Rain, Wine, and Lesser Cars

[Hal Copple]

Got up friday, went to the office, and upon arrival the staff asked what i was doing, coming in to work. I replied i usually do that, then they reminded me i had arranged Friday as a day off, planning months ago to drive to the Spring Fling, and when my Wife got tickets to the Lion King, had to cancel the plans, forgetting about my "day off." Told my two partners adios, and drove home.

Put on some more causal clothes, and drove the 70 miles north to the Olthoff's shop, and paid a social call on the staff, asking Dennis for advice about some planned modifications, and watched a 765 HP full NASCAR engine being started. The owner asked what he would likely run in the quarter, i offered low 10's to high 9's. Jeeze, what a motor!!! Dropped by the NASCAR parts place, gave the owners, my friends, some Viagra pens the drug reps gave me.

Came back, just in time to get all sweaty and grimy on a brief yard project, so that when the Wife came home from her work, she is a nurse, i looked like i had been working outside all day. She was bushed, so i suggested we go up to Charlotte to the Firebird, a Colorado themed restaurant, in this trendy area, with lots of specialty shops and other eateries, theaters, etc. I have been wanting to take my SPF and valet park it right outside this place, by the courtyard, for months. So called Chris, he was inbound from South SC in his Boxster, so as Lynne and Becky took her new Jag X series (fabulous car!!!!), i headed out on a different route, with Chris inbound on South I-85.

On the way up, all of a sudden these dark clouds parked themselves right over my head, and down came the rain, but at speed this did not much bother me. I rather enjoy the looks from cars i pass on the Interstate. I would like to think they are saying to one-another "what a macho guy that man is in that awsome car", but in reality, probably what they are saying is "you see the dumbest things here in Upstate South Carolina."

Traffic slowed, then stopped, so i pulled over, and slapped on the tonneau, and pulled back out, and at the classy Fake Colorado restaturant, right by the Fake Italian one, with the courtyard between them, asked the valet where i could park, and he put me right smack dab in front of the entrance. Naturally, the more people who are watching me, the longer and louder my engine shut down sequence is. When you exit a Replica, it is important that you do it like Steve McQueen, or Paul Newman would, none of this Little Lambsy Divey stuff, you gotta practice to get it right.

Met a doctor who races there, guzzled a quick mug, then waited on Chris and Becky and Lynne, in their German and British road machines. Had a fine meal, it really is great food; one of the best things for a father is to stand at a bar, foot on the brass rail, and hoist a mug with his son, talking car stuff. The repast consumed, we all drove over to the shops, of course i took the long way, idleing by the crowds lined up to see 2Fast/2Furious, with a few Holley Blips of course, then by the other restaurant's crowds. The Fake Colorado valet said my car was looked over by many folks, who completely ignored the Turbo Porsche which was later parked right behind me.

We all departed, me being last as i had to cruise the places one more time, to the expected acclaim and shouts, then headed home under a cool summer moon. I have owned five English roadsters, and without a doubt, driving in the summer under the stars is to me about like being in a space shuttle, looking up at the Wonders of the Universe over me.

Entering South Carolina, slowed for the rest stop/welcome station, and as i had surmised, Chris was there waiting for me in his yellow Boxster, as he knows i never pass up a rest stop. I have cruised countless hundreds of them. We drove side by side, , under the cool night air, and came home.

All in all, about two tanks of 93 octane, and the best family time a man can have.

Got Bless our Military,

[Gordon Claunch]

Thanks Hal !!! Another great story, I love em!!!