Author Topic: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019  (Read 51251 times)

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #75 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
DD 2011 SL 63 AMG and my 69 Pagoda 280 SL

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #76 on: July 18, 2019, 14:54:58 »
Rolf Dieter,


Yep, drove through the same tree.

Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
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Benz Dr.

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #77 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.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

49er

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #78 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
1969 280SL 003820
Un Restored, All Original, including the paint
Original Owner, Purchased September 18, 1968
4 speed manual, PS. 77094 miles
7157 miles since awoken from her 20+ yr "nap" in 2010

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #79 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.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
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Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #80 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.
« Last Edit: July 22, 2019, 00:53:44 by Garry »
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

Iconic

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #81 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
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #82 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.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

Jonny B

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #83 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......
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #84 on: July 25, 2019, 23:09:19 »
Jon,


SELL SELL, we are running out of 💰


 :o :o :D ::) :P
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

Iconic

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #85 on: July 25, 2019, 23:28:48 »
That darker blue hard top would look great on my car.   :o
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #86 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.
« Last Edit: July 27, 2019, 03:45:04 by Garry »
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #87 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
DD 2011 SL 63 AMG and my 69 Pagoda 280 SL

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #88 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.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #89 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.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #90 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.
« Last Edit: July 31, 2019, 01:41:36 by Garry »
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

Jonny B

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #91 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.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

ja17

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #92 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!
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
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1965 220SE Finback

66andBlue

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #93 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).
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #94 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.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #95 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.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #96 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.
« Last Edit: August 03, 2019, 22:59:02 by Garry »
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

mrfatboy

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #97 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😀
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

Garry

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #98 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.
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 with Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Twin Electric

Peter van Es

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Re: Getting to San Diego in Oct 2019
« Reply #99 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
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