Yes, it's exciting, isn't it?

The Iberian and the Odessey . . .

__________________
" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

Day 17: California is the Dream (listen to today's theme)
The morning started under a geodesic ceiling, with a good bowl of oatmeal and a scenic cruise to church. I might have spoken a lot about Rich, but I swear, his wife, Bev, is just as incredible. Today, I went to church with her, given my curiosity about American Catholicism (I am a Catholic myself) and the opportunity to see her singing in the chorus... not to be missed!

We drove up to a modest construction next to the church, where we soon were greeted by a smiling man who looked like Steven Spielberg. I am terrible for names, but all I can say is that the room where we all gathered soon filled quickly with energetic personalities, ready to propel into the heavens through the sheer power of their voices.

After some practice (nailing down the hymns, working on enunciation), we went to the church itself, a wonderfully simple building surrounded by wall-to-ceiling stained glass panels detailing the Seven Sacraments, using water (its flow, its life-giving powers) as a continuous theme throughout the congregation room. I had some wonderful conversation with a professional Master Theologist, Anne, on life, choices, skills, travel, pride, selfishness and evil. Then, Mass followed.

The first thing I noticed about the Catholic ceremony, compared to its Spanish counterpart, is the lack of fear. The American God is an accepting God, just as American culture itself, with its many waves of immigrants. He is there NOT to smite you, not to burn you alive, or to make you repent your own existence on a daily basis. There were also a few very concrete ceremonial differences (holding hands, go to the altar anyway to receive a blessing if not fully confessed, sprinkling with Holy Water...), but the fact that one did not feel miserable after the service was the greatest. For a change, I was inundated with optimism and joy.

After lunch, Rich and I arrived to the conclusion that the bouncing was my driver's side tire. Phew! He had to change a tire in his 280E, so we killed two birds with one shot and got an Klondike ice cream taco afterward. And it was all good. Tacos seem to have that power, for some reason.

We changed the tires, looked for some clean door rubber strips to replace one of mine, tightened the fuel filter with a new aluminum washer, and we were all set. We played a little with an outdoor cat, a rather lazy one, before Rich's friends arrived in a W123 300D and a W116 300SD. We had a good few Blues Brothers reference moments, and soon enough I was invited to take a look at a mint 1980 wagon, a gorgeous gold-on-brown, 100k-mile example with the strangest bundt hubcaps I have ever seen.

We spent so much time drooling on that loop upholstery Rich became worried. A quick repacking of luggage and a turn of the ignition, and we were on a roller coaster of countryside curves towards the highway, ready to eat at the big diner for our Los Angeles area GTG.

Sometimes coincidences happen, many a time in beautiful, magical ways. Today evening we arrived to a vintage car show to host our... own car show. Corvettes of all eras, 1960s Mustangs, a 1939 Chevy sedan, and many other beauties full of muscle and (occasionally) tackiness.

A dim clatter in the distance announced Nate's arrival, who was soon followed by Jim's 560SEC, a W123 300D and a 190D 2.5T. We talked, and shot photos, and kept talking about benzes, geography, and travel. Many people started gathering around the Scotty, curious about such oddball trailer in that parking lot. I was honored, but not as honored as when I received a voltage regulator from Nate; "a welcome to America gift", in his own words. I must say, he really made me think about the meaning of my experience in the context of this country, and really made me realize that, in the broader context of history, a 22-year-old with an old Benz and a lot of creative ideas still has a lot to give to this country.

The burger (thank you, Nate!) was fantastic. I lost count of how many I have eaten, but surely I would get a stomachache if I saw them all on a table. I participated in two simultaneous conversations, one of which carried on in the parking lot (on alternative fuels).

I was in Route 66. And I was headed for Santa Monica. And where does Route 66 end? In the Santa Monica pier! That would be the end of my western travels, leaving only about 500 miles north of that precise point. Much like in Florida, I had reached the water at the other side of the country. So I kept going on 66, passing through sketchy downtown.

I parked in front of my friend's house, who happened to be with his family for his graduation. I knew the neighborhood well, a perfect place to park the Scotty and take a deep sleep.


Fat cat who refuses to move.


It won't do anything!


The Benz collection, with the little oddball sticking out.


Am I in a dealership? Oh, it is just California.


100k mile wagon. With the brown third seat!


Rich's friends in Hesperia. Not sure if they are on PeachParts.


Does this look like a $200 car to you? Well, it was.


Rich and Bev. What you see behind is the reason he's ROLLGUY.


Outskirts of Hesperia, ready for the roller coaster.


And then we drove towards the heavens.


This was the car show to precede our show.


Oye, guey, no pongas el Chevy 350! Pongale un diesel, amigo!


This... is too much... for an engine bay.


Let the GTG be started!


Dear Bree: I confess I have seen a lot of nice asses today.


The wild bunch.


How cute! This jerrycan will fit in your spare wheel hole!


Putting things in perspective.


Jim_B, me, WVNate, ROLLGUY, imdji and dieselchatter.


I got on the road to make the night mine.


End of 66. Now, I will head North soon.

__________________
[GONE] - 1995 Mercedes E300 Diesel - 130k miles - Smoke Silver (702) over Mushroom leather (265) - Bladder blasting, coast-to-coast work machine.

My brother is Dennis (imdji) & Buzz (dieselchatter)

__________________

All Diesel Fleet
1985 R107 300SLD TURBODIESEL
2005 E320 CDI (daily)

LOTS of parts for sale!


EGR block kit
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/355250-sale-egr-delete-block-off-plate-kit.html

1985 CA emissions 617 owners- You Need This!
Sanden style A/C Compressor Mounting Kit for your 616/ 617 For Sale + Install Inst.

Sanden Instalation Guide (post 11):
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/367883-sanden-retrofit-installation-guide.html

I assume and hope you take 101 North! Stop in San Luis Obispo and eat at Firestones Grill downtown. Best tri-tip sandwiches!


Firestone Grill‎
1001 Higuera St # A
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3603
(805) 783-1001

I'd also recommend this place for breakfast, get the burrito

Breakfast Buzz
295 Santa Rosa Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
(805) 784-0232 ‎


If you don't have lodging in the area, there are a few regional and state parks you could camp in and get a shower.

__________________
93 300E 2.8 - The Beezy
05 Mazda3 Hatch - The Zoom

http://www.fuelly.com/smallsig-us/66774.png
http://www.fuelly.com/smallsig-us/24183.png

What's a "tri tip sandwich?"

__________________
" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

X2

Perhaps it is a Bermuda triangle sandwich on holiday?

A pyramid of delight? (and they just can't count the points)

A sandwich that is so good you tip three times more than you would normally?

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!

Day 18: Bath of Gold (listen to today's theme)
Currently leeching from the free wi-fi of Starbucks, I realize how close to the end of this trip I am. So many landscapes, so many peoples, so many skies. And I mention skies very consciously, because the quality of the light in each part of the country seems to be different. Watch a Pixar movie, for example: the sky will be the color blue of the California sky; while the one I left behind in Providence seemed to be more subdued, mild.

The colors of California are bright and saturated. Everything is very alive in the Golden State, except for rust –Newport is very thankful about this.

The day started in my friend's beautiful suburban neighborhood, where the streets are names after trees that were not there. Complete peace. I had to joing Jim_B in San Fernando Valley, to meet Enrique, a fellow Spaniard and globetrotter, so I put up with 405 traffic. Bleh.

Enrique (Mr. MB Motors) moved out of Spain –for financial reasons– in 1961 and, after a short stay in Brazil and realizing how little their money was worth, moved on to South Africa, where he would work in several shops for the next 16 years. In 1984 he moved to the US and soon started his own shop, where he currently works. He loves what he does, and could very well retire in complete comfort. However, his profession as become his life, as I hope mine to be, and does it out of sheer pleasure. He has nothing to lose, so he dedicated himself to provide the best, most honest service he could possibly give, out of pure kindness, not hunger for money. He is a truly admirable figure I (now) look up to.

At this point I have realized how much of a hassle it is to drive amongst aggressive Californians with a trailer that limits one's visibility, so I decided to unhook it and leave it at my friend's driveway back in Santa Monica.

Most of the day I spent in Malibu, being a jackass and cruising slowly ion Highway One, then flooring the throttle as soon as a hill comes up, feeling one with the car, enjoying such bliss, such peace, that I almost forgot I was driving, or what I was driving. At that point everything I understood was the sheer joy of motion, and its most perceptual aspects: the sound of the engine (a throaty hum), ahead of me; the air circulating through the car, brushing my forearms; the sun playing with the hood star.

Then, I stopped at Zuma Beach. I thought of running into the ocean like I had done in Florida, but something changed. I had stopped. I really did not like the thought of getting out of the car, despite having one of California's most beautiful beaches in front of me. I wanted more of Newport, I wanted more of this Communion with Motion. So I headed back to Santa Monica. My gosh, I am an addict now.

Halfway to the city I get a phone call. "My parents got a call from the neighbor, they say there is a U-Haul or something in the driveway. Do you know anything about this?". Whoops. I rather hurry before they think it is a nuclear artifact and call the police, or a tow company.

Once in Santa Monica, I sat down to reflect. My friend's family is in Rhode Island for his graduation ceremony; my other friend is in Georgia; my idol, Peter Hannan, was in a New York; and my fellow comic strip artist in Orange County did not answer the phone. Everybody I knew was away!

I had already visited the Mercedes Classic Center, and if I did it again, I'd like to be with fellow MB fans. So, again, and much like in Arizona, I sped up the trip and resolved to drive up scenic Highway 1.

Today's entry is named after the hills after Lompoc, a sight worthy to mention. It was sunset, so the hills (smooth as the bodies of sleeping goddesses, laying, colossal, next to the road) were bathed in a golden haze, as if all the fireflies in the world had decided to sneeze at the same time. The brightness of all was so intense I could not manage to take a decent picture of it, so, dear members, I leave it up to you to visit this place and check it for yourselves. Now I know why they call it the Golden State, my own, very personal El Dorado.

Much to my disadvantage, overnight parking was forbidden in all seaside stops. Not only that, Highway 1 was closed about 26 miles past Hearst Castle. Luckily, I found the San Simeon National Park, where I parked as effortlessly and disdainfully as the Dukes of Hazzard. Just across three parking spots, that would be my home for the night.

Before going to bed, I stared up. And, upon this magnificent, humbling sight, I laid on top of Newport and kept looking up. The sky was clear, sprinkles with such starry beauty, it seemed as if, before going to bed, God himself had stroked the fibers in his toothbrush all over the heavens.

Shortly after, I joined the night.


Santa Monica rest.


Welcome to the genuine Los Angeles experience! Sit back and relax!


There is no possible way I can be suddle with this.


How many Spaniards can you count?


Heading back to the Ocean; traffic is better now.


Occasionally, your mind will be blow by local beauty –without notice.


Isn't this screaming CALIFORNIA?


Old Art Deco theater in Wilshire Boulevard.


It's beautiful and refreshing, but I AM NOT DRIVING!


Down the hill, heading towards Malibu for the second time.


Lots of crops, and bright colors.


There's a bright golden haze in the meadow...

- - - - - - - - -

The SF GTG will happen soon! I will see you at the Workshop MB in Emeryville on Saturday, June 11th starting at 10am.

__________________
[GONE] - 1995 Mercedes E300 Diesel - 130k miles - Smoke Silver (702) over Mushroom leather (265) - Bladder blasting, coast-to-coast work machine.

I hear you Miguel ! .

I too love spending time behind the wheel of my trusty 300CD , it's my favorite vehicle to drive ~ even better than my Motos .

Sorry you didn't say you would be here longer , I coulda taken time off to show you some really pretty So. Cal. places , fun to drive too , no traffic ! .

Drive hard , far & wide but , safely please .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

You think Driving the 405 Sucks with a trailer, Try a tow truck. That was interesting. people will be courteous to a car and trailer, but a big honkin truck they wont lol. Looks like you hit rush hour too. I'm glad you made it to CA. I'm sad this thread will end, It really has been a fun journey for all of us

__________________
hum.....
1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed

The tri tip is a cut of beef popular on the west coast. It's a triangular muscle cut from the lower part of the sirloin, is technically a roast but is a particularly tender and lean cut of beef which is often prepared and served as steak.

Coincidentally, New York steak houses that serve tri tip sometimes call it...dig this, Newport Steak.

I am not making this up.

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I travel all over the country, and it never occurred to me that tri-tip is a West Coast thing.

Is that true?

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Well, I can safely go to bed now, having learned my one new thing for the day . . . Randy, you re truly a fount of information when it comes to matters related to beef. I hope to meet you one of these days. How far are you from Austin?

__________________
" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

You tell me.

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

87mi from Austin...just a conversation away. We have a small guest house with what has to be the most perfect porch. You are welcome to come see the place and stay a few days anytime.

In case you hadn't figured it out already, (grassfed) beef is my business. I'd be a damned poor producer if I didn't know all I could about it.

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Hey,

I live off I95 in Northern Maryland (fallston, md), if you need a place to stop for the night, you have a place to stop. Hell, if you just want to swing by and say hi, that would be great.

I drove my 1980 240d from San Diego to Maryland about 3 months ago, enjoy it!