22:20
Yes Dan, 334G and the top is 350H. You will see it in a couple of months.. 8) 8)


I love it.  it’s a bright and sunny colour.


Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: 66andBlue on May 13, 2019, 18:28:17
.... I love it.  it’s a bright and sunny colour.
Garry
I agree, especially in Springtime.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on May 13, 2019, 22:07:25
Alfred, Dan, 


only the best people have a 334 G


 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on June 10, 2019, 01:50:21
My Pagoda has been loaded on board a car carrying ship and left Australia late last month. Here is me thinking ‘that’s great it’s on its way to Los Angeles.  Well i should have known better. 
 
i have been tracking the ship. it’s didn’t go toward USA, it went north.  Left Melbourne Australia, went to Singapore and now sitting at a mooring in Shanghai Harbour, China.. 

This is going to be a long trip getting to Pagodafest for Bella the Blue Pagoda.


Garry
Still in Oz.



Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on June 10, 2019, 02:04:34
Did they give you a arrival date Garry? Will it be there when you arrive in LA?

Dieter
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on June 10, 2019, 02:11:45
Rolf Dieter,


That’s what i have been trying to find out when i found out it was in Shanghai.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on June 25, 2019, 22:00:20
Well the journey begins tomorrow, My wife, Kate and I head out of Melbourne Australia to LA.  A hotel booked for about four nights and then nothing booked.


Unfortunately my car that was due to arrive today, is currently in Yokohama Japan, I have been tracking what was going to be a direct transit from Aust to USA.  So far it has been in Singapore, Shanghai China, Korea for a night, then to three different ports in Japan and Yokohama tonight and i am seriously hoping it will then leave for LA.  I have had two revised delivery dates with the latest now 5 July, oh and it may get delayed due to 4th July holiday (happy birthday my fellow US Members)


So the long journey to Pagodafest has definitely gone the long way.  Fingers crossed that it will at least get to LA in a week or so.  Meanwhile I think we will do some sightseeing between LA and San Diego for the next ten days.


Garry
(a somewhat concerned Pagoda owner)



Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: mmizesko on June 25, 2019, 23:30:07
Not sure how long you'll be in Columbus or when, but you are welcome to stay at my home if you don't mind a queen sized bed in the guest room. Regular Pagoda Guests. Its a big place, and I have lots of great wine, including a case or two of Mollydooker Shiraz.  Maybe I can fire up the Smoker or the Barbie.  Joe has been here many times and is of course welcome.

Let me know.

Mike
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: JamesL on June 26, 2019, 13:39:43
On the bright side, your odometer is not clocking these miles. But it'll be one very well traveled pagoda!
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Jonny B on June 27, 2019, 00:11:51
Garry,

Just keep me posted on your itinerary. I expect to be in the area the next two weeks. Then crazy time again.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on June 27, 2019, 19:51:26
Mike,


Thanks for your kind offer.  I was originally coming through Columbus on way to Virginia but things are a bit fluid at the moment as i am now linking up with Tom S in Maine at SL Tech, Grenold’s, and trucking cars from there as the Virginia/Ohio group have all disappeared and no one now appears to be trucking west from there as was originally planned.


I am still trying to work out an itinerary for that whole area as I am going to London Ontario and to Dans Gathering of the Clans round the 24th August.  i will be a few weeks before i really know, probably late in July after I start heading east out of Vancouver.


Am now currently sitting in LA waiting for my car to arrive in a week or so.  It was due here two days ago buy got detoured via china, korea and japan where is still is. Oneof those “don’t ask” situations.


Garry


Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on June 27, 2019, 21:06:38
Hi Garry,

One of the items on my list will be to visit the Classic Centre in Irving CA, very near LA. Hours of operation Weekdays 8am to 4pm. While in the area perhaps you have it on your list also.

Hope your car delivery does not interfere with the July 4 celebrations. Did you check your contract if they coverd themselves for this sort of delay or do you have a chance to ask for compensation for there late delivery?

Looking forward to see you again.

Dieter

Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on June 28, 2019, 23:38:29
The saying is “if it can go wrong it probably will” and it has.  Car now stuck on a ship between Japan and LA and not due here until 11 July so am looking to see if I can go camping for a week or more waiting for it to arrive.  It is going to Tacoma Seattle but they are refusing to off load it there where I could catch up a bit of lost time but no luck with the shipper. So Heading for the hills somewhere in California to cool the heals until it arrives.


The best laid plans>
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Jordan on June 29, 2019, 21:02:56
Wow Garry.  You car is moving slower than the 69 containers of garbage that was shipped from the Philippines to Canada.  It left on May 31 and it is already here.  Next time just tell them your container contains garbage and ship it to Canada.  ;) ;) :o
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 02, 2019, 17:07:53
Today, the car is half way between Japan and Seattle travelling at 18 knot.  We are cooling our heels out in the desert at Palm Springs or there abouts in a hire car. Cooling maybe is not the correct term for out here at the moment but nice dry weather. Hopefully late next week car will arrive.


Caught up with Tom C and Oz A in LA. Passed one white Pagoda on weekend.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: 66andBlue on July 07, 2019, 18:50:21
Garry,
while you are waiting you might take a look at this and know what is ahead of you.  :)

(https://www.washingtonpost.com/resizer/zhGoSRw_jDawZrIF98iqIEKFKwE=/1484x0/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/T4Y4YOE5D4I6TA7DIX663DUNFY.jpg)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2019/07/07/driving-cross-country-was-crazy-idea-an-army-convoy-set-out-show-it-could-be-done
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 07, 2019, 20:44:53
Alfred, 


Thats exactly what it feels like at the moment wanting to get going but told to hurry up and wait for the car, just like the Army.


I have tracked the car to Tacoma Seattle, hopefully it will be to LA by late next week.

Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on July 07, 2019, 21:38:55
Garry,

I plan to visit the Classic Centre is it also your plan that you have te time now?

Dieter

——> https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-benz/classic/history/mercedes-benz-classic-center-irvine/
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 08, 2019, 02:40:44
Rolf Dieter


Am planning a Classic Centre visit and hope to get there .


Garry
The carless
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: cbdesign on July 09, 2019, 07:06:41
A "must do" is driving up Hwy 1 from LA thru Big Sur to Carmel/Monterrey, CA.  The week of August 11th is Monterrey Car Week - the largest festival of autos in the world.  Book a hotel now as they are hard to get.  Many classic car auctions, Legends of the Autobahn is an all-German car gathering on Friday the 16th.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 09, 2019, 18:12:20
Our plan was to go up Highway 1 which we have done several times before.  It’s a real sham the timing will not be good for Monterey as we will be long gone hopefully somewhere in Canada by then.

Got to visit the MB Classic Centre  and catch up with Tom Hanson and also a visit to the Peterson Motor Museum yesterday. 

My tracking is now telling me the car is off the Coast of California. the closest i have been to it in several months. Now due into Long Beach in next two days.  Will believe when i see it.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 11, 2019, 16:52:53
Some good news at last.


The ship carrying the car docked in Long Beach at 0630 this morning.


All i need now is to be told when i can gain access.  Maybe tomorrow, maybe Monday but at least it is near by at last.


Celebrating tonight in Arrowhead CA by the lake.

Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: 49er on July 11, 2019, 17:41:49
Great news Garry. Finally!   I told this story here before but when my 280 made to Long Beach back in '68 I actually walked onto the lot of of 40 or so Mercedes that were off loaded from the ship and saw 4 SL's but only one was white. I opened the door and sat in my car for the first time. No Fences, no guard (maybe he was asleep somewhere :)). Simpler, less complicated times for sure. Hope you are enjoying your time here in CA and looking forward to meeting you in October.

John

 
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 11, 2019, 18:03:43
Hi John,


Went to the dock yesterday to just see how it all worked,  They were very helpful but pointed out i will need an escort to get in.  Have arranged with a local to go with me when i find out i can collect it.  Times have changed, I remember doing a similar thing to you back home once about 25 years ago on a car i shipped home from USA.  I just got in it and drove away.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: UJJ on July 11, 2019, 22:23:49
What is the escort all about Garry?
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 11, 2019, 22:30:34
UJ,


You are not allowed to enter any port which is a bonded area with out what is called a TWIC permit or someone who has one can escort you. They charge $75 to do the escort after you have arranged the pickup from the Port Authority.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: JamesL on July 12, 2019, 08:32:04
And breathe...
Though save some breath for the check over that all is as it should be ( and they didn’t find that hidden stash you put under the parcel shelf ;) :D )
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 13, 2019, 03:18:54
It has arrived and cleared bond.

A phone call whilst eating breakfast out on the deck of the cabin we have in Twin Peaks and off to Long Beach to be reunited with Bella the Beautiful.

It didn’t want to start initially but finally got going and into three hours driving out of Long Beach to the mountains and Twin Peaks/ Arrow Lake again.

Tomorrow to San Diego to take the HT off and on a stand at Jon B’s till October and then head north towards Santa Rosa to catch up with a couple more Pagoda Members, Art and Larry on Monday.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: 66andBlue on July 13, 2019, 03:59:17
👏👏

Wishing you and Kate godspeed and happy travels !
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on July 13, 2019, 04:56:48
Safe travels Garry and Kate, see you in London, Ontario next month.

Dieter
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: neelyrc on July 13, 2019, 05:37:04
Garry, glad to see you finally liberated it!! Wishing you and Kate a pleasant journey in North America.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: kampala on July 13, 2019, 09:23:55
Garry

Glad you got Bella sprung!  Was very nice to have met up in LA while I was there (back in France now).  Enjoy the 5000 mile run and expect to see you in San Diego in October. 

Best


Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: JamesL on July 13, 2019, 13:24:26
Safe travels

We expect many updates and pictures from your journey.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 13, 2019, 13:25:25
Thanks all.
Only damage was a big bird poo on the rear deck lid that appears to have eaten the paint a bit. It must have happened early in the shipping.
It will be interesting to see if it starts again this morning.  The battery was dead flat and may need replacing but i have a small jump starter battery pack just in case this happened.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: wayne R on July 13, 2019, 14:50:03
Thats great news Garry and Kate,.
You will be really looking forward to driving up to your friends  at Santa Rosa,
and on north, The drive up towards Portland is a fantastic drive,.
A little bird poo ,is nothing  to what i have had  ,with cars coming back to
Australia,and  your battery if its not good, like me a few times over the years
have purchased a new battery before shipping back here, mainly Interstate  batterys
they are a really terrific batterys.My present Pagoda has one now 7 years old,holds 12.6 volts
even after not driving for a month.
Many thanks for that last email, have a great safe  trip.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: BaronYoungman on July 14, 2019, 18:22:55
This is been a soap opera to my wife who is ask me everyday if your car has been sprung and you are driving it. Today I showed her the picture and she broke out into the song reunited and it feels so good by Peaches and Herb .... so that'll play in your head for quite some time
Bob
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 14, 2019, 23:46:57
Not only reunited, but also apparently sprung with a photograph from behind in San Diego by one of JonB’s spy network. 


I cannot go anywhere now without being noticed.


We did a quick hot two day run up inland and now at Santa Rosa for a couple of nights and recovered  one of the lost weeks.


From now on it’s slow as we go up the coast toward Seattle.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: doitwright on July 15, 2019, 01:29:58
Gary,

How does it feel to be driving on the “right” side of the road?
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 15, 2019, 06:30:46
It is easier driving a rhd car on the wrong side than driving a Lhd hire car interestingly enough because it just feels wrong sitting in the hire car with everything in the wrong place and trying to keep your passenger in the gutter.


Boy does it get some funny comments at the lights when you look over at the car beside you and say g’day..


I tell my wife to sit with her hands behind her head or read the news paper. Confuses the car following, like who is driving this thing......
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 16, 2019, 23:46:45
Spent yesterday arvo with Art and Larry having a look at a Santa Rosa Mercedes Collectors (Pat) collection of beautifully restored and some very original MB.  Was a fantastic shed full.  Some shed. Fires burnt down the house but shed survived thankfully.


Today travelled in perfect weather, top down on to Fort Brag further i\up the West coast.  Car running well with a new battery installed yesterday, it did not like sitting for nearly three months with alarm on. I should have got one when i had my doubts initially and was at Classic Center with Tom last week.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 18, 2019, 05:14:28
Had the most stunning drive today from Fort Bragg north up coast then inland, following the Avenue of the Giants back road for fifty miles. Absolutely perfect top down driving conditions on some roads that rival the Big Sur drive and in some ways better than that.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: ja17 on July 18, 2019, 06:27:28
Beautiful Pictures !
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on July 18, 2019, 12:23:10
Wonderful area of the world Garry, I drove thru one of the redwoods 31 years ago.

Enjoy the drive!

Dieter
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 18, 2019, 14:54:58
Rolf Dieter,


Yep, drove through the same tree.

Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Benz Dr. on July 18, 2019, 15:31:28
It is easier driving a rhd car on the wrong side than driving a Lhd hire car interestingly enough because it just feels wrong sitting in the hire car with everything in the wrong place and trying to keep your passenger in the gutter.


Boy does it get some funny comments at the lights when you look over at the car beside you and say g’day..


I tell my wife to sit with her hands behind her head or read the news paper. Confuses the car following, like who is driving this thing......

We used to carry a spare steering wheel just to mess with people we knew in oncoming cars while driving a 300SE RHD . The looks were very interesting after hanging the wheel out of the passenger window.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: 49er on July 18, 2019, 18:58:29
Garry, Hope you had some time to spend in the Humboldt Redwoods CA state Park, like no other place on earth IMO. Attached picture of my 2 month old SL taken on the "Avenue of the Giants" circa 1968. The car gives some scale to the size of those trees. Hope you and your navigator have a great and safe ride and keep your photos and updates coming.

John

Daughter and I drove though that tree last year and I captured the moment on video when she scrapped the mirrors ever so slightly on our rental car. We were not the only ones by any means ;D
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 19, 2019, 04:06:04
Great picture John, it is an amazing drive through there. We loved it.

Have done 1400 miles so far and car running really well with a minor idle adjustment this morning, i think it was feeling the cool after southern California. 8) 8)   It also ticked over 60,000 miles

We tracked the Kalamazoo River Highway for half the day, crossed into Oregon and now stopped some miles south of Grants Pass on an organic herb and hemp farm for a couple of days before continuing on.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 22, 2019, 00:39:46
We have spent a few days in and around Jacksonville Oregon and tomorrow push on north.


Beautiful area and the locals have been great.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Iconic on July 22, 2019, 19:03:57
Garry,
Since we are not going to San Diego for the PagodaFest, I haven't been reading this thread ......
But, I just read from the importation of your car to now.
You have a incredible trip planned, with some of it behind you already.
I am living vicariously through your adventures, and I'm confident I am not the only one.
My wife (Bonnie) is really going to enjoy seeing your car (and you and Kate of course). She loves blue and she has never seen anything like yours.
We are looking forward to getting together with you (and Bob and Ari and Frank and ?) !!
Enjoy the ride  ;D
Mark
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 25, 2019, 05:00:37
We have reached Portland Oregon, nearly 2000 miles so far on mainly back roads with fantastic scenery and great driving weather. Found a beautiful swimming hole under an old railroad track. got spooked by a couple of bear cubs, never saw mum and generally having a great time.


Put a pint of oil in the engine, first time i have ever had to add oil between services. Mountain driving i guess but car purring along.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Jonny B on July 25, 2019, 22:32:53
Garry,

So glad you are continuing to enjoy the journey. The Portland area is among my favorite places - just fabulous scenery.

I have gotten several very good bids on the top......
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 25, 2019, 23:09:19
Jon,


SELL SELL, we are running out of 💰


 :o :o :D ::) :P
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Iconic on July 25, 2019, 23:28:48
That darker blue hard top would look great on my car.   :o
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 27, 2019, 03:15:54
Checked out Portland Oregon and did a drive out around Mount Hood before swung north to spend the weekend in Seattle. Washington State.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on July 27, 2019, 18:14:56
Garry,

Visit the Market in Seattle WA. Rumer has it that it is one of the nicest in North America. :)

——> https://www.viator.com/Seattle-tourism/Pike-Place-Seattle-Tours-and-other-Things-to-Do-in-Seattle/d704-t33621?semLander=true&m=28353&supag=6544792091&supsc=kwd-52821852611&supai=274281060942&supap=1t1&supdv=t&supnt=nt:g|clk:CjwKCAjw7O_pBRA3EiwA_lmtfrM1oC-owIsjujjJHNH2_LD_14pjwnmBYqAdBLUw1QmQ7Bx0-x-6RBoC1HsQAvD_BwE&suplp=9001075&supli=&supti=kwd-52821852611&tsem=true&supci=kwd-52821852611&supap1=&supap2=&gclid=CjwKCAjw7O_pBRA3EiwA_lmtfrM1oC-owIsjujjJHNH2_LD_14pjwnmBYqAdBLUw1QmQ7Bx0-x-6RBoC1HsQAvD_BwE

Dieter
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 28, 2019, 06:28:44
Rolf Dieter,


Did markets, a bay cruise, a visit to the Needle finished off with a huge parade down Seattle main street tonight.
Full on day.  Head east tomorrow.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 30, 2019, 00:28:21
Weekend in Seattle was great, visit to the Needle and a big parade on Saturday night


Now heading east and currently staying at the base of Red Mountain near Benton City WA


Still haven’t seen any clouds since we arrived in June and still hot.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on July 31, 2019, 01:08:03
Now in Idaho east of Spokane for the night and mileage getting to 3000 miles so far. Pagoda still running great

Tomorrow through the Yellowstone National Park and on to the long plains run.  Today it was just about all wheat fields forever.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Jonny B on July 31, 2019, 15:31:11
That is a beautiful part of the country, just be glad you are there in the summer months. It tends to get rather "white" during the winter.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: ja17 on July 31, 2019, 20:52:23
Yellowstone is amazing, you need at least two days there. Lots to see afterwards also, Badlands, Mt. Rushmore (Black Hills), Tetons, etc.

Happy Motoring!
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: 66andBlue on August 01, 2019, 03:35:37
Garry,
leave Yellowstone via US-212 and then drive up the Beartooth Highway to 10,947 ft (3,337 m): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beartooth_Highway and then across the prairie.
I bet it will be one of your top sites on this trip.
While the uphill drive will test your barometric compensator, the steeper downhill switchback route will test your brakes and nerves.  :)

In my view Beartooth is one of the two best high mountain drives in the USA  (the other is Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier National Park - but that one is out of your way).
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 01, 2019, 04:01:19
Alfred, i will miss that one as i am booked ahead to drive from here, Butte, through Yellowstone tomorrow to Dubois then the next day to Casper.. Pity as i was trying to work out a good route that was interesting.  We have spent over two weeks in Yellowstone some years ago so it was a straight thru to link Hway 26 with the lower crossing on Hway 20.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 03, 2019, 01:22:30
Two more days driving, now at 3850miles.

Went down through Yellowstone, Bad move. It was packed and took three hours to do 50 miles. Did not see one animal anywhere.  Too many people and not something that i could recommend to anyone to do in summer.

Always said the Grand Tetons are much better.

On to Deboise then across to Casper tonight.  Dit some cross country drives to go see South Pass City the ghost mining town and also out to Atlantic City WY. Some really interesting driving, Some big hills, reached 9630ft.  Car ran great, likes the high altitude and cooler temps.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 03, 2019, 22:46:36
You know your in Nebraska when they wear their side arms to the local diner for lunch. EEEekkk


4100 miles.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: mrfatboy on August 04, 2019, 00:12:27
I see the same gun slinging cowboys in Sedona, AZ when I visit my father. 

They are in the local grocery store or a high end steak house. Everywhere.

It's a different world from California  but I get a kick out of it and actually look forward to it. 👍 Something different😀
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 04, 2019, 00:29:34
I thought he had been to a fancy dress party, I think i may have deflated his bubble.
 Lucky he did not shoot me.
  Stupid Aussie.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Peter van Es on August 05, 2019, 10:30:56
Great travel story... keep up the news. Give my regards to Kate. And I wonder how you manage the build in Australia at the same time...

Peter
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 06, 2019, 17:36:22
Crossed the plains and spending a few rest days in Dubuque IO. on the Mississippi after washing the bugs off and putting the car to bed for a well deserved rest.


4650 miles so far, passed half way mark and counting.  Service will be due when we arrive at the Benz Dr.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 10, 2019, 01:10:53
Well over 5000 miles now. Car still running beautifully.


We stopped just north of Chicago and had a great dinner with Mark (Iconic) and Bob ( Barronyoungman) (maybe I should say Mr Petrol Pump) last evening. Today we headed north passed Green Bay into Door County where we are going to hang out for a few days in this old log cabin built in 1870.


Actually saw some clouds today, only a few but it’s only been the second time since landing in USA in late June.  Funny what you get excited about when you don’t have something..


Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 11, 2019, 01:44:31
Drove over to Egg Harbour in Door County WI today.  They were having a car show and invited me to put the Pagoda in the show.
We had to leave at 2.30, they said the car had got quite a few votes, Prizes given out at 3.30. Guess i will never know how many and what for!!!!!



Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 14, 2019, 23:25:20
5750 miles and still going well. Due for an oil change.


Headed up to the top of Lake Michigan today staying in Ministique MI and about to head over the east side of Lake Michigan tomorrow and catch up with Michael S at the weekend before working our way east over to the Gathering of the Clans in Canada the following week.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 19, 2019, 20:02:42
Well we crossed over to the east side of Lake Michigan over the dividing bridge and down to Michael Salemi’s for the weekend.  Michael showed us around with some very interesting enclaves of Amish in the district. Was a great weekend, thankyou Michael for your hospitality.


We then moved on and have done a loop up over what the locals call the thumb to the west side of Lake Huron and now sitting at the Canadian border which we will crossover tomorrow it the Canadians will let us in!!!


Realised also that i had understated the mileage by a thousand and we have now done just over 7,000 miles so far.  Bella is definitely in need of an oil change. Booked with Dan next Monday but still running beautifully.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: mdsalemi on August 20, 2019, 14:54:03
For those so inclined for detail:

Garry's first photo is of "Big Mac" or the Mackinac Bridge, the large suspension bridge connecting the upper peninsula (a/k/a "da UP") of Michigan to the lower. The bridge connects the cities of St. Ignace on the north, and Mackinaw City on the south.

The second photo is taken while passing by an Amish farm in the town of Stanwood, MI. I took Garry and Kate on a tour of the functioning (as opposed to the tourist stuff in places like Lancaster, PA) Amish. We went to a bakery, a farm stand where the produce was grown on property, and our "checkout" was with a little girl about 8 years old, not in costume but her genuine clothes. Her name was Isla. We then passed a number of Amish sawmills and greenhouses on the way to a hickory furniture shop, and then a chair factory--both of these small workshops where you order and they build.

Lastly, Garry and myself with his car "Bella" and Shelby our dog in our driveway at Canadian Lakes, Michigan.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 20, 2019, 19:47:13
The Canadians let us come into Canada. Hopefully they don’t regret it.


We are now stopped at an old town called Exeter after a beautiful top down drive up the eastern side of Lake Huron this morning and a lunch in Goderich and a walk around their large town square, the biggest we have seen so far on our journey.


7250 miles
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Benz Dr. on August 20, 2019, 22:01:09
Too bad you weren't here a few years ago. Gooderich was hit by a tornado and it destroyed the main circle in the village. Huron County ( where you are ) is the only county in southern Ontario that doesn't have any towns or cities. Almost all farm land.

 I would recommend a stop at Grand Bend - not far down 21 highway. Lots to see. Bring your eye lids, you might need them.  ;)

You are about 2 hours from my place. See you Thursday night.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Iconic on August 21, 2019, 15:09:40
I would recommend a stop at Grand Bend - not far down 21 highway. Lots to see. Bring your eye lids, you might need them.  ;)
Dan,
Please tell us, why the "eye lid" comment? Because of the sunsets ??
Mark
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Benz Dr. on August 21, 2019, 17:07:17
Dan,
Please tell us, why the "eye lid" comment? Because of the sunsets ??
Mark

Uh no......... It's a summer beach resort. Maybe 1,500 in the winter and 15,000 in the summer. Lots of younger people.  Use your imagination.........
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 21, 2019, 19:35:48
Dan,


We did go through there yesterday.  It was busy and we went on to Goderich.  I think I missed something as we did not go to the shore............
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Benz Dr. on August 21, 2019, 21:02:53
Where did you cross into Canada - Port Huron to Sarnia?  You were about a 1/2 hour away from me if you did.

Yeah, a short drive down to the lake at Grand Bend and well........it's about a 1/2 mile of skin and not much else.  :o

Which is why your eyes have lids. It keeps them from boiling over. :)
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: DaveB on August 23, 2019, 03:39:01
7250 miles

That's a hell of a long way in such a short time! That would surely be a test for the comfort of the seats (and everything else). How do you rate the seats?
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 23, 2019, 11:39:23
Dave,


We are surprised how well the seats work on longer trips. mind you we try not to do more than 250 miles in any one day.  They have been restored and i have also put in the pool noodles and they make a world of difference.


7500 miles.  Service Monday.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Jonny B on August 23, 2019, 14:48:09
Dave you are running out of reasons to get the Pagoda of your back on the roads of Australia!!
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 25, 2019, 22:00:51
We have just spent three days with the Clan II group hosted by Dan with the help of Peter J and Hugh R.  Thanks to all who helped put together this great gathering.


It was a fantastic time meeting all the northern Americas members that came from as far south as Ohio, some from far east Canada, and west in Canada  and even one Member from Santa Rosa in California.


An amazing fact, i met one member who was born in the same small maternity hospital as i was and another who worked in the same military base in the Sinai desert Egypt a month after i had returned home.  Small world.


Visits to a couple of collections, and a restoration workshop were just outstanding.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: doitwright on August 26, 2019, 23:13:09
The Canadians let us come into Canada. Hopefully they don’t regret it.


We are now stopped at an old town called Exeter after a beautiful top down drive up the eastern side of Lake Huron this morning and a lunch in Goderich and a walk around their large town square, the biggest we have seen so far on our journey.


7250 miles

Don’t let Mercedes see that windmill. They might make them take it down.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 26, 2019, 23:28:45
Had the car finally serviced thanks to Dan and his help.  SOme minor adjustments and we were off heading for Niagara Falls Via Niagara by the lake. 


Passed a great old garage display and through my home town’s namesake to now spend a couple of nights at the Falls and then decide how far we continue east in Canada before crossing back into USA. Am told State Highway 100 in Vermont is worth the drive so might cross somewhere north of that to do the drive south on it before swinging east again toward Maine.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: pj on August 27, 2019, 00:20:17
Hi Garry,
I'm really glad you stopped in Melbourne today. When we drove through there on Saturday morning, I completely forgot about it.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 27, 2019, 00:49:10
Peter,


I had also meant to stop Saturday at both the garage and Melbourne so made a point of back tracking there today.  The old garage was so cool, but when we stopped the neighbours were keeping a very close eye on us I can tell you.  Probably worried the Australians were going to pinch their petrol pumps.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: mnahon on August 27, 2019, 01:38:07
Hi Garry,

Not sure if you're interested, but this might fit your time frame:
http://www.theglen.com/Events/Hilliard-United-States-Vintage-Grand-Prix.aspx

Watkins Glen is in the Finger Lakes area of upstate New York---a very picturesque area, basically on your way to Vermont from Niagara Falls. I think Jack Jones is going; you could ask him for more info.

If you decide to make your way back around the north side (Canadian side) of Lake Ontario, once past the Toronto area, you could skirt the lake on highway 2. Prince Edward county and the Thousand Islands are pretty areas. One place you could cross is at the Thousand Islands bridge. Then take route 11 (on US side) over to Rouses Point, then down route 2 (Vermont) through the Lake Champlain Islands. Once out of the islands, get over to 104 and 15 to the north end of 100. Then head south through Stowe and eventually Killington (both great ski resorts).

I look forward to hearing more of your exploits.

Meyer
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 27, 2019, 01:42:08
Thanks Meyer,


I will have a look at that route on my maps and google, sounds interesting.


Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: mclewis on August 28, 2019, 14:48:02
Gary,
If you don’t mind some further suggestions and are driving down to Killington, Vermont, you may want to consider going east on Route 4 from Killington through Woodstock, a lovely New England town, and Quechee (same, though smaller).  The Woodstock Inn has a great bar and Sunday brunch. From there you could continue east on Route 4 to New Hampshire or detour up Route 5 to Norwich, Vermont and across the Connecticut River to Hanover, New Hampshire, a quaint university town.  From Hanover you can take Route 120 back to Route 4 east through Enfield and Grafton.  Another diversion would be to pick up Route 104 north toward Lake Winnipesaukee.  Although not a Great Lake, it is quite scenic.  From there you can head southeast and pick up Route 202 up to Maine.
If your travels take you through northern New Jersey, let me know.  There are several members in the area.
Marc
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: pj on August 28, 2019, 14:58:59
How about opening a section in the "Technical Manual" where we keep a concise list of our favourite drives?
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 28, 2019, 19:54:43
Yesterday Niagara.  Nice dinner in spire. Today in Belleville Ontario after order drive.  Some minor adjustments today as idling a bit fast after service adjustments.


total miles covered so far is 8300 miles and counting. Tomorrow through the Thousand Islands and cross back into US  if they let me.


Noticed on a “toll road” today it said if i am not a resident of Ontario they will send notice to collect. There were no toll booths.  Now that will be interesting when they read the plates!!! :D
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: DaveB on August 29, 2019, 08:07:54
Dave you are running out of reasons to get the Pagoda of your back on the roads of Australia!!
You are right Jonny!
Another reason is that my local Mercedes-trained mechanic 'Heinz' is 70+ and must be thinking about retiring.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 30, 2019, 23:12:48
After spending over a week in Canada, we crossed back into the USA via the Thousand Island Border crossing with out too much hustle.  Asked some questions on registration and on when we would leave the USA,  Sounded like he was in a hurry to get rid of us. 
Either way we did not have to get out of the car and then proceeded to travel along the southern side of the St Lawrence along H’way 11 up to the NY/VT border and then tracked south on Hway 2 then on to Hway 7 to stop for the night near Rutland VT. 


Tomorrow We will pick up the Botton of State Route 100 and head back up on 100, top down through the VT Green Mountain range and north staying on 100 to the border before heading east into Maine and I have a book with me that says that Route 100 is considered in the top ten drives in North America. Will take a few days to do this part.


Milage now 8,800 and counting.


View out of the Motel door this evening in Vermont.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Benz Dr. on August 31, 2019, 04:37:37
Yesterday Niagara.  Nice dinner in spire. Today in Belleville Ontario after order drive.  Some minor adjustments today as idling a bit fast after service adjustments.


total miles covered so far is 8300 miles and counting. Tomorrow through the Thousand Islands and cross back into US  if they let me.


Noticed on a “toll road” today it said if i am not a resident of Ontario they will send notice to collect. There were no toll booths.  Now that will be interesting when they read the plates!!! :D

Ah yes, the 407 - Canada's only toll road that's owned by a Spanish company. Tolls are collected electronically. You might get a pass on this one but I can tell you they're very aggressive when it comes to collecting. The two reasons you can't get your stickers renewed in Ontario are 1) unpaid parking fines 2) unpaid toll road bills.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 31, 2019, 22:06:10
A couple of shots from VT H’way 100.  We got about half way up today to Kilington VT.  Beautiful top down all day.
Truth of the matter is, we were lost when we encountered the covered bridge.


Milage 9050 miles and counting.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Jordan on August 31, 2019, 22:19:33
If you get a chance, stop in at Bennington, VT.  Hemmings have their head office there and they have a working antique gas pump as well as a small car museum.  There are a lot of wooden covered bridges in that area.  They have maps locally to show you where they are.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on August 31, 2019, 23:04:01
Marcus, will do.  I am finding the covered bridges as we get lost!!!!!!  Second one today.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: mnahon on September 01, 2019, 00:16:03
on route 100, after you cross interstate 89, going north, the Ben and Jerry ice cream factory is worth a stop. They even give tours.

Meyer
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on September 01, 2019, 23:24:48
Stopped off for an ice cream,  Called into Montpelier the VT Capitol for lunch.  Great looking town and then have moved on to Island point where we have a house for a couple of days.  Have some Canadian dollars left so on Tuesday we will swing back over the border up to Quebec for a couple of days and spend the change.  After that who knows.


Montpelier Parliament Building and our digs on the lake
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on September 03, 2019, 19:30:34
We have now re entered into Canada.  They let us in for the second time, with lots more questions this time.....
Have an apartment in the inner Old Quebec City where we plan to spend a few days before heading off again.


Now at 9100 miles and counting off to the 10k mark.
 
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on September 06, 2019, 12:34:54
Up to an early sunny morning in Eastern Quebec and tracking toward the mouth of the St Lawrence before turning south some time today down into New Brunswick.


Car just loves the cooler weather.


9300 miles and counting down to 10k.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: mdsalemi on September 06, 2019, 16:22:59
Ah yes, the 407 - Canada's only toll road that's owned by a Spanish company.

What is it with Spanish companies and North American roads and tolls? We have the 407 controlled by Ferrovial, and the toll section of I77 in the Charlotte NC area built and controlled by Cintra, the latter with variable tolls depending on time and congestion. Add to the mix Dragados which has done the Autoroute 30 in Montreal and the I595 corridor in Miami. Then, the Enovis division of Abertis does the tolls on the Blue Water Bridge (Ontario-Michigan), as well as others in Canada and the Newport RI bridge too. The only reason Abertis doesn't have more is that they've lost bids to the others!

The Spaniards must have figured out something that nobody else has...so where are the US and Canadian companies?
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on September 07, 2019, 17:11:49
Wet and miserable day today. Rained all day. First time the car has been in so much rain since I have owned it.


Now in a diner at St Stephen in New Brunswick staying a few days right near the US Canadian border crossing.


9500 miles and counting.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Jordan on September 07, 2019, 19:04:20
I think that might be the leading edge of the remnants of Hurricane Dorian. You may want to head inland.  Lots of rain coming your way.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on September 07, 2019, 20:11:27
Marcus,

I think he will be fine following I95 west then south. That should put him out off harms way and enjoy some more top down weather on his way to Maine the down to Virginia from where I believe his car will ship to California for the PagodaFest Event.

Dieter
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on September 07, 2019, 20:18:10
From here in St Stephens, we are going to Bangor for about five days then on to Portland and surrounds at the end of next week.  Still raining cats and dogs but view out the apartment windowin Aa across to the USA is stunning.  The tide drops 15 feet and there were rapids earlier in the middle of the river.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Mike Hughes on September 07, 2019, 21:25:37
If the Halifax radar forecast map is any indication you have probably seen the worst of the rain already and it may clear up overnight. Check with local sources just to be sure as this has been a dangerous storm for over a week.  Stay safe!

https://www.bing.com/search?q=Halifax weather map&tf=U2VydmljZT1UaGlyZFBhcnR5IFNjZW5hcmlvPVdlYXRoZXJNYXBzIFBvc2l0aW9uPVRPUCBSYW5raW5nRGF0YT1UcnVlIEZvcmNlUGxhY2U9VHJ1ZSBQYWlycz1sYTo0NC42NjU0Mjg4O2xvOi02My42MDI5MDAyO246SGFsaWZheDtsdDoyO2lzbzpDQU47Y3RudDpOb3J0aF9fQW1lcmljYTtzaWQ6ZTJjZWI2NDgtMDRkZi05NDlkLWMyNGUtMTViM2JjY2EwZjRkO3NjbjpXZWF0aGVyTWFwcztpOjM7czE6MjQ7dXQ6RmFsc2U7cm86MjQ7IHw%3d&hs=4GXyqG29uVeXRUmatsAlPKubzykWnQQlZpC8rrR3Cu0%3d
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on September 10, 2019, 01:52:16
Back on the move today.  Crossed back from Canada’s New Brunswick into fare north east Maine and followed Coastal Highway 1 to the furtherest point east in the USA, Lubec, ME.  Beautiful weather and a great spot for lunch on the water before moving on to a cottage we have rented for four days in Orpington on a lake near Bangor. Plan is to throughly explore the region before moving on south.


Car running well and now at 9675mils and counting
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Tyler S on September 10, 2019, 03:00:48
Nice! Do you realize the furthest South-West point in the Continental US will only be a 45 minute drive from PagodaFest! That would be really cool to get pictures at all 4 corners!

http://www.americanroadtripper.com/Extremes.html
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Benz Dr. on September 10, 2019, 04:43:50
Nice! Do you realize the furthest South-West point in the Continental US will only be a 45 minute drive from PagodaFest! That would be really cool to get pictures at all 4 corners!

http://www.americanroadtripper.com/Extremes.html

I have a picture of that very spot when I was there in March of 2001.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Benz Dr. on September 10, 2019, 04:47:10
What is it with Spanish companies and North American roads and tolls? We have the 407 controlled by Ferrovial, and the toll section of I77 in the Charlotte NC area built and controlled by Cintra, the latter with variable tolls depending on time and congestion. Add to the mix Dragados which has done the Autoroute 30 in Montreal and the I595 corridor in Miami. Then, the Enovis division of Abertis does the tolls on the Blue Water Bridge (Ontario-Michigan), as well as others in Canada and the Newport RI bridge too. The only reason Abertis doesn't have more is that they've lost bids to the others!

The Spaniards must have figured out something that nobody else has...so where are the US and Canadian companies?

Collecting the difference or their take. Those companies lease the highway but I believe they also cover all upgrades and costs. So it's not all milk and honey.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on September 14, 2019, 21:58:59
Passed the 10,000mile or 16,000km point this morning as we moved on to Bath just out side Portland Maine getting ready to take car to Gernold at sL Tech next week.


More lighthouses and the American answer to the French Viaduc de Millau.  Well maybe six or seven arches short and missing about eight lanes but a big similarity if you just pretend.
Oh and maybe 500 feet lower. 😀
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Tyler S on September 16, 2019, 22:46:20
Garry, If you get a chance while your in town for Pagodafest, head up to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and Cabrillo National Monument. Wonderful drive up there. Along the way is Fort Rosecrans.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on September 16, 2019, 23:46:14
Will make a point of doing that. There are so many lighthouses as we have skirted both the west coast and now going down the east coast that i could have called it the Pagoda light house tour.
Have often thought of doing just that in my VW camper around Australia one year About the same distance.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on September 17, 2019, 21:54:38
Today, i dropped into Gernold’s SL Tech business and had lunch with him and Tom Mrowka came up from south to join us.
My Pagoda is now with lots of other Pagodas and will start its journey west together with Tom S Pagoda to the Pagodafest..

Gernolds showed me through his workshop and stores.  Boy has he got a great setup and i can see why he is the soft top guru for our cars.  He had such a comprehensive parts area and workshop.

Mark (Iconic) from Chicago’s 280sl is also there having an engine bay tidy up and looking good.

Total distance driven to here since start of drive from Long Beach CA, 10,075miles. Car has not missed a beat.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on September 20, 2019, 02:09:11
Pagoda in good company with Tom’s Pagoda and an Enzo Ferarri.


Next stop for the vehicle, The Vault,  San Diego


We continued on south in a hire car to Boston today.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: kampala on September 21, 2019, 07:28:12
Garry

Pretty amazing trip!  Do hope it was some of what you expected and some of what you did not expect - in a good way.  Had to be interesting to know so many folks with one common denominator along your 10,000 mile Pagoda Run. 

It was great to have met up in LA when your pagoda was a week away from port and still on a ship and expect to see you again in San Diego. 

Best from Paris. 
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on September 29, 2019, 11:36:03
To push on from Maine we continued our journey to Pagodafest in a hire car.  We travelled south to Gettysburg and from there to Harpers Ferry looking at all the civil war sites.
Skirted Washington and on to Virginia and a return to Ramsay Farm (site of 2017 PUB) where our generous host Tom and his wife put on a beautiful evening and dinner for us together with Chuck T and wife Dianne and Mike H  also came down in his Pagoda from Washington.
We are staying a few days before pushing on to the next stop.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: 114015 on September 29, 2019, 20:09:50


Beautiful picture of yo Gentlemen, indeed!

Love also the scenic view !


Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on October 07, 2019, 17:03:43
I have not added to my post for some time.  I have been enjoying myself too much in San Diego with old and new friends.

To add the last leg getting to Pagodafest, we transferred the car across to CA and continued on in a hire car for another two weeks on the east coast getting as far south as Virginia before we flew into San Diego for the Pagodafest.

What a fantastic weekend we had and meeting all the old friends and lots of new faces.  The weather perfect, car happy after its travels.

Now it’s drive back to Los Angeles where the drive started from and deliver the Pagoda back to the shipper.  We fly out on Wednesday and the car ships out on 15 October and should be back home by end of November.

Statistics

Getting car to USA via everywhere.       14,422 miles
Drive around USA.                              10,345 miles
Vehicle on truck in USA.                        2,661 miles
Hire car travels.                                    3,850 miles     
Ship home (hopefully direct).                7,937  miles

Total miles Pagoda travelled for holiday 35,365 miles
Total miles we drove.  14,195

Consumables.

Oil used,  2 Quarts
Fuel used. lots
One service in Canada thanks to Benz Dr. Dan Caron.

It was a wonderful experience and only one more post confirming that the car gets home..

What a saint my wife Kate has been as we drove around being the navigator, toll payer, the “clear left” manager (RHD does have some difficulties) Window cleaner, car cover helper and all round good buddy. Without her in the passenger seat this whole crazy trip would not have been possible.

And a bucket list item ticked off 😎😎😎
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: ja17 on October 08, 2019, 05:37:07
Congratulations Gary, Kate and Pagoda for the "Amazing Journey". You are true enthusiasts and good friends to all you meet. We wish you happy motoring and many new roads to travel.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: neelyrc on October 08, 2019, 06:14:51
Have a safe trip home Garry and Kate.  I followed your travel adventure with great interest.  Hope to see you at the Euroevent in Bavaria next year.
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Peter van Es on October 08, 2019, 14:12:53
Well done Garry and Kate...amazing trip. But then again, you two like road trips, be it in the Pagoda or the camper van.

Sorry to have missed Pagoda Fest but we'll see you in Bavaria!

Peter
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on October 11, 2019, 01:27:14
We are home safe and sound this morning Friday 11 October.


Car will follow in next week or so and take up to 50 days to get here and cleared.


Now back to membership duties.  A big thank you to Hugh R in Canada who has been managing and filling in for me doing the International Membership welcomes during the nearly four months that I have been travelling.


Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on October 11, 2019, 01:50:04
Hi Garry,

Glad you and Kate made it home safe and sound. I will be home on Sunday next. So far my round trip (in Chicago now) shows 9,766 KM. Staying in a AirBnB just north of Chicago. Planning to look at a 107 for Peter H in Germany, Hörverlust so far no word of location for m e to see it, it might be an invitation just to get some money from Peter H. If I hear noting by mid morning tomorrow then it must be a Scam.

Was nice seeing you and Kate and everyone else at another PagodaFest Event. If Hugh is home by Sunday he and I might just have our solo run with 2 Pagoda’s ~s~

All the Best,

Dieter
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: DaveB on October 11, 2019, 04:31:29
That was a great trip Garry. Thanks for posting all the photos. Especially the covered bridges and other serendipitous discoveries (which I think happen less often now we are all cellphone-guided).
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on November 04, 2019, 01:33:13
Whilst Kate and I are home  safe and sound the Pagoda is still on the high seas about half way between USA and Australia and due in Port Melbourne on 25 November.

  I have been tracking the car and note it has been back to Seattle again on its return voyage. Third time round for that town.🙀😲
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on November 14, 2019, 10:36:44
The car has visited New Zealand and now on its way to home.  maybe next week.........
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: JamesL on November 14, 2019, 10:39:36
You could have let Stick borrow it while he's in NZ ;D
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on November 14, 2019, 20:53:52
I haven’t heard from Colin.  I suspect the Kiwi’s have kidnapped  him!!!


I understood he was coming to Oz
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: JamesL on November 14, 2019, 22:14:13
He’s driving from Christchurch ;)
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on December 06, 2019, 07:42:43
Well Bella the beautiful, is finally back home, in a dirty state but started straight up and drove it home from the wharf.  Everything was in the car, all just a bit dirty.


A service and some minor tweaks and she will be as good as new after 10,000 miles (16,000km)


Now i have to write a couple of articles that i have been asked for and promised i would do.


Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: neelyrc on December 06, 2019, 12:38:43
Looking great Garry! Looking forward to an article!  Keep us posted!
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Iconic on December 06, 2019, 14:35:02
Congratulations on the conclusion of an epic trip !
Mark
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: 114015 on December 06, 2019, 23:15:20

Pew....! :D

I am happy to hear your Pagoda is home well again.  ;)
Was myself already afraid because of the loong ship voyage your car had to endure. ???

All's well that ends well. ;)

Great experience, Garry!

Best,
Achim

Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Hugh on December 07, 2019, 15:40:11
Garry, thanks for letting us know Bella also make it home safely! Nice picture of Bella in front of the gate to your home. Looks like you have a nice sized property!

You & Kate have inspired me to write a "bucket list" & go for it!
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on December 07, 2019, 21:53:26
I wish it was my property but sadly it is a near by one that i used. Mine is a completely broken down old wooden gate and a partially demolished house that is being rebuilt with rubbish everywhere.


Sad but true..  :'( :'( ;D
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: 66andBlue on December 07, 2019, 23:24:54
I wish it was my property but sadly it is a near by one that i used. Mine is a completely broken down old wooden gate and a partially demolished house that is being rebuilt with rubbish everywhere.
Sad but true..  :'( :'( ;D

What, your house is being rebuilt with rubbish?   :o :o  Did your bank account got robbed while you where traveling?
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: Garry on December 07, 2019, 23:37:09
Alfred, 


It was the travel that broke me.   :D    This was the front door to the house last week.


Garry
Title: Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
Post by: doitwright on December 08, 2019, 20:15:31
Looks like a big project. I hope it goes well for you. I know what it is like since I do remodeling and renovation for a living.