California Cruisin'

[theboppshop]

I just returned home from NorCal on Sunday afternoon after participating in the Wine Country Cobra Club, 4th of July cruise (also known as the Second Occasional Un-Event). We had 12 cars plus a support vehicle … and a whole lot of really great people. The event was kicked off with a BBQ at Rick and Dian Anderson’s shop. The 4 days kind of blurred together with roughly 650 miles of cruising. Activities included participating in a 4th of July parade in Calistoga, CA, driving the “Avenue of the Giants” redwood forest, and driving through the “Drive Through Tree.” The manager of the “Drive Through Tree” loves his job, because in his words, “Car shows come to me.” He stated that our group was the best “car show” he had seen! Lunches were “al fresco” as the support vehicle had numerous coolers with water, sodas, beer, sandwich fixings, fruit, cookies … pretty much everything but the kitchen sink! Driving down the California coastline on Rte 1 was just incredible. Twisty roads and stunning scenery made for a wonderful drive. At Fort Bragg, we boarded the Skunk Train for a ride through a Redwood forest and ended up at a mountain camp, where dinner was served, picnic style. The Point Arena lighthouse was a very popular stop as we had the opportunity for a guided tour of the lighthouse, including climbing the 145 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Whole lot of huffing and puffing but everyone survived the climb. Driving the Golden Gate Bridge was quite an experience as the area was blanketed with traditional San Francisco fog. Once in the city, we took the scenic cruise down famous Lombard Street, the twistiest street in the US. Upon departing San Francisco, we headed north to the Napa Valley for a great tour, wine tasting and lunch at the Trinchero Winery. The afternoon was spent at the home of Tom and Carolyn Coon, just unwinding after 4 days of cruising. Farewell dinner was at the Bear Republic Brewing Company in Healdsburg, CA.
A huge “Thank You” to Rick and Diane Anderson and Karen Salvaggio, who organized this “un-event.” The cruise was a tremendous success with great camaraderie shared with old and new friends. Here are a few pics … ok, a LOT of pics.
Garry

[theboppshop]

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[theboppshop]

[Ryan_W]

Wow Garry, what a wonderful trip! Looks like you guys had a great time.

[theboppshop]

Yes, Ryan, it was a great time! Flying back out to NorCal tomorrow to take the rig over to Salt Lake City to join up with the Utah Cobra Club for a 5 day cruise ... more pics to follow, I'm sure!

Garry

[NOT "Miss Piggy"!]

What...you went without me?!?

Great photos Garry! Looks like y'all had a helluva time!

[Jim Doak]

That looks like a great trip with some beautiful scenery, and I see some past Utah Cobra Cruisers in the pics.

And how about the size of that Redwood!!

[Russ Thompson]

Wow, Rick didn't tell me you were doing the run Garry and you should have called when you got down to SF,I could have hooked up with you guys.
Oh well, see you at the Historics!

Great pictures, you have to admit, Calif. has some great countryside!

[bstuke]

Very nice Garry.

[turbodon]

And we also placed First in the Parade;

Silverado Fourth of July Parade wrap-up
The Silverado Fourth of July Parade rolled through Calistoga last week. Following are the parade award-winners, as reported by the Napa County Fair Association.




• Antique Car, Post-1933, Modified: First, Wine Country Cobra Club; second, Soroptimist International of Calistoga; third, Bouchaine Vineyards

[vnmsss]

Thanks for posting the photos and great story, Garry. We had an awesome time cruising Northern California with you and all of our adventurous and fun-loving travellers. What a great group!!!

Very cool that the Wine Country Cobra Club (the "un"-club) won 1st place in the parade. I think those decorations and patriotic poppers, so generously supplied by John and Victoria Tongish paid off! Good times!!!! See you later today to begin summer adventure #2!!!

Karen

[cobradawg]

Thanks for the great pictures! My wife and I took a similar tour of that area in may, except in a rental car. The redwoods, the coast, the golden gate, and the wine country, all incredible. Your pictures have me ready to go back again. Poat more if you have them.

[theboppshop]

Russ,

I didn't think of calling you ... your coupe would have made a great addition to the group! Glad to hear you'll be at Monterey. See you then.

Garry

[turbodon]

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[turbodon]

[tcoon]

Awesome pics Gary and Don! What a fun trip! Already thinking about options for next year. See you all in Monterey.

Tom