Quote:
Originally Posted by jyl
Butters deserves a new dash pad, for being such a good car.
|
You are definately right on that one! This car deserves that and more. I should throw that into the list of things that I want (torsion bars, corner balancing) that the car is effectively paying for!
The dreaded section of I-5 is upon me. This is where I start to get a little tired and discouraged. Then, along came an Audi....
Not just any Audi mind you, but a
BLACK AUDI WAGON... The car has Texas plates and the driver is intent on making good time. Whomever he is, he drives well. Not just fast, but smart. He's clearly been getting away with driving fast for a long time. Neat little tricks like moving left and slowing just before the crest of the hill (so the guy following you zips over first and gets the ticket). I chase loosely, but Butters is finally getting down on fuel. With disgust, I pull over at the Firebaugh exit.
Without question this is the WORST place on I-5 to stop. Rude people and filthy restrooms every time. I fuel up and check the oil. I move Butters off to the side as I am going to brave the restrooms. Well, I'll "consider" them first... A black turbo Cayenne pulls in and unloads a mixed group of men and women. The women head to the restroom at the same time that I do. The restrooms are acceptably clean - thank heavens. However, two of the women in the group fail to wash their hands after use... Doesn't matter how much you spend on your car, for heaven's sake make everyone WASH THEIR HANDS - BLECH!!!!
Completely disgusted, I head out to the car and jump back on the freeway.
As darkness approaches, a wretched foul odor of unbelievable magnitude fills the car. Horrid and powerful, my nose refuses the autonomic impulse to breathe. A sign advises me of what my olafactory system already knows - we are in Coalinga....
I think that Coalinga means "cow**** capital of the planet" in some obscure language and there are cattle yards VERY close to the freeway. Apologizes to those who live there, please move soon as you deserve to be in a better place. I pull my shirt over my nose and try to breathe through my mouth. Then the impression that "Eau de Cow Anus" is coating my throat with a slimy film of stink makes me gag vicously. Pedal to the wooden floorboard, we get the hell out of there.
The rest of the trip is pretty uneventful. Night falls as we near the grapevine. The sky changes from hazy beige to a most beautiful indio as the sun slides from the sky. We arrive at the hotel around 6:15pm, some 45 minutes early (per the Garmin) even with my stops.
I park Butters in the under ground garage and head for my room. Tomorrow will surely be another adventure filled. (monday in Los Angeles).
angela