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 display 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.