Got Skunked!!
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So I'm 6hrs into the trip and cross into Missouri and take a pit stop. Back on the "on ramp" and taking the turn and I come across this little guy. I was on the curve and couldn't swerve, so I thougtht I could straddle him down the middle and he'd get under the car okay.
Apparently not.
So 5 hours later I pull into a gas station to refill. A cop pulls up next to me and says I got a T-shirt under my car. I bust out laughing and realize I've been dragging this poor creature for 5 hours. The cop calls his buddy and takes pictures b/c they can't believe it. Hands my some latex gloves and leaves. So my hitch hicker is now in a landfill somewhere in the Mighty MO.
Hunting was slow this year. Got some more partridge, but no deer this time around.
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Clocked about 3800 miles on this trip w/ no issues. I didn't really pay attention to MPG on this one.
Got to visit some members!!
Crossed into Canada to pick up some parts. Was hoping to do a mini meet in Toronto. Unfortunately Cobourg Classic and Ballade weren't able to meet up during my 2 hour stop - hopefully next time guys!!
RetroCRX was able to pick up the part from Cobourg for me and I met him over at his place. Got to shoot the bull for a few hours and see his minty car. He pulled out the restoration book and I'm amazed w/ what you have done w/ her. Great work and very glad to put a face and now a friend to a fellow RPR'r. Thnx again for the extra parts! I'll owe ya. And glad to see you store your baby in the winter. If I get that way again, I'll have to PM Tom. I had no idea he was in your neck of the woods.
Crossing the boarder took FOREVER.... So I cross the Detroit tunnel. Stop at Canadian customs. They need to charge me tarrif on my NOS travel kit (pump/alt/starter/main relay,...etc...) I pull out my receipt book thinking I"m prepared. They so no go b/c they don't track incomming/outgoing so its just easier to charge the tax.
I turn around to head back into Detroit. US customers stops me. They don't like my story of heading to Toronto to pick up parts and don't like travel kit of parts. They think I drove all the way from TX just to go to toronto. They search the car. An hour later I'm back in the States. Drive to my buddy's house and drop the parts.
Now back through my second time. I pay the tunnel fee and 2 customs agents are randomley stopping cars before they head through the tunnel. So they have a car stopped w/ trunk popped open in the middle of a 6 lane merge. I slowly stay to one side to pass. Joe Agent pops his head up and runs in front of my car to stop me. Says, " Woah, woah, where do you think you're going?" Shouts out, " are you carrying firearms, drugs (he sees my tX plate and must think I'm running the Columbian-Mexican-Canada express or something). I say no. Then he shouts (in bad cop voice), " Are you running away from a warrant". I couldn't hold it any longer and busted out laughing until I had tears in my eyes. I told him to search my car, I have all the time in the world. He smiled and said, "have a nice day!"
So 12 hours later, I'm back from Toronto and Crossing the tunnel again. I hand customs my hunting licenses, emails on the trip, google maps and reciepts for the parts. Third shift doesn't like the story either so they search the car again. I'm hanging in the lounge and then 2 agents come up on either side about 20 feet on either flank to pull security detail on me. Real quiet and deliberate, so I figured they found my 9mm clip I missed in my counsol when I swept the car before heading into Canada ( so the first search missed it). Anyway, they took extra special care in this search. I reminded them to take it easy on the 25yr old plastic and that it was irreplaceble - they didn't like that too much...
I'm heading back next winter so I'm sure I'll be stopped/searched now that I"m on the State Department's watch list.
Passed through Indianapolis and vistited Indyman for a while. Got to finally put the face to the voice. Great conversation and more great cars!
Actually saw a red 87si crx the day before I left in North Dallas. First one I've seen in 3yrs. Then I saw an HF or DX up in michigan along a 2 lane highway. Looked like that was sitting w/ other parked cars as part of a garage. Too late at night to stop and check out.
All an all a great trip.
If you got through this book, then I'm impressed.
Beater is back in the barn and will sit until next year's trip....