Connecticut Drive 2014: Nor'East '02ers

Today was the Third Annual Connecticut Drive of the Nor'East '02ers, a k a The Son of The Return of the Connecticut Drive,.... or the Second Cousin Once Removed of the Connecticut Drive.... or something like that.  It can get very confusing if you try to delve into it too much, so let's just leave it at that, shall we?

;)

Credit for organizing this drive goes to Matt and Rebecca Pickering and they did a fantastic job!  Kudos!  The following is a compilation of pics that I have, well, purloined from the Facebook posts of the various participants, which include Matt and Rebecca, Kevin Wickless, Steve Kirkup, Matt Aunger, Scott Sislane, and myself.  Thanks to all the photographers, and I hope I haven't missed anyone!

Ok, now.... click on this link for a little themed background music to play while you enjoy the rest of the blog post on this .... Sunny Afternoon!  ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ17WfSi8r0

The meetup for the drive, a stroke of genius, was Gillette Castle, in East Haddam CT, which is situated high on the bluffs overlooking the Connecticut River.  William Gillette was an actor in the early 20th Century who became famous for playing Sherlock Holmes.  It took millions of dollars and many years to build this castle, and it is well worth a visit if you happen to come to Connecticut.  Full Disclosure:  personally, as a long-time Sherlock Holmes fan, this place has always been very special to me.  It is not very far from where I live, and I love it.  Kudos to Matt and Rebecca for choosing such a beautiful spot to begin our drive!

And here is why:

Gillette had his own miniature railroad on the castle grounds, which he used to give his guests tours of the property.  He drove the train himself.  This is the engine of that train.

This is all prologue, btw.....we have not yet begun the drive.  This was just the meetup spot!  

We gathered in this parking lot, a short walk from the castle itself.

(L to R) Baurspotting Baur Steve K. and Simon K.  Scott S. 02 in the foreground.

Matt and Rebecca in forground, Scott at right.

Kevin W., Dave F. and Wink and Martha's E30 Cabrio.

Cars (L to R):  Scott, Tyler, Matt and Rebecca, Mark A. 2002 3 Series.

Matt and Rebecca brought coffee.

Tyler

Impromptu tech session on Tyler's car:  change the fuel filter.

They call him Dr. K because of the way he operates.  ;)  Tyler assisting.

Luckily, Steve "Semper Paratus" Kirkup had a few spare fuel filters in his pocket, apparently, along with a couple of oil filters, fan belts, radiator hoses, a gallon of coolant and a pint of brake fluid.  Talk about deep pockets!  

Fuel filter replacement.  

No, that is NOT used coffee grounds in a tiny coffee filter.  Rule to live by:  replace your fuel filters every 35 years, whether they need it or not.

We can probably assume that this is what Tyler's fuel tank looks like at this point.   

Heading out to the ferry.

Waiting for the ferry.  It was actually just a short wait.

The Connecticut River at the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry.

We were told that the ferry could hold 9 cars per trip.  

Ferry crew member waving me onto the boat behind Kevin.  "Sure, we have room for one more."  

....Barely!   See below.  ;)

Notice the rear gate of the ferry is not fully closed......

..... Here's why.  They waved me onto the ferry as car #10, on a ferry with a reported capacity of 9!

But the rear of the car prevents rear gate from closing.  Nothing to worry about really.   Really?  ;)  But they put that wheel chock there anyway.  

They couldn't close the gate..... my bumper was in the way!

I made sure the handbrake was firmly set!   And then I checked it again!

As you can see, I am astride the hump.... I could roll either way!  ;)

I could roll forward into Kevin's 1600.  I wouldn't want to do THAT!

Or roll backward, for a refreshing swim.  Hmmm.  Tempting on a warm summer day but.... the Baur is no Schwimmerwagen!

Ferry staff thoughtfully provided a little backup to keep me from going for a swim off the rear of the ferry.  ;)

Kevin and his son checking out the view of the river from the rear of the ferry, unobstructed by any gates.

We arrived at the ferry terminal in few minutes without incident.  Thank goodness!  ;)

We had to do the ferry crossing in two shifts, due to the space limitations.  So this is the first shift waiting for the second shift to cross the river on the ferry. 

Checking on Tyler's new fuel filter.  Tyler reported a noticeable improvement.   

The parking lot at the Thimble Island Brewery, our first stop!

Quenching our thirst.

Wink and Martha's E30 Cabrio

Mark A's 2002 3 Series

Simon K.

Baurspotting'a 1982 323i Baur

Tyler's '02

Dave F.

Steve K.

Matt and Rebecca P.

Scott S.

Dinnertime!

"The Place", our final destination: alfresco dining, great seafood, chicken steaks, cooked on an open fire.  A beautiful ending to a beautiful drive on a perfect summer day!  Thanks to all!

Bonus tracks.... more from Ray Davies of The Kinks:

Waterloo Sunset

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vRURpe6FXE

Victoria

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brlLHo8fqJM