The Ultimate Overland

  The final day involved a 180mile run into New York. We planned to avoid the interstates before Allenstown but thereafter we had no choice but to take the main road into the centre of New Jersey and the Hyatt Regency Hotel.   For the last few days Ham’s car has been running very rough and despite all our best efforts we haven’t been able to get it running right. Last night we adjusted the carburettors to run two flats richer. Given the longevity of the problem Ham is concerned that there is a serious underlying problem such as a blown head gasket which was confirmed with his conversation with his mechanic. We will have to run gently into New York if the head gasket has gone.   Chris wanted to attend the Harrisburg Cars and Coffee meeting but found that it started at 9:00am rather than as thought 07:00am. We wouldn’t be leaving for New York until around 11:00am which would mean we would be hitting the rush hour of weekenders returning to the city...

Today is a short day, we only have about 250 miles to New York and cannot deliver the cars to the shipping agent until Monday. We decided, or should I say Ham decided because he wanted to go, to visit Gettysburg the site of the most savage battle of the Civil war. It was only 35 miles to Gettysburg and then onto Harrisburg another 35 miles or so. The day started with the now usual trouble getting ham'ds car started but eventually rattling away she reluctantly came to life.   As we are motoring along in the beautiful spring sunshine Chris spots a couple of pre-1920’s cars parked at a café on the opposite side of the road. We swing around and drop in to meet the FARTs (Friends of Ancient Road Transportation). They could not have been friendlier or more welcoming. Within 10 minutes there were 30 of the club in the car park, sharing stories and experiences. Coffee and donuts and then we were back on the road some 45 minutes later.   Then on the Gettysbur...

  We left the Liberty `Trust Hotel in Roanoke after saying goodbye to paddy who flies home tomorrow so as not to miss the coronation! He will fly out of Charlottesville about a 45 minute drive from Roanoke. Paddy is replaced in Ham’s car by Sophie and the remaining team once again hits the road heading north. The aim is to reach Frederick which will then give easy access to the battlefield site of Gettysburg the following day.   We all drove together today. Ham’s Lagonda once again struggled to start but with a degree of perseverance and fingers firmly crossed once again the car started. The miles cruised by in the beautiful sunshine and we found a fantastic café in which to have lunch not far short of our destination.      As I have so often said we stand of the shoulders of the kindness of strangers. The café owner phoned his old employer who turned up to see us. Walt has a very sizeable Rolls Royce and Bentley restoration business abou...

  The plan today is to drive the Blue Ridge pathway, one of America’s most beautiful roads. It runs from Asheville to Roanoke and is totally devoid of buildings, trucks and petrol stations. Having said that it does run sort of parallel to the existing main road.   Unfortunately we didn’t get close enough yesterday to really enjoy it. The road to Asheville was about 120 miles and took the best part of three hours, four by the time we’d stopped for an excellent breakfast. That meant we weren’t on the Blue Ridge Pathway until midday and we still had 180 miles to go to Roanoke.   When we came to leave Smokey Hollow ham had trouble starting his car. The starter motor was struggling to turnover after the cold night. Nigel helped to start it using an old trick of putting his hand over the carburettor manifolds until he was ready for it the fire. When he released his hands the car started!!!! Happy days.   Once we finally got on the Blue Ridge P...

  Nashville to the Smokey Hollow Outdoor Resort is a 370km drive through beautiful country. We had no idea what to expect when we got there but we will be staying in Chuck Wagons and Tepees.   Although the temperature was cool the sun was up and we cruised through the beautiful State of Tennessee. We set Waze to take us off the interstates and avoiding tolls and the result was a fantastic route. Every town we pass through has a series of totally homogenous stores, cafes and restaurents and by coffee time it was a relief to come across Berta's Cafe, packed full of local workmen having their coffee   We had no mechanical challenges today and given the beauty of the day Nigel and Bumble shot off ahead. The country was hilly, wooded with occasional wooden houses and everything very neat and tidy. There's absolutly no question that they love to mow in Tennessee!   You notice a number of things as you drive across America, a truly fantastic co...