An Auto Enthusiasts Life

Friday, August 3, 2012

Sacramento Autorama 2012

For a while I had planned on making sure I didn't miss this years event. I figured I wasn't going to make it to Pomona for the AMBR Show, so I really just could not miss this show. So, I did what I normally do. I called some friends to see who was willing to go with me. And, as usual, my buddy Alfredo was the only one that made the time to go with me. He had been with me to several other shows, and knowing how I can be at shows, he still decided to come. So when the day came, I had my wife drop me off at a Denny's to meet up with Alf, have some breakfast, and head up to Sacramento for the day.

BRE "BATT KRUISER"

We got up to Cal Expo a little after 10:00 am and went right in. We started off by heading into the building with the Bike-O-Rama. As we headed in the door I was just amazed. There were several stock bikes that I always love to see, when I see them. Then there was the custom bikes. Along with a few other treats. The custom pedal cars, a tractor, and a really cool wagon. I was in awe at the talent and quality that had been used to do some of the work on these bad pieces. So I did my usual photo and video work and then we moved on to the next few buildings.In the other buildings were some sweet clean rides. I'm not a fan of low riders, but then their the craftsmanship and details that blow my mind. I have to check out all the details. We skipped over the boat building, not sure why, but we did. Then we hit the building with a few vintage or custom dragsters. Always love to see dragsters.
Then there was the sweet Flat Black Kustom Cadillac out in the quad area. This Caddy was awesome! I just couldn't pass up the chance to shoot some photos. Then I figured out what I wanted to do and I took my time so I could of it to use in my video of the the car. I placed myself in various places that surrounded the car. But not at ground level. I used the upper area as my starting point, then worked my way around to the car at ground level. The segment turned okay. I also met a few gentleman that were there waiting to do a pin up model shoot with the car. The main photographer, Nick Koljian, was doing some work for MyRideIsMe.com, and so we all sat for a bit and chatted while he was waiting. Then the model showed up. He took his photos, and then we all saw that the car now had some interesting sun tan oil placed on the car. This model must have buttered herself up big time. anywhere she leaned or touched on the car now had her mark on the car. It was actually funny! Anyways, once all was done, we moved on.

We moved on to the next building and on the top floor of the one side were some beautiful examples. One builder, Rick Dore, had 3 customs. One of which was "Voodoo Priest" A beautiful custom 1937 Lincoln Zephr built for James Hetfield of Metallica. The other was the 1953 Buick Skylark. I have to say, I am very jealous! These cars are so beautiful that I wish I could get a job in a shop of this caliber. Someday! Also on display was another James Hetfield Custom. "Iron Fist", a 1936 Ford Custom built by Blue Collar Customs out of Sacramento. This was their home turf, and they brought out a nice ride. They have also built another ride for Mr. Hetfield. I saw the Ford Custom pickup a few years back at a Goodguys show I had attended. Man oh man! Another great builder! This show however is what I am here to finish discussing. So, also in the building on the top floor on the opposite side, was several sweet cars. The stunning Pink Cadillac owned by Pinup Model, Darling Danika. I was checking it out and happened to meet her husband, Jay. He's a cool car guy! Well obviously! Anyways! He took me over to meet Danika, who had just had some surgery and was not feeling to good. So I kept it very brief and went on my way.

When I got downstairs, I saw more beautiful examples. I was really amazed by what I saw. John D'Ogostino had another amazing ride this year. He brought out "The Carribean". I took several shots of it too. Since I still don't have a wide angle lens, I did my usual shots from the upstairs area. Then I ran into John. Spent some time talking with him and got some photos with him. Then off to the next ride. The Purple Kustom "Wild Cad" brought up by Mario, a Koolsville Beatnik Car Club member from Australia. He was great! I got a few shots with him and had him sign my program since his car was on the cover. I took some shots of the Caddy as well. And of course I had to go back upstairs just to get my shots. But it made for some good shots from up there.

A little later after walking around, I came to Gene Winfield at his booth. So I spoke with him for a few minutes asking about when his next Metal Working Class was to be as well as the "Winfield and Watson" show. Then I decided to do something a little different. I asked Gene if he would be willing to let me do a short interview. He was all for it, so I asked Alfredo to hold the video camera and away we went. I just went on the fly and just asked a few questions that popped into my head. It turned out pretty good for not being something that wasn't planned. Once we were done I got a couple shots with Gene, as well as having him sign my vintage track jacket. So, since he signed the jacket, I wasn't sure if I should wear it anymore and then Gene showed me a patch to go with it. His shop logo patch. It looks great on the jacket too now.

Once I was done having fun with Gene, we moved on and saw more great kustoms, classics, muscle cars, trucks, and hot rods. I ran into Herb Martinez at the Sacramento So-Cal Speed Shop booth and chatted with him for a bit. then he asked me to watch the booth for a minute while he ran to take care of some much needed business. Then Alfredo and I finished up our tour of the show and headed home. All in all, the show was as fantastic as it should be. There was nothing to disappoint the enthusiast. Now to look forward to attending next year and enjoy another great day. Or should I just pull the trigger and go for two day and make the best of a great weekend and get even more photos and video of more great cars and trucks. Until then! Check back for more of my experiences at other shows and racing events.

To see all of the photos I did actually take at the event, please visit - http://razzi.me/a/10461

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Road Trip to Arizona - Day 5 - Heading Home

So to finish up the story of my road trip, I really don't have a whole lot to talk about. So I'll do my best.

The early morning drive through the desert. HWY 10

We got up on Monday morning around 5:00am and got ready for the long drive back to Northern California. After getting everything together, I did my room check out, then said goodbye to my parents. We got all the stuff into the truck and headed out. It wasn't too long and my wife was back to sleep and we were cruising back into California. On the drive all I could thing about was where wen had gone, and where I wanted to stop for breakfast. I was starving! So after seeing a few signs, I decided to take a slight detour into Yermo and have breakfast at Peggy Sue's Diner just off the 15 Freeway. Many have stopped here on their way to and from Las Vegas, and I had seen some TV programs that had talked about the place, and since I'm a car guy and old style diners fit the culture, this is where I decided to stop. The place may be old, but that part of the draw to this place. We went inside and sat down. Once we ordered our breakfast, I got up and walked around, reading and viewing the mass decor on the walls. Seeing what celebrities had stopped in here over the years was pretty cool to see. Some of it is so old, it needs to be taken down and preserved so it doesn't get destroyed. But that is my opinion. After looking around, it wasn't too long and we were able to satisfy the hunger. We ate our food and relaxed a little. Then we had to get back on the road. So, we went across the street and fueled up and hit the road again.

A must stop on your trip to Las Vegas

Our next stop was a quick driver change out in Edwards so I could get a little bit of rest. It wasn't too long after that that we stopped off in Tehachapi to use the restroom. Then we stopped at the Murray Family Farms again to grab a few things. Pretty much after that we just drove until we got home. Our trip was over, but the good times will always be remembered. My plan is to head back out, when I get the opportunity to do so, and do a full road trip down Old Route 66. This is something I have always wanted to do, so if the chance presents itself, I'm definitely going to go for it. I hope this short entry is a dissapointment, but I did say the day wasn't much to talk about. Thanks for reading!

The Tehachapi Mountains

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Road Trip to Arizona - Day 4 - Grand Canyon

Eastbound Highway 40

After getting a good nights rest from a long day of fun driving on Route 66, we all got up around 5:00 am. I got ready and headed downstairs for some coffee and a bagel, and waited for my wife and my parents to come down. Once they got downstairs, they had decided they would wait to eat breakfast since it was pretty early. So we headed to the parking garage and got in the car. By this time it was around 6:00 am and I needed to get some miles behind us. So we hit the road.

Eastbound Highway 40/66

The weather was a little sporadic along the way. It was raining, not raining, as well as a little bit of snow. We had expected it though. My wife and I had been checking the weather for the past few days and since it had reported snow for the Grand Canyon Village area, along the way, the scenery was pretty nice. So, after a 3 hour drive, I pulled off the highway on the West end of Williams and grabbed some fuel. It was pretty cold. I hadn't really dressed for the temperature it was at the time. But I managed to deal with it. After getting the fuel, we got back on Highway 40 and went to the next exit so that we could hit the McDonald's for breakfast. When exiting, I had liked the arched sign that crossed over the street. So after pulling into Mickey D's, I walked out into the middle of the road and snapped a few photos. Then I noticed that the Mobil station across the street had a nice old gas pump. So obviously that's where I went for a few more photos. Then I went inside to see if I could find any more Route 66 souvenirs. But I was a little disappointed to say the least. So I left and went back to eat some breakfast. After we finished, we jumped back in the car and I headed in through town. I had to! I wanted to see more of the Mother Road. Of course I wasn't disappointed when I got into town. I just wish I could have stayed here all day to check out the shops and the scenery. But, The Grand Canyon was still at least an hour away, so I kept on driving and headed North.

WILLIAMS, AZ

On the drive to Grand Canyon Village, there was still a nice amount of snow on the ground from the previous days storm. After driving through, we hit the entrance, paid our way in, and headed for the parking lot. We get there, get out of the car, and of course I had to get my gear ready for some photos and video. Then we all noticed this Asian tourist walking around. Specifically this lady that was yelling at the top of her lungs trying to find someone, or the group she was with. This went on for a good 10 minutes. When she finally went away, it was nice to hear the silence we were surrounded in. But then there was some idiot that didn't know a clue about how or where to park. They parked right smack in the middle of the drive line. Which meant that no one had anywhere to go to get through. I don't know about you, the reader, but I know when they say to park "in between the lines", what it means. This driver took it even farther. Park in the area with no lines, in between the lines. But then a tow truck came and solved that problem.

We then walked into a couple buildings to see what was there, then headed out to catch the bus so we could head West to see the various stops. We pretty much hit every stop that was worth stopping at on the way out. But since my parents are up in age, we, my wife and I kept our patience so that we could all enjoy ourselves. Besides, my father had never been here, and my mother had been here when she was a little girl, so it made for a better time for all of us just to relax and enjoy the time. On one of the stops, when leaving we were able to see a good size heard of Elk that were just relaxing, enjoying there day. I have seen plenty, but it's always cool to see them. One of the drivers also mentioned to us about a couple of tourists that had decided one day during a winters day to do a Thelma and Louise off one of the cliffs. She said it took about 5 months before the wreckage was removed from the canyon. And where they took the ride, they now have had to install some large boulders to prevent it from happening again. Then we reached the end at Hermit Trailhead. We relaxed and grabbed some refreshments, I fed the raven that wouldn't stop bugging me, and my wife bought herself a nice piece of jewelry from the store. Then we headed back and hit a few other stops that we didn't stop at. Eventually we stopped at Bright Angel Trailhead. I went into the one place that I just had to check out. I went into the Kolb Studio. I walked around, kind of slowly, and enjoyed looking at everything in the gallery. Some pretty crazy people! But then again, you have to be crazy to explore these canyons. After that I went up to the souvenir store upstairs and decided to buy a book, "The Kolb Brother of Grand Canyon". Someday I'll actually read it.

Our view from the Restaurant

I finally left the studio and went to look for everyone else. Once I found them, we decided we all had better eat something. I had a headache anyways, so we went into the Lodge and found the Bright Angel Restaurant. The service was really good, the food was delicious. I had the Pepper Jack Chicken Melt, my wife had the Santa Fe Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wrap, and my parents had the Packer Stew in a Bread Bowl. All of really liked what we had. So, when you stop here to eat, hopefully you will not be disappointed. Besides the food, the staff was very friendly. Our waitress, we spoke to her for a while, as well as her helper. He was enjoying his time working here in the park. To top it off, he lives across the road from this place. What an awesome experience! Work and live maybe 100 yards from the canyon. I have to say, I would have loved to done that when I was his age.

We finished our late lunch, and then we decided it was time to get back to the car and head back to Laughlin. So we jumped on the next bus and headed back. It wasn't too long before I was asleep on the bus either. I was pretty worn out at this point. Then we got to the car and headed out. But, before we could keep going, I had to make 1 more stop. We stopped for a quick minute at Flintstones Bedrock City for a few photos, and then back on the road we went. It wasn't too long before I was the only one awake. So I just grabbed my headphones, plugged them into my iPhone, and turned on some music to keep my head from being drowned in the boredom. When we got back to Laughlin, we went to our rooms, and hit the bed. Our last day of the vacation was going to be an early start for the drive home, so it was obvious that I had better get some sleep.

WILLIAMS, AZ

Highway 40 Eastobound
Driving in the sunset

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Road Trip to Arizona - Day 3 - Route 66 part 2

So the adventure does continue! Well it did the weekend it actually took place. Anyways, After leaving Middle of the Road Antiques, we ended up stopping at the Old Powerhouse Museum. This is one one the cool old buildings that has actually been restored. But it also has the Museum on the upper floor. There is a theater downstairs, and it also hosts the "Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona".

Me! Outside The Powerhouse

With the rain coming down pretty good at this point of the day, it was nice to get indoors. We got to the Powerhouse and relaxed for at least an hour. We went upstairs and walked through the museum. One of the exhibits that really stood out was the set up of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath". It included an old Flat Bed truck, a good amount of photos of the day, as well as large pages from the book that talk about the life of those that traveled old Route 66. Besides the "Grapes" display, there were also a few store front displays, and a very cool wall mural. Oh yeah! There is an old Philips 66 pump, a large Chevron sign, Texaco sign, and the 1 sign that I really was attracted to was the old rusted road sign at the end of the "Grapes" display. There is also a Studebaker, and an Classic Sears motorcycle that was originally built in Italy. Well after I had my wife take several pictures of me in the museum, we went back down stairs and I just had to grab some memorabilia. So I grabbed a couple of patches, some postcards, a decal, and of course, a T-Shirt. Once we were done, we went outside and the rain was even worse than it was when we went inside. So, while my wife and parents ran to get in the car, I stopped and took a couple more photos. Then we were on our way again.

So we left the Old Powerhouse and headed West on Route 66. After a few miles I had to stop and make a U-turn to grab more photos. I had come upon a cool lot full of classics that are for sale. I took a bunch of photos with my iPhone and then back down 66 we went. Then again I noticed something I had actually seen before. Not in person, but on American Restoration. There it was! The yellow Volkswagen Bus sitting on top of the building at a auto recycling yard. But, I didn't get to stop. I kept on going West on 66. Then after a couple of turns, we came to a Historic Route 66 sign. So of course I just had to stop and get a picture with the sign. So I got it! Then off again down the highway. And yet again after a few miles we came upon a different Route 66 sign. And yes, I stopped for another photo. Then again, we took off on the highway. After driving actually for several miles, we stopped for some desert shots. We spent about 5-10 minutes taking photos, then we took off again.

While enjoying the beautiful scenery on a rainy day, we came to a place that was suggested as a stop by a gentleman at Middle of the Road Antiques. This place was Route 66 history, but has been completely rebuilt on it original foundation. This place, the old Cool Springs Station. So I stopped to check it out, and of course I spent some time admiring the place and taking my photos of the exterior. The old gas pumps, the Flying Pegasus sign, and all the decals that are on the entry door glass. The details are what I was checking out, more than the building itself. The I walked in the door. The man at the counter was on the phone, which is expected when you're this far away from town. So I just went on to check everything out. There was the usual Route 66 items, but then I looked up. The wall is plastered with some sweet Rolling Stones Records. There must have been at least 50 records on the walls. Besides the Stones records, there is some cool Automobilia for sale. Including pieces of the Mother Road. Of course I had to have my piece. For a cheap $5.00, I just couldn't resist. Besides the asphalt, I also picked up a hat pin, another patch, and a postcard of the old Cool Springs Station.

Be sure to drop a donation for "NEDLEY"

While at the counter, I noticed a donation box. on the box was of course a detailed explanation of what the donations are to be used for. Well, it is for food for "Nedley" and his gang. Who's "Nedley"? Well Nedley and his gang are the local Road Runners. They have a photo on the counter showing Nedley eating from the owners hands. Well I just had to do my part and make a small donation. Hey! Nedley and his gang needs to eat right. Anyways! We finally got out the door and kept driving West. Then I saw a the what is left of "Ed's Place". I stopped, yet again, and took a couple of photos. Looking around though got me thinking again as to how cool this place was in its prime. Yes it's in the middle of the desert, but it is on Route 66. This had to have been a cool place back in the day. Then I jumped back in the car for more driving. But, 50 yards up the road, on a curve, was a tractor trailer that was pretty much stuck there for a while. On the other side were 2 Arizona Sheriffs vehicles. And, on the curve, the driver didn't make a wide enough judgement and one of his wheels was blown out by the sharp boulders that are on the roads edge. So the officers were sitting there waiting. Not sure how long they had already been there, but the were still going to be there for a bit longer.

Me! Inside The Powerhouse

So we kept going up the winding road to towards the top of the mountain, and then we saw some people stopping on the inside of a curve. Wondering why I had to look. Then we all noticed that there were stairs in the side of the mountain. So of course I had to stop to see why the heck there are stairs, on the side of a mountain, in the middle of the desert. So we checked it out. They didn't go up to far, but at the top area, there was a deep pool of water. Come to find out, apparently some miners back in the day had built this pool into the side of the rock. not sure why, but it was there, full of water from the rain run off. I thought it was actually a cool thing to see, so I snapped a couple pics from the view looking East, as well as some of the pool. Then we were off again.

We got to the top of Sitgreaves Pass, and headed down the other side. After a few miles, we ran into the people that stopped at the stairs. One of them asked us to stop. So I did! Like any idiot in the middle of the desert would. Right? Anyways, he told us there is a young Desert Ram Horn that ran across the road. So we checked it out. It was cool to see. So, looking around, I noticed we were surrounded by mine property. So I grabbed a few photos, but, for some reason, I did a crappy shoot here. Oh Well! Then we jumped back in the car, all of us this time, and kept on going. After a bit of driving slow, lolly gaggin' at the scenery, taking more photos of the old run down rock houses in the area, we finally made it Oatman. A town full of Jackasses! Really! This place is known for having jackasses running through the town. The minors left them behind back in the day, and now there quite a lot still here. See the 9th pic below!

After getting through a few mules, I found a place to park. So we got out and checked out a few of the stores. But, at this time of the day, we were very hungry. So we went inside the OLD OATMAN HOTEL. Inside this place is a well known place to eat. When heading in the door, to the left you can grab some ice cream. And, to the right, some history of what this hotel is famous for. Mostly for when Clark Gable and Carol Lombard had stayed here for their honeymoon. Mr Gable also used to come back to get away from the craziness of Old Hollywood for some time of solitude. Imagine being one of the miners back then that used to play cards with him. Very Cool! Anyways, also to the right is the door to get into the bar and the restaurant. You walk through the door, and HELLO! this place is full of money. Bills all over the walls, the ceilings, doorways, anywhere you can put it. Tourists have been leaving their bills here for nearly a hundred years. So we walked through to our seat, and I started checking them out. Mostly U.S. bills, but then you would occasionally come upon some foreign bills as well. Then looking where those that left their bills were from, you would see Canada, Italy, Germany, Britain, Switzerland, and many more places. I thought this was pretty cool, so of course, I had to leave one too. So I asked for the Sharpie and the staple gun. I drew one of my favorite automotive icons on the bill. FLAMES! Then put our names and date on the bill, and stapled it to the wall. Oh yeah! We ate too! No complaints about the food. I was too hungry to care. Then I grabbed some shots around the place, and headed out the door.

After leaving the Oatman Hotel, we did what most tourists would do in this place. I pulled out the camera and took more photos. I got my shot with a mule, took a shot of my wife in the pine box playing dead, and looked around for some small details in areas that others don't look. But I couldn't go too far though. I didn't want to go where I wasn't supposed to be, Especially since people still live here. About this time too, it was getting late and we needed to head out to get back to Laughlin and get our rest for the next day. So we headed out, a bit tired from this long, fun and exciting day.