Category: Travel / Nature Blog

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BACK FROM CALIFORNIA:
RENNSPORT REUNION & CS&N REMASTERING

Wow, what a week..

This past week held some of the high points of my life. There were a couple of low points to be sure, but I can’t begin to tell you about it all (because I really can’t tell you..).

It started with Porsche’s Rennsport Reunion IV at Laguna Seca. I had a photography booth in the vendor area that I shared with early 911 parts guru Eric Linden. Thanks, Eric, for being so accommodating while I ran around taking photos like a crazy man. I shot a very cool cover story for Excellence magazine on Saturday morning that I will tell you about later. Continue reading “”

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PACIFIC NORTHWEST

So where’s my favorite place to be in July and August? Given a free plane ticket I would be hard pressed to leave the Pacific Northwest.

Having been to every continent and more countries than I can count, I would still rather be sitting on a sandy beach or in my little boat on Puget Sound than traveling across the world searching for something else. Guess you know where I am right now… Continue reading “”

PORSCHE RETURNS TO LE MANS

Happy 4th of July!

Porsche has just announced its return to top-tier motor racing. It will debut a works-run LMP1 sports prototype at the 2014 Le Mans 24 hour event. With 16 overall victories, Porsche is the most successful manufacturer at the world’s most famous endurance auto race. The marque’s last overall Le Mans win was in 1998 with the Porsche 911 GT1. From 2006 to 2009 the factory backed the Penske Racing team, which raced the RS Spyder (an LMP2 prototype) with great success in the U.S. The RS Spyder also took class honours at France’s Le Mans in 2008 and 2009, as well as outright victory at the 2008 12 Hours of Sebring. Continue reading “”

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COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

Early summer is the best time to travel to the canyon that is home to the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Up to 4,000 feet deep, this canyon of high desert cliffs and lush waterfalls stretches for over 80 miles as the river winds westward through the Cascade Range to the Pacific Ocean forming the boundary between the State of Washington to the north and Oregon to the south. Continue reading “”

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YOUR FIRST TRACK DAY

Taking your car to the track is not for the faint of heart. With the cornering forces generated and the speeds achieved, there is only so much car aids can do. The rest is up to the driver. The track can be a safe environment compared to public streets, as long as you approach it with thoughtfulness and respect.

Whether you have been to the track or not, car prep is obviously important. But mental preparation can be just as critical. You do not want to arrive exhausted or upset. Ideally you want to be calm and ready to learn. Remember to keep drinking water throughout the day as you could become dehydrated otherwise. Continue reading “”

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BACK FROM CALIFORNIA (AGAIN)

Just home from three weeks in California. Thanks to Curtis Autenrith and Nick Psyllos for their comraderie and hospitality – and all my other car buddies for their generous support. The R Gruppe Track Day at Buttonwillow and Treffen in Monterey were highlights.

It was the most productive automotive trip I have been on. I shot five cars for Excellence magazine, finished the rebuild on my 1972 Porsche 911″ST” and drove it home in time for a track day in Seattle. More to come… Continue reading “”

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BUG-IN

Today is the 35th BUG-IN in Fontana. This event is held once a year in Southern California and incorporates all things Volkswagen. There will be 1/4 mile drag racing, vintage and custom car shows, and a large swap meet with vendor display. Whether you’re a gear head, vintage freak or just all around VW nut, you will not be disappointed with what you’re bound to find today in Fontana. BUG-IN first started in 1968 at the old Orange County International Raceway. 31 events were held over a 15 year period at the historic OCIR until the fateful day that the track was closed in 1983. Continue reading “”

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ROME

Folks often ask me, “What’s your favorite city to visit in Europe?” Since spring is here and Paris can be quite lovely this time of year, especially in May, they are usually surprised when I choose another major popular tourist destination. London? Well, I love the capital city and could walk around it for days, but I’d wait until July/August to have the best chance of good weather. September can be even better if you want to avoid the crowds. Continue reading “”

TARGA FLORIO 1973

So were the early 1970’s really cooler than today?
Watch this vintage video, then you decide.

Targa Florio is a Documentary TV Movie on the 1973 race made in Italy in 2005. Director: Cuiri Amelio Ortiz. Cast: Francesco Arezzo, Antonio Catanzaro, Vic Elford, Mauro Forghieri, Giacinto Gargano, Ciccio Liberto, Sandro Munari, Silvana Paladino, Salvatore Requirez, Pao… Continue reading “”

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HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Even if you aren’t Irish, today is a good day to wear some green, sport a shamrock, and maybe even have a taste of some Guinness or Irish whiskey.

Saint Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike. The emerald city of Seattle paints the traffic stripe of their parade route green. Chicago dyes its river green and has done so since 1962. Indianapolis also dyes its main canal green. Savannah puts green dye in its downtown city fountains, as does Columbia, SC. The New York City parade has not only become the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the world – it’s also the oldest civilian parade worldwide. Continue reading “”

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PORSCHE RENNSPORT REUNION IV

Just back from two weeks on the road – photographing, writing, and playing with cars in LA. Thanks to my good friend Curtis Autenrieth for his generous hospitality and camaraderie. It was great to see all my other Porsche buddies as well.

There is an event coming up that any Porsche enthusiast will not want to miss. Continue reading “”

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THE EVERGLADES

Recently I posted about Death Valley being a reasonably inexpensive and convenient escape destination for those snowbound in the western U.S. For those of you on the east coast, let me offer up an alternative in the mid-80’s F range.

Southern Florida is home to a World Heritage Site of subtropical wilderness that is accessible by hiking trails, canoe trips or airboat rides. This threatened wetland sanctuary or “river of grass” is a birder’s paradise with over 350 species, including snowy egrets, ospreys, spoonbills, and great blue herons. Continue reading “”

NüRBURGRING NORDSCHLEIFE

Here’s the best instructional video I’ve seen on how to drive the Nürburgring’s north loop or Nordschleife. Watch how Porsche works driver Sascha Maassen gives a guided tour for one lap around this legendary track.

Chasing a gaggle of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Cars in his own matching race car, Sascha provides insightful commentary and shows how “The Green Hell” got its name. With 73 corners undulating over nearly 13 miles, it’s easy to see why this is considered the toughest, most dangerous and demanding circuit in the world.

Located between Cologne and Frankfurt, the Nordschleife is accessible to the public as a one-way toll road. There are no intersections and there’s no general speed limit. I drove it in an Audi rental car, and even that was an unforgettable experience.

Continue reading “”

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DEATH VALLEY

OK, let’s say you are one of those nature lovers who’s looking to escape the cold. With 49 of 50 states experiencing snow this winter, you’re probably not alone. Even in Los Angeles it’s in the upper 50’s F for high temps right now. One place I can recommend that’s warmer is a magical spot on the border of California and Nevada – Death Valley. This is the hottest, driest, and lowest National Park in the US. And at this time of year, it is virtually vacant. Continue reading “”