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 November's Fall Color Drive and Nursery
Tour will be fondly remembered for its true "seat of the pants" driving, delivering more "twisties" than a bowl of spaghetti. We started at the usual place with a caravan of some real classic cars - including three 1800 coupes, one ES, the P1900, two 122 wagons and three "square-fendered" 240's. First time SDVSA event attendees,
Ismael Bugarin and family from Hemet, toured in a nice 240 Turbo. There was also a very strange looking Japanese vehicle which was trying very hard to look like one of us, but was so ashamed that it stayed toward the back of the line.
The trip to Dudley's in Santa Ysabel was as scenic as ever with flashes of fall color along the way. We encountered some British cars, 3 MG's and an Austin Healey in the parking lot. Their drivers no doubt also enjoying the scenery, and the breads and pastries at Dudley's bakery. It was here that
Russ and Debbie Orrell realized that their car was in need of some vital fluids in order to keep its cool. There was no shortage of help or advice while we spent twenty minutes remedying the situation.
The drive to Julian became more interesting because Yours Truly got us lost somewhere between Eagle Peak and Pine Hills Road, so we did a full circle -- and this was not bad because the views were spectacular. Engineers Road, which was once an unpaved fire road, winds its way through the hills and valleys for what seems like many miles until it ends at Lake Cuyamaca. Here, while everyone had stopped to rest and take some pictures, Russ was adding more coolant and
Brad Benson was thinking about the noise in the wheel bearings after the twisty drive.
The tour continued through the Cuyamacas where the trees were still in Fall color, and then found our way to Japatul Valley Road south of I-8. The scenery in this area is very different, with high desert shrubs and fewer trees. The rolling hills were clearly outlined in the light haze as we
headed west to Jamul. When our club arrived at Simpson's Garden Town Nursery, we were given a very warm welcome by our hosts
Lee and Cathy Smith. Words cannot describe the ambiance of this venue - the place is a haven for the antique car "nut" and the horticulturists among us. There are several car museums, many acres of plants & trees, and a large grassy area surrounded by parking and picnic areas. Here we had a chance to meet each other and socialize over a picnic lunch.
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