Sunday, 20 September 2009
Sunday, 29 April 2007
April 29th - London and 'thank yous'
I have received a complaint from a reader of this blog, and he knows who that is, that I haven't finished the blog with a post from London!!
Well, to satisfy him, and anyone else who might be interested, we took off from Boston on Friday morning in a torrential downpour. How the weather changed over night! We considered ourselves lucky that we hadn't decided to stay another night in Boston, especially when we learnt that the temperature in London was in the mid seventies.
Our flight was a quick 6 hours and we landed at Heathrow at just after 7.30pm. Our taxi was waiting for us and we arrived back at our house in south-east London at 9.15pm. So, all in all, not a bad journey, though a sad one when we think of what a wonderful trip we have had and that it is now well and truly over.
The time has come to post our thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a fun trip. Here goes, hopefully in the order of the tour, and apologies if I have left anyone, or anything, out I should have mentioned.
Our son, Edward, in Malibu, who helped us so much before we arrived in the States, especially with arranging the collection and delivery of the cars after they arrived back from Panama in January. Thanks a million Ed.
Les and Barbara, in Malibu, for putting up with all my demands on them, before, during and now, after the trip.
Leejun & Jim Taylor, Vail, Colorado and Mayfield, New York for having us to stay at two of their homes and then letting me loose driving three of Jim's supercars! We are still hoping they might join us on the Tour of India. Even if you don't tour India, please come and stay with us in the UK. That goes for all our American friends.
The aliens in Roswell, though I still don't believe they ever came!!
Kenny & DeeAnne Croucher, El Paso, Texas for welcoming us to their home, their hospitality and finally for scaring the living daylights out of me when Kenny let Bob fly his plane, with me as a passenger in the back!
Ernie Nelan, El Paso, Texas for her fantastic salad.
Ahmad Fakhr, Lida and the two dogs (sorry I've forgotten their names), San Antonio, Texas, for their great hospitality, especially their wondeful Iranian cooking and then the guided tour of San Antonio.
The residents of New Orleans who have gone through hell with Hurricane Katrina and still managed to show us what a special place New Orleans is to visit. We will be back.
The cop who let me off the speeding ticket near Syracuse, New York.
The chef and his staff at the Inn at Essex, Vermont for the best meal out we have ever had.
The Bush family for allowing a parking lay-by opposite their house so that curious tourists can stop and take photos!
Herb from Mayfield/Gloversville, New York, for all the help he gave with the cars, and continues to give, and the lift to the airport.
The people of the United States who were always friendly, helpful and interested in the cars, our past tours and the tour of the States.
Finally, a very special thank you to Bob & Thelma who made the trip such fun for us. From the very first time I mentioned to them that we wanted to do this trip, their enthusiasm has never waned. They helped to make it 'another trip of a lifetime' for Wendy amd me, thank you both. We can't wait for India!
Well, to satisfy him, and anyone else who might be interested, we took off from Boston on Friday morning in a torrential downpour. How the weather changed over night! We considered ourselves lucky that we hadn't decided to stay another night in Boston, especially when we learnt that the temperature in London was in the mid seventies.
Our flight was a quick 6 hours and we landed at Heathrow at just after 7.30pm. Our taxi was waiting for us and we arrived back at our house in south-east London at 9.15pm. So, all in all, not a bad journey, though a sad one when we think of what a wonderful trip we have had and that it is now well and truly over.
The time has come to post our thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a fun trip. Here goes, hopefully in the order of the tour, and apologies if I have left anyone, or anything, out I should have mentioned.
Our son, Edward, in Malibu, who helped us so much before we arrived in the States, especially with arranging the collection and delivery of the cars after they arrived back from Panama in January. Thanks a million Ed.
Les and Barbara, in Malibu, for putting up with all my demands on them, before, during and now, after the trip.
Leejun & Jim Taylor, Vail, Colorado and Mayfield, New York for having us to stay at two of their homes and then letting me loose driving three of Jim's supercars! We are still hoping they might join us on the Tour of India. Even if you don't tour India, please come and stay with us in the UK. That goes for all our American friends.
The aliens in Roswell, though I still don't believe they ever came!!
Kenny & DeeAnne Croucher, El Paso, Texas for welcoming us to their home, their hospitality and finally for scaring the living daylights out of me when Kenny let Bob fly his plane, with me as a passenger in the back!
Ernie Nelan, El Paso, Texas for her fantastic salad.
Ahmad Fakhr, Lida and the two dogs (sorry I've forgotten their names), San Antonio, Texas, for their great hospitality, especially their wondeful Iranian cooking and then the guided tour of San Antonio.
The residents of New Orleans who have gone through hell with Hurricane Katrina and still managed to show us what a special place New Orleans is to visit. We will be back.
The cop who let me off the speeding ticket near Syracuse, New York.
The chef and his staff at the Inn at Essex, Vermont for the best meal out we have ever had.
The Bush family for allowing a parking lay-by opposite their house so that curious tourists can stop and take photos!
Herb from Mayfield/Gloversville, New York, for all the help he gave with the cars, and continues to give, and the lift to the airport.
The people of the United States who were always friendly, helpful and interested in the cars, our past tours and the tour of the States.
Finally, a very special thank you to Bob & Thelma who made the trip such fun for us. From the very first time I mentioned to them that we wanted to do this trip, their enthusiasm has never waned. They helped to make it 'another trip of a lifetime' for Wendy amd me, thank you both. We can't wait for India!
Thursday, 26 April 2007
April 26th - Mayfield, New York to Boston, Massachusettes
Our hosts for the past three days, Jim & Leejun, left for their trip to New Orleans before we woke. Jim had arranged for his friend, Herb, to take us all to Albany where we were hiring a car from Hertz for the drive to Boston and Bob & Thelma were taking the Amtrak to New York.
We loaded all our luggage into Herb's van and followed him in our Landcruisers to where they were going to be stored for the next four months, before they are shipped to India in late August. We parked the cars and took the photo below, as we said goodbye to our very reliable vehicles.
The drive to Albany took less than an hour and we collected our rental car and said goodbye to Bob & Thelma and Herb. We all agreed that there hadn't been one day that we had not enjoyed and there was a general feeling of sadness that it was now coming to an end.
We left Albany and drove the 170 miles to Boston on the Interstate Highway. We arrived around 2pm and had the time to do a walking tour of the area near the hotel. We saw the Old State Building
We then walked to see the current State House 
We took this photo of the State House from Boston Common.
A short distance from Boston Common is the Granary Burial Ground, where Benjamin Franklin's parents are buried
. Finally a photo of the really awful looking Boston City Hall.
We are up early tomorrow to catch our 8.20am flight for London. A great adventure is about to end.
We loaded all our luggage into Herb's van and followed him in our Landcruisers to where they were going to be stored for the next four months, before they are shipped to India in late August. We parked the cars and took the photo below, as we said goodbye to our very reliable vehicles.
The drive to Albany took less than an hour and we collected our rental car and said goodbye to Bob & Thelma and Herb. We all agreed that there hadn't been one day that we had not enjoyed and there was a general feeling of sadness that it was now coming to an end.We left Albany and drove the 170 miles to Boston on the Interstate Highway. We arrived around 2pm and had the time to do a walking tour of the area near the hotel. We saw the Old State Building
We then walked to see the current State House 
We took this photo of the State House from Boston Common.
A short distance from Boston Common is the Granary Burial Ground, where Benjamin Franklin's parents are buried
. Finally a photo of the really awful looking Boston City Hall.
We are up early tomorrow to catch our 8.20am flight for London. A great adventure is about to end.
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
April 25th - Mayfield, New York
We started the day by driving to Jim's garage to have my car checked over before we leave it with Jim and then it is shipped to India in August. I found that the front wheel alignment was 'out' as the front tyres are wearing unevenly. Jim has kindly asked his friend, Herb, to help us sort out any problems. So, Herb is arranging for the car to go to a wheel alignment centre as well as to a service garage for the engine oil and filter to be changed.
Jim had arranged for us to drive some of his cars! We collected a Ford GT40, a Chevy Corvette Z06 and an Aston Martin Vanquish S!!!
All three cars have engines producing over 500bhp! To see them going in convoy to Saratoga Springs was quite something. First, we went to the Saratoga Motor Museum where Jim is a founding member and major supporter. A very interesting dsiplay of motorbikes and old cars is currently being shown. Steve McQueen's US Army bike used in the film, The Great Escape'
A stunningly beautiful Pierce Arrow from the early thirties.
In the afternoon we took a three hour drive north of Saratoga Springs to Lake George, another location famed for victorious battles against the British. Close by is one of the children adventure camps that Jim is heavily involved with, the Double H, Hole in the Woods. These camps, there are now six of them in the US, were started by the film star Paul Newman. You can look at their website to find out exactly how they help disadvantaged children (www.doublehranch.org) We then drove down through the mountains to join a great twisty drive along the shores of Lake Sacandaga, before returning to Mayfield. It was an unbelievable experience as we took turns to drive all three cars. 'The saying 'boys with their toys' comes to mind as I look at the three cars parked by the side of the road, with Bob and Jim about to drive away.
We dropped the cars back at the garage and collected the two Landcruisers. It will take some time to get used to the 4x4's again!!
This evening we went out to a local restaurant for our farewell dinner with Jim, Leejun, Bob & Thelma. Bob and Thelma will be flying out of JFK, New York on Friday, whereas we are flying from Boston. Tomorrow Jim & Leejun are flying to New Orleans, while we drive to Boston and Bob & Thelma take the train from Albany to New York. The end of a wonderful trip is nearly upon us.
Jim had arranged for us to drive some of his cars! We collected a Ford GT40, a Chevy Corvette Z06 and an Aston Martin Vanquish S!!!
All three cars have engines producing over 500bhp! To see them going in convoy to Saratoga Springs was quite something. First, we went to the Saratoga Motor Museum where Jim is a founding member and major supporter. A very interesting dsiplay of motorbikes and old cars is currently being shown. Steve McQueen's US Army bike used in the film, The Great Escape'
A stunningly beautiful Pierce Arrow from the early thirties.
In the afternoon we took a three hour drive north of Saratoga Springs to Lake George, another location famed for victorious battles against the British. Close by is one of the children adventure camps that Jim is heavily involved with, the Double H, Hole in the Woods. These camps, there are now six of them in the US, were started by the film star Paul Newman. You can look at their website to find out exactly how they help disadvantaged children (www.doublehranch.org) We then drove down through the mountains to join a great twisty drive along the shores of Lake Sacandaga, before returning to Mayfield. It was an unbelievable experience as we took turns to drive all three cars. 'The saying 'boys with their toys' comes to mind as I look at the three cars parked by the side of the road, with Bob and Jim about to drive away.
We dropped the cars back at the garage and collected the two Landcruisers. It will take some time to get used to the 4x4's again!!This evening we went out to a local restaurant for our farewell dinner with Jim, Leejun, Bob & Thelma. Bob and Thelma will be flying out of JFK, New York on Friday, whereas we are flying from Boston. Tomorrow Jim & Leejun are flying to New Orleans, while we drive to Boston and Bob & Thelma take the train from Albany to New York. The end of a wonderful trip is nearly upon us.
April 24th - Mayfield, New York
Our first full day here with Jim & Leejun. The weather continues to be fine, though the temperature has fallen from the high eighties we had yesterday.
Jim & Leejun had planned a full day of visits for us. First off was a tour of Jim's truly incredible collection of cars. We followed him in his Ferrari Super America, one of only 100 imported into the United States.
A fine prelude to visiting his truly incredible collections of cars. He has over 100, with wonderful examples of many great Jaguars, Aston Martins, Maseratis, Fords, Chevy Corvettes and numerous other makes of car from all over the world. He insists on driving them, and they are all kept in full road running order.
A stunning Maserati Ghibli, with Jaguar E Types and S Types in the background.
Amongst the Jaguars he has a very rare blue 1955 'D'Type No.515.
This is the cockpit of the D Type.
Here is the pristine Jaguar XK220, with the D Type (bonnet/hood up) in the background.
This is a beautiful 1931 Cadillac, in front of his extensive range of American made cars from the 20's, 30's and 40's. You may be able to pick out the 1946 Buick 'Woody' on the far right.
The three of us, Bob, Jim and myself discussing the Cadillac
More early American cars.
One of the large collection of Aston Martins.
We then went on to see his manufacturing business, the Taylor Made Corporation. No, not golf clubs, but the largest manufacturer of windscreens for yachts and boats in the world. He has factories in the US, Ireland, UK, Australia and New Zealand. We were given a complete tour of the factory seeing how the windscreens are made. Close by is another large factory where they manufacture accessories for boats like fenders and boat covers. In fact, they have over 20,000 different product items. It is a very impressive operation and is the largest employer in the Gloversville region of New York state.
Jim & Leejun had planned a full day of visits for us. First off was a tour of Jim's truly incredible collection of cars. We followed him in his Ferrari Super America, one of only 100 imported into the United States.
A fine prelude to visiting his truly incredible collections of cars. He has over 100, with wonderful examples of many great Jaguars, Aston Martins, Maseratis, Fords, Chevy Corvettes and numerous other makes of car from all over the world. He insists on driving them, and they are all kept in full road running order.
A stunning Maserati Ghibli, with Jaguar E Types and S Types in the background.
Amongst the Jaguars he has a very rare blue 1955 'D'Type No.515.
This is the cockpit of the D Type.
Here is the pristine Jaguar XK220, with the D Type (bonnet/hood up) in the background.
This is a beautiful 1931 Cadillac, in front of his extensive range of American made cars from the 20's, 30's and 40's. You may be able to pick out the 1946 Buick 'Woody' on the far right.
The three of us, Bob, Jim and myself discussing the Cadillac
More early American cars.
One of the large collection of Aston Martins.
We then went on to see his manufacturing business, the Taylor Made Corporation. No, not golf clubs, but the largest manufacturer of windscreens for yachts and boats in the world. He has factories in the US, Ireland, UK, Australia and New Zealand. We were given a complete tour of the factory seeing how the windscreens are made. Close by is another large factory where they manufacture accessories for boats like fenders and boat covers. In fact, they have over 20,000 different product items. It is a very impressive operation and is the largest employer in the Gloversville region of New York state.
Monday, 23 April 2007
April 23rd - Bennington, Vermont to Mayfield, New York
Today was our last day of driving. We can't believe that it is now four weeks since we left Malibu. We have driven over 6,400 miles, visited 18 states and gone from the Pacific to the Atlantic. What a wonderful experience it has been.
We left our hotel, The Four Chimney Inn, and drove to the Bennington Monument.
This colossal obelisk, over 300ft tall and the highest structure in Vermont, was built at the end of the 19th century to commemorate the victory over the British at the Battle of Bennington during the War of Independence. There is a lift inside the monument, but sadly there was a power failure and we were unable to go to the top and see the three states visible; Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.
Just around the corner from the monument was the Bennington Museum. Here they have a display, dedicated to Grandma Moses who was a local resident. The exhibition is housed in the old schoolhouse she used. It was moved from its original location in a town near Bennington, to the museum.
Grandma Moses came to fame in the 1940'a for her paintings that depicted rural life in Vermont. She lived to over 100 and has become one of the most renowned American 20th century artists. Next door to the museum is the chuch where Robert Frost, the American poet, is buried.
Unfortunately the church was locked so we couldn't see the inside but we were able to see Frost's grave.
We then went to the Park-McCullough mansion, a fine example of 19th century American architecture.
The mansion was built by a 19th century lawyer who made his money in the gold rush. It was the former residence of two governors of Vermont.
Nearby were three more covered bridges. We have now found out that they were built this way to give the bridges protection from the weather.
We left Bennington for Saratoga Springs, just across the border, in New York state. Saratoga Springs is famous for its spring water as well as horse racing, It was a favourite recreational area in the early 20th century. The drive then took us the final 30 miles to where Jim & Leejun Taylor live in Mayfield on the shore of lake Sacandaga.
Above is the view across the lake from their back garden. A wonderful location.
We left our hotel, The Four Chimney Inn, and drove to the Bennington Monument.
This colossal obelisk, over 300ft tall and the highest structure in Vermont, was built at the end of the 19th century to commemorate the victory over the British at the Battle of Bennington during the War of Independence. There is a lift inside the monument, but sadly there was a power failure and we were unable to go to the top and see the three states visible; Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.Just around the corner from the monument was the Bennington Museum. Here they have a display, dedicated to Grandma Moses who was a local resident. The exhibition is housed in the old schoolhouse she used. It was moved from its original location in a town near Bennington, to the museum.
Grandma Moses came to fame in the 1940'a for her paintings that depicted rural life in Vermont. She lived to over 100 and has become one of the most renowned American 20th century artists. Next door to the museum is the chuch where Robert Frost, the American poet, is buried.
Unfortunately the church was locked so we couldn't see the inside but we were able to see Frost's grave.
We then went to the Park-McCullough mansion, a fine example of 19th century American architecture.
The mansion was built by a 19th century lawyer who made his money in the gold rush. It was the former residence of two governors of Vermont.Nearby were three more covered bridges. We have now found out that they were built this way to give the bridges protection from the weather.
We left Bennington for Saratoga Springs, just across the border, in New York state. Saratoga Springs is famous for its spring water as well as horse racing, It was a favourite recreational area in the early 20th century. The drive then took us the final 30 miles to where Jim & Leejun Taylor live in Mayfield on the shore of lake Sacandaga.
Above is the view across the lake from their back garden. A wonderful location.
April 22nd - Kennebunkport, Maine to Bennington, Vermont
Once again we have been blessed with wonderful weather. The temperature is in the high 70's and forecast to get even hotter in the next day or so.
Bob & Thelma have decided to head towards Cape Cod for the final night of the tour, before we arrive at Jim & Leejun Taylor's house for three nights, whilst we hare driving about 200 miles due eat to the town of Bennington in Vermont. Before we left Kennebunkport we drove to see the summer residence of former President George Bush Snr. The compound is set on a promontory and is guarded by Federal security men. Apparently, George and Barbara Bush are keen and active supporters of the local community.
We then did some shopping in the town and we bought a print of the coastline done by a local artist, Will Cunha.
We took the freeway south and then turned east as we left Maine, entered New Hampshire and then Vermont. We had lunch in the small town of Keene. We visited one of the covered bridge just south of town which are being restored and have become visitor attractions.
We then drove to the town of Brattleboro through wonderful wooded scenery. We discovered that Rudyard Kipling lived for 20 years at Dummerston, a village north of Brattleboro.
It was at Dummerston that he wrote the Jungle Books. We had to drive along dirt tracks to see his house, but it was well worth it. Because my my mother as a young child looked like the Mowgli, Kipling's character from the Jungle Book, it was a special moment for me to look at the house where he had written the books.
We continued our drive on via Hog Back Mountain, where we looked out over wooded hills to three states: New York, Vermont & Massechusettes.
Our final destination was Bennington near the state border with New York. We were staying at the Four Chimneys Hotel.
This is an old house, converted into a small hotel, with 12 rooms. Set in 11 acres it was a marvellous place to end our day.
Bob & Thelma have decided to head towards Cape Cod for the final night of the tour, before we arrive at Jim & Leejun Taylor's house for three nights, whilst we hare driving about 200 miles due eat to the town of Bennington in Vermont. Before we left Kennebunkport we drove to see the summer residence of former President George Bush Snr. The compound is set on a promontory and is guarded by Federal security men. Apparently, George and Barbara Bush are keen and active supporters of the local community.
We then did some shopping in the town and we bought a print of the coastline done by a local artist, Will Cunha.
We took the freeway south and then turned east as we left Maine, entered New Hampshire and then Vermont. We had lunch in the small town of Keene. We visited one of the covered bridge just south of town which are being restored and have become visitor attractions.
We then drove to the town of Brattleboro through wonderful wooded scenery. We discovered that Rudyard Kipling lived for 20 years at Dummerston, a village north of Brattleboro.
It was at Dummerston that he wrote the Jungle Books. We had to drive along dirt tracks to see his house, but it was well worth it. Because my my mother as a young child looked like the Mowgli, Kipling's character from the Jungle Book, it was a special moment for me to look at the house where he had written the books.We continued our drive on via Hog Back Mountain, where we looked out over wooded hills to three states: New York, Vermont & Massechusettes.
Our final destination was Bennington near the state border with New York. We were staying at the Four Chimneys Hotel.
This is an old house, converted into a small hotel, with 12 rooms. Set in 11 acres it was a marvellous place to end our day.
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