knightfan26917

*nods* Thanks, guys ... I appreciate the support! Balthazar ... AMEN. *sighs* * 'Fraid this is just a "quick" visit again ... basically to let ya'll know that my appointment with the surgeon is THIS Thursday, September 15, 2011. Some background details: My 3 previous open heart surgeries were... ...November 1977, 1st pig's valve installed ...March 1987, 2nd pig's valve installed (outgrew 1st one) ...January 2003, 3rd pig's valve installed (2nd one too calcified) & 1st pacemaker installed Hope everyone remembered on 9|11. I had a good day with... ..."Nephew Time": http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2430260958146&set=a.2430259678114.2146020.1300282613&type=1&l=f202ae6938 ...and a Cruise Night: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2430273918470&set=a.2430259678114.2146020.1300282613&type=1&l=f202ae6938 Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Someday tomorrow will smile" __ Oak Ridge Boys __ 'Dream On'

* Hard to believe cruise night season is nearly over. Hope to see some of you yet this year.... Pics from the entire year are here: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/2011CruiseNights MORE HIGHLIGHTS! ...SUNDAY, 09/11/2011, Elgin's Rookie's: ...Saturday, 08/27/2011, S Elgin's Beef Villa: ...Sunday, 08/28/2011, Elgin's Rookie's: Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I knew she was a jewel in disguise" __ Kathy Mattea __ '455 Rocket'

If you do, let me know ... I can help you out in your planning/itinerary! I just wish I could be on the road 24/7/365 ... THEN I'd REALLY be living the dream. *grins* Thank you! Glad you enjoyed 'em. Do it now while you can!!!!! And, thank you. * Sure hope my upcoming surgery only puts a temporary stop to my road trips.... 10 more highlights from my 2011 journey: Thursday evening, 06/23/2011, Plato Center IL, sure wish I could buy a 2011 Dodge Charger... Tuesday morning, 06/28/2011, Cuba MO, restored Wagon Wheel Motel... Thursday evening, 06/30/2011, Terrell TX... Friday afternoon, 07/01/2011, Oklahoma City OK... Sunday morning, 07/03/2011, Colorado along I-70 W... Thursday afternoon, 07/07/2011, Pullman WA... Sunday afternoon, 07/10/2011, Augusta MN... Monday evening, 07/11/2011, Illinois along I-39 S... Monday evening, 07/11/2011, home ... bought these at Becky's Barn, 06/27/2011; notice the car themes. Plus, the "Mail Pouch" Barn...I saw that on the Lincoln Highway in Ohio... Friday evening, 08/05/2011, home ... FGMCC Western Meet Plaque on the left; Northwest Motorfest Participant Badge on the right... Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Traveled down the road and back again" __ Andrew Gold __ 'Thank You For Being A Friend (Golden Girls)'

HA! Yep, apparently. Though, by '78, the MC was downsized and didn't look like the Cordoba entry.... Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I'm burning up this blacktop" __ Mark Collie __ 'Even The Man In The Moon Is Crying'

Oh my goodness.... That WAS a 4th gen Monte Carlo. I can ONLY hope that they grabbed it out of a junkyard first.... *sighs* Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "There's got to be another way" __ The Who __ 'Who Are You?'

EASY! Well, for me, anyway. The Monte Carlo. And, now, the Caprice Classic. Need I tell more? lol Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Time can't erase a feeling this strong" __ Mariah Carey __ 'Always Be My Baby'

balthazar, Sure hope you get some better responses now that you've shared those facts.... Indeed! LOL! I usually do include the impala, particularly since the Celebrity/Lumina connection is the same for it as the Monte Carlo. *rolls eyes* Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Just another regret" __ All-American Rejects __ 'Dirty Little Secret'

* My "car season" may be winding down quicker than expected, but it sure has been a weird summer, at least compared to the last few years. For the first time in over 5 years, I've attended cruise nights regularly, 5 nights in a row at one point. All the pics I've taken at cruise nights this year are here: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/2011CruiseNights Some highlights... ...Elgin IL, 06/05/2011, Sunday: ...Dundee IL, 06/08/2011, Wednesday: ...S Elgin IL, 06/10/2011, Friday: ...Dundee IL, 07/20/2011, Wednesday: ...S Elgin IL, 07/22/2011, Friday: ...S Elgin IL, 07/29/2011, Friday: ...S Elgin IL, 07/30/2011, Saturday: ...S Elgin IL, 08/05/2011, Friday: ...Elgin IL, 09/11/2011, Sunday: ...Elgin IL, 09/11/2011, Sunday: While I've attended cruise nights, I most-likely will NOT get to 1,000 miles on each of my Monte Carlos in 2011, for what would've been the 3rd straight year of doing so. Instead, depending on how the next few weeks go, I may be lucky to reach 500 miles on each. Heck, I've only put gas in them twice so far this year; gas mileage numbers from the 2nd fill up are below. One reason I've put so "few" miles on my MCs this year is because of my 2011 road trip, which I took in the middle of the summer this year (instead of in the last 4 months of the year) and drove over 9,300 miles: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/CoastToCoastRoadTripFri06242011Mon07112011 GAS MILEAGES Calculations are based on most-recent fill-ups, Wednesday, 09/07/2011, for my Caprice Classic and Sunday, 09/04/2011, for my 5 MCs (2nd time I've gassed 'em up in 2011). 1979 Caprice Classic, 350 V8 w/TBI ...196.8 miles driven @ 12.125 gallons to fill up = 16.23 mpg 1972 MC, 350 V8 ...210.6 miles @ 13.268 gallons = 15.87 mpg 1976 MC, 305 V8 ...205.9 miles @ 11.775 gallons = 17.49 mpg 1979 MC, 350 V8 ...207.1 miles @ 10.408 gallons = 19.89 mpg 1981 MC SC, 3.8 V6 ...208.3 miles @ 9.496 gallons = 21.94 mpg 1987 MC LS, 305 V8 ...146.0 miles @ 7.597 gallons = 19.22 mpg So ... anyone else experience a weird summer in TwentyEleven? Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Take a trip to the city lights" __ Supertramp __ 'Take The Long Way Home'

* Forgot to highlight the "overnights": FRI, 06/24/2011 ... Smithville OH SAT, 06/25/2011 ... PIttsburgh PA (after stops in York/Carlisle) SUN, 06/26/2011 ... Pontiac IL MON, 06/27/2011 ... Cuba MO TUE, 06/28/2011 ... Tulsa OK WED, 06/29/2011 ... Wichita KS THU, 06/30/2011 ... Azle TX (after stop in Terrell TX) FRI, 07/01/2011 ... Amarillo TX (after stop in Oklahoma City OK) SAT, 07/02/2011 ... Longmont CO SUN, 07/03/2011 ... Taylorsville UT MON, 07/04/2011 ... Williams CA TUE, 07/05/2011 ... Lebanon OR WED, 07/06/2011 ... Seattle WA THU, 07/07/2011 ... Boise ID FRI, 07/08/2011 ... Bozeman MT SAT, 07/09/2011 ... Fargo ND (after brief stop in Sioux Falls SD) SUN, 07/10/2011 ... Bloomington MN 10 pic highlights: Sunday morning, 06/26/2011, Ohio, Lincoln Highway... Monday afternoon, 06/27/2011, Staunton IL, Chris' 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe and my 2011 Dodge Charger rental in front of Rich's Ra66it Ranch. Rich has a 1973 Monte Carlo that he bought brand new... Wednesday late morning, 06/29/2011, Chandler OK, Jerry McClanahan's 1957 Chevy, but notice the wheels, 4th generation Monte Carlo "honeycomb"/"checkerboard"... Saturday morning, 07/02/2011, New Mexico, US 87 N & US 64 W, parting/gathering storm... Monday afternoon, 07/04/2011, California, a vista along I-80 W, just before Exit 156... Tuesday evening, 07/05/2011, Florence OR, Bliss Diner, US 101... Wednesday morning, 07/06/2011, Newport OR, very beginning of US 20, which runs right through my home town of Elgin IL... Thursday afternoon, 07/07/2011, Idaho, US 95 S... Friday afternoon, 07/08/2011, Twin Falls ID, Visitor Center Vista... Saturday evening, 07/09/2011, South Dakota, storm along I-90 E... Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "We can't afford to let one moment pass us by 'cause it's a short piece of time" __ Dierks Bentley __ 'Long Trip Alone'

* additional highlights: ...Saturday, 08/27/2011, S Elgin's Beef Villa: ...Sunday, 08/28/2011, Elgin's Rookie's: ...Sunday, 06/05/2011, Elgin's Rookie's: ...Friday, 06/10/2011, S Elgin's Village Squire: ...Sunday, 06/12/2011, Elgin's Rookie's: ...Wednesday, 07/20/2011, Dundee's Maxwell's: ...Thursday, 07/21/2011, Elgin's Mr C's: ...Saturday, 07/23/2011, S Elgin's Beef Villa: ...Friday, 07/29/2011, S Elgin's Village Squire: ...Friday, 08/05/2011, S Elgin's Village Squire: If you will be at any of these cruise nights, CALL ME if you want to meet up: 847- 337- 9897 ___ SUN ___ * to the end of September * @ ROOKIES 2486 Bushwood Dr ELGIN IL ___ MON ___ * to the end of September * @ ROOKIES 1545 W Main St (IL RT 64) ST CHARLES IL ___ THU ___ * to the end of September * @ MR C'S 1350 E Chicago St (IL RT 19 & Shales Parkway) ELGIN IL ___ FRI ___ * to the end of September * @ THE VILLAGE SQUIRE 480 Randall Rd S ELGIN IL ___ SAT ___ * until the SNOW flies * @ BEEF VILLA 1225 W Spring St S ELGIN IL Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "T-tops down in my Cutlass Supreme" __ Uncle Kracker/Kid Rock __ 'It's Good To Be Me'

VERY cool, Chris. Very sorry about your health issues and your friend's death. Thoughts/prayers en route.... From reading your post, it sounds like we have a lot in common, in several ways. I've known 5 people now, 3 rather close, that have died in the last few months ... and, like you, I've been left wondering if I can really take all of this, especially in light of the newest health issue of mine. GOOD LUCK with school ... enjoy it. And, more of us need to heed the "no more one day" rule...including myself. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Everything is temporary anyway" __ Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians __ 'Circle'

snake Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "My name is Sue! How do you do?!" __ Johnny Cash __ 'A Boy Named Sue'

I wouldn't mind either of those first 2 Oldsmobiles you posted, Drew, but this '87 CS is what I want!!!!!!! Ohh my goodness. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "The curves around midnight aren't easy to see" __ Rosanne Cash __ 'Runaway Train'

Oh, this is so damn easy. TELL IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know from experience. Perhaps, though, not to the same degree, but for me, a die-hard Monte Carlo fan, it sure as hell was. So, let's rewind to 1988. The Monte Carlo was to be no more, starting in 1989. Ch#$r%*et, in it's "infinite wisdom" dumped the Lumina into the NASCAR circuit. HOW that happened, I've no idea, since you certainly couldn't buy in the show room what was being raced on Sunday, a NASCAR RULE. Anyway ... since the Lumina landed in NASCAR, people assumed the Lumina replaced the Monte Carlo. Ch#$r%*et, of course, didn't correct them. A number of years ago, though, I uncovered facts in a book that prove that the Lumina DID NOT replace the Monte Carlo. In fact, the Lumina replaced the Celebrity, according to the book _Chevrolet: The Complete History_ [copyright 1996 by Publications International LTD], on page 348: "With the new Lumina coupe and sedan effectively replacing their Celebrity counterparts...." And, on page 359: "Taking the place of the aging Celebrity sedan was the Lumina sedan ... a coupe version followed in the fall." Also, the Lumina shared types (Eurosport), dashboards (flat/horizontal), tail lights (3 square on each side, across the back panel, more or less) and FWD with the Celebrity..... In addition ... the Monte Carlo was the only one of the cousin names (Buick Regal, Olds Cutlass Supreme, Pontiac Grand Prix) to NOT be slapped on a FWD car IMMEDIATELY after the RWD versions ended in 1987/1988. BAH. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Just a little insight won't make this right" __ All-American Rejects __ 'It Ends Tonight'

...too short. We are NOT guaranteed a "next time" to take action, meet, gather, talk, or say what is on our mind or how we feel. Just sayin'. I've been scarce 'round these parts and probably will be for a while because life happens. Along with other issues, I finally received the results of my CT scan of the chest. My aorta is, indeed, enlarged. So, the next step is to see the surgeon ASAP to discuss surgery options; I've had 3 previous open heart surgeries. While I still haven't really processed this news myself, I suppose the good news is that people who THINK I have a "big heart" now have proof.... Not sure what this means for my cars or my road trips, but we'll see. MEANTIME ... some quotes: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." "Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light." "I'm a personal luxury coupe in a beige crossover vehicle world." "Life is like photography; you develop from the negatives." "Worry is pulling tomorrow’s clouds over today’s sunshine!" "Bad decisions make good stories." "Cars are new once, but old forever...!" "A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." "Due to the current economic climate, the light at the end of the tunnel has been switched off until further notice." "Mileage wears out an automobile, while walking three miles a day keeps the body in shape." "Travel is a triple delight: anticipation, performance, and recollection." "We'll never be ready if we keep waiting for the perfect time to come." "One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter." "Happiness does not depend on circumstances; it is an attitude. It's like finding your favorite radio station that you can tune into at any time!" "Life is like a snow globe; you think everything has finally settled down, then someone comes along and shakes up all those little pieces again." "Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once." "The road is a place where we can free our minds from the distractions of the world and focus on the journey ahead." "Broken people are dangerous because they know they can survive...!" "Scars are just tattoos with better stories." "Sometimes life is just about rolling down the windows in your car, blasting your favorite song & forgetting the world for a while." "How lucky it is to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "The hope is we have so much to feel good about" __ One Republic __ 'Good Life'

* After returning from my road trip, it took about a week to get to a cruise night, but I then went to 5 cruise nights in a row, Wednesday (July 20) to Sunday (July 24) and took a BUNCH more pictures in the process: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/2011CruiseNights *** Attending any of the cruise nights listed? CALL ME ... if you want to meet up: 847- 337- 9897 Additional Highlights... ...07/20/2011, Maxwell's: ...07/21/2011, Mr C's: ...07/22/2011, Village Squire: ...07/23/2011, Beef Villa: ...07/24/2011, Rookie's: ...07/29/2011, Village Squire: ...07/30/2011, Beef Villa: ...08/05/2011, Village Squire: Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | *** RE-OPENED 3rd GEN MC (1978,1979,1980) FORUM > http://thirdgenmontes.proboards.com/index.cgi *** "Ain't she a beautiful sight?" __ CW McCall __ 'Convoy'

* COLD TREAT, 07/30/2011, Culver's, S Elgin IL: The Cars: Neal and Katie: *** PLEASE NOTE *** OCTOBER FEST, 10/15/2011, Volo (IL) Auto Museum is CANCELED. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | *** RE-OPENED 3rd GEN MC (1978,1979,1980) FORUM > http://thirdgenmontes.proboards.com/index.cgi *** "Nope, sorry, nothin'" __ Jo Dee Messina __ 'My Give A Damn's Busted'

* This one is taken directly from my road trip files. It happened just this year, while I was in Englewood CO. A pink Toyota and a baby blue Ford ... together: http://www.motorgnomes.com/2011/08/from-the-road-trip-files-odd-things-seen/ And, I've added a couple more sections to my Route 66 story: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/ Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "It's a winding road when you're in the lost and found" __ Zac Brown Band __ 'Colder Weather'

* Ever been reminded of an older song when hearing a new song? Below are 2 "twin spins", where the newer song not only reminded me of the older song, but the newer song seems to be the first part, with the older song answering it..... This first one, I played on my radio show a couple of times. Will You Be there?, Heart, 1990s: I Will Be There, Dan Seals, 1980s: This second pair is a more-recent discovery. Someone Like You, Adele, 2011: You Still Move Me, Dan Seals, 1980s: Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | *** RE-OPENED 3rd GEN MC (1978,1979,1980) FORUM > http://thirdgenmontes.proboards.com/index.cgi *** "When you're on this high, it's a sad goodbye" __ Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson __ 'Don't You Wanna Stay?'

Very sorry ... glad YOU are OK, though. Cars can be replaced; people can't. Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "A smile can hide all the pain" __ Glen Campbell __ 'Rhinestone Cowboy'

health Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I'm on a wheel of fortune with a twist of fate" __ Bee Gees __ 'Alone'

We're getting the band back together... Awesome!!!! Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Gonna do my very best" __ ABBA __ 'Take A Chance On Me'

Ugh, that's too bad. Love those themes ... particularly Rockford Files. Other ones I like include LA Law and Hillstreet Blues......... Heh ... I was watching an episode of Murphy Brown last night, and one of the characters stuck a tape in a tape player to listen to a song ... and I thought, at first, why a tape? Then, I realized ... it was the 1980s when that episode actually aired...LOL Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "We all have a song that somehow touched our lives" __ Kenney Chesney __ 'I Go Back'

Yes ... and I'm guessing no pics, right? Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "We're outta here" __ Steve Azar __ 'I Don't Have To Be Me 'Til Monday'

I can hardly believe it has been a month since my road trip ENDED. It's been a rough few weeks since I got back home, which hasn't helped. I finally had the CT Scan of my heart/chest Saturday, August 6, 2011, and, given some other things happening (mostly not-so-good; one maybe good), I may be scarce for a while. I haven't even driven my MCs much this year ... MAYBE 100 miles so far on each of them. I kinda doubt I'll get 1,000 miles on 'em this year for what would be the 3rd year in a row. Anxiousness + uncertainty + waiting + powerlessness + helplessness + feeling lost + not feeling well + hating medical crap = NOT a good combo. BUT ... I'm still alive and such. HA! Life is, after all, TOO SHORT PEOPLES! One current bright spot is my nephew. He will be 3 in ~3 months ... and it has been fun watching him grow up. And, yes, because of Uncle Cort, he knows cars VERY well...! This was taken right before my road trip: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=32629252&l=17237f10b8&id=1300282613 NOW ... to my 2011 road trip notes and pictures (with captions)...!!!! "SNAPSHOT" FACTS/FIGURES ...22 states visited = IN, OH, PA, IL, MO, KS, OK, TX, NM, CO, UT, NV, CA, OR, WA, ID, MT, WY, SD, ND, MN, WI ...# of days = 18 (Friday, June 24 - Monday, July 11) ...Friends/Family seen = MANY! ...Miles driven = over 9,300 (wish I could buy a 2011 Dodge Charger!) ...Total cost = over $2,600.00 ...Pictures taken = 697 ...Memories made and kept = PRICELESS! SOME THOUGHTS ALONG THE WAY A fine line exists between planning a road trip TOO much and not having enough "concrete" plans...and it is tough to negotiate/balance those.... I just HATE saying goodbye.... Reminisced with several friends about my 2004 road trip ... and how it can't be possible that was 7 years ago.... During the trip trip, I lost touch with many online, but I was in touch IN PERSON with many awesome friends and family members..... For me, it has become harder & harder to come home after a road trip because my home IS the road, though I'm hoping that will soon change.... SOME HAPPENINGS ALONG THE WAY 06/21/2011 ...I should've been elated that my road trip was ON, but I wasn't; I was drained and in knots. ...My cardiologist's office waited until just after 5p to call to tell me the CT Scan (heart/chest) could wait until AFTER my road trip. ...Luckily, I made to the rental place in time, and my first drive in a 2011 DODGE CHARGER was SO WORTH IT! 06/24/2011 ...Embarked on the road trip over an hour late, but it all worked out...I think! 06/27/2011 ...With the Road Trip Kickoff Weekend over (having had less than 10 hours of sleep between Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, traveling all the way to PA and back to IL), I started the second phase of my road trip...after 6 hours of sleep Sunday night into Monday morning in Pontiac IL. ...Spent the night in the Marilyn Monroe room of the newly-renovated Wagon Wheel Motel (Cuba MO). 06/28/2011 ...Saw part of the tornado destruction in Joplin MO and was thrilled when Gary Turner (Route 66) shook my hand and said, "I KNOW you!", remembering me from my 2009 Route 66 journey. 06/30/2011 ...Watched the 12:30a and 7:30a showings of "Golden Girls" on The Hallmark Channel at Jake and Mel's home in Wichita KS. 07/02/2011 ...Could NOT believe my road trip was half over already.... Needed a "mind shut off" button, but never did get it.... 07/04/2011 ...Chose SLEEP over SUNRISE (had planned to be up at 4a to watch the sunrise west of Salt Lake) and glad I did; it was CLOUDY that morning so I wouldn't have seen the sunrise anyway. ...In the morning, I finished the rest of the delicious, world-famous cinnamon roll from Johnson's Corners (north of Denver CO). ...The day of driving was "contemplative" as I drove west. ...Ended up just north of Sacramento CA, spending the evening of July 4th alone; hadn't planned on that. 07/05/2011 ...Ended the day watching the movie "Gran Torino" with my cousin and her best friend. Never did get to see CARS 2.... ...Earlier in the day, I met Angela, the author of THE EPIC thread, and saw "Dad's SS"...: http://www.montecarloss.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=484380#Post484380 ...Unfortunately, Dad was in the ICU while I was there...and died on July 20, 2011: http://www.montecarloss.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=885895#Post885895 07/06/2011 ...Traveled US 20 from Lebanon OR to the coast and back. US 20 runs through my home town, Elgin IL. I drove eastern portions of US 20 during my August 2010 road trip to the NorthEast US. 07/07/2011 ...With a twinge of sadness and excitement about seeing more people along my travels, I turned my rental 2011 Dodge Charger east, towards home. 07/08/2011 ...Stopped in Twin Falls ID, after leaving Boise ID and the First Generation Monte Carlo Club Western Meet; I was at the FGMCC Eastern Meet 2 weeks prior in Carlisle PA. In Twin Falls, I stopped at the vistas and at a church my grandfather pastored MANY years ago. 07/09/2011 ...I was supposed to stop in Sioux Falls SD, but with "no room at the inn" and no friends calling, I found myself headed an additional 3 hours north to Fargo ND to spend the evening, or rather, early morning hours.... 07/10/2011 ...POOL PARTY in the evening at a cousin's home in MN. Had a BLAST ... and, yes, I did swim. Holy cow was that nice! 07/11/2011 ...After a stop in Freeport IL to see some friends (and eat at a restaurant along ... US 20!), I steered my rental 2011 black Dodge Charger into my home driveway ~9p. 07/16/2011 ..."Uncle Cort, let's play cars. You're done" ... said my 2+ -year-old nephew, peering up at me after dinner Saturday night, just seconds after he noticed my plate was clean, too. That was a slice of heaven after a ROUGH WEEK. ...Earlier in the day, I drove my 1979 Caprice Classic for the first time since returning home. I drove all 5 Monte Carlos the next day, Sunday. 07/20/2011 ...Returned the 2011 Dodge Charger, though I wanted to keep it. ...Then, I drove my '79 CC to a cruise night, which turned out to be the first of FIVE cruise nights IN A ROW (Wednesday, July 20 - Sunday, July 24). LINES FROM SOME SONGS HEARD "Put some gravel in my travel" "Every time I see your face my heart takes off on a high-speed chase" "Don't underestimate the things that I will do" "I'm gonna take my chances taking a chance I might find what I'm looking for" "Out here its like I'm someone else" "Time just seems to fly, but the memories remain" "We were coming alive" PICTURES ... SLIDESHOW link: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/CoastToCoastRoadTripFri06242011Mon07112011#slideshow/5632615869249437186 (You will need to adjust the "second" interval so you can read all of the captions!) Cort | 37.m.IL.pigValve.pacemaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic | * CruiseNites_2011_Chi.IL * MCs.CC + CHD.models.HO.legos.RadioShows + RoadTrips.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Got the wings of heaven on my shoes" __ Bee Gees __ 'Stayin' Alive'