Well we Started our dream vacation. Left home (Stallings, NC) on 04/08 and headed west on what is called the southern route. Stopped a lot, saw a lot, took a lot of pictures (coming later). On the 16th we got a call that Judy's brother Jerry had a massive stroke and wasn't expected to make it. We were close to charmalu so went to see Charlie and Adele while trying to decide what to do. 2800 miles from home, do we just head the 500 east, peddle to the metal, leave the 500 with charlie and get him to take us to the closest airport and fly home, or just continue on until we hear more about her Jerry?
While at Charlies, we get a call that Jerry is stable, so we decided to continue for the time being. Sorry, we didn't get any pictures at Charlie's. That was just not on our minds. We stayed a couple of hours and just talked. Charlie and Adele are wonderful people and were very willing to listen to us about our problem. They offered to do ANYTHING they could to help. We got a call this morning 04/17 that Jerry was doing better and could communicate (not actually talk) but knew what was going on which is an improvement. All the family members are telling us to just continue on our trip regardless of what happens, but that will be very hard to do. At this point we are just playing it by ear.
Any prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Paul

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

All the best Paul

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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!

Paul and Judy we really enjoyed our visit with you even though it was such a short time. We pray that you have the strength to cope with this emotional time, as your brother gets well.

Have a safe trip home.

Paul and Judy have a real nice 500SEL, you can tell it has been on the road for a while by the collection of bug trophies on the front end.



I hope Lombard street in San Francisco was a fun experience. That is a steep windy street for sure.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

One of my brothers in law had a massive stroke last year. He is struggling mightily with the recovery process. It has really turned their world upside down...emotionally and financially. Best wishes to your family.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks everyone.
Judy's brother is doing much better. Still has a long way to go but he is a fighter. Every one in the family has said for us to continue our trip as planed. There is nothing we would be able to do right now. If things change, we will just turn East with the peddle to the matel and be home in 3 days or less.
SF was the most fun I have had in a long time. Lombard St was something everyone should see. We did it twice. The fun part was the steep hills. It's a miracle that I still have an exhaust system. Only problem was that the hood on the 126 is so long that when you get to the top of a hill you can only see the sky.

Thanks again for the kind words.

Paul

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

Well, we made it back home. We made quick stops at Old Faithful and Mount Rushmore then headed home. Got home on wednesday 04/23 and stoped by the hospital to see Jerry. He has made some improvments but has a long way to go.
We drove 7,144 miles and averaged 18.5 mpg for the trip. The trip home was hard and long but the old 500 never missed a lick. It did its job with flying colors.
Pictures will follow but it will take a few days to get everything sorted out.

Paul

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)