A Smooth Landing After A Long Journey

A snowy Jan. 5 morning found the Drive Home II crew being hosted by Dawn and Mike Fisher at their impressive MFD Classic Motors in Traverse City.

 MFD Classic Motors' Dawn Fisher and Valerie

Cars and Coffee at MFD Classic Motors

 Dale and David beside one of the Fisher's cars: A 1959 Plymouth with 6,000 original miles

After coffee and fare with a good number of local car buffs, we headed south with auto journalist Steve Purdy and another new driver, Josh McManus, COO of Rock Ventures, at the wheels of the classics. I followed the cars out of Traverse City in the SUV with Derek, Valerie and Ashley, and for several hours as we rolled south over fairly icy roads to a coffee and cars event in Lansing, MI, which is very near my wife’s alma mater.

Michigan State Universty

Cars and Coffee at Belle Tire in Lansing, MI

Within about 80 miles of our final destination, the SUV became a rolling collection of laughter as we recounted some of the events of the day and journey, the kind of delirium that comes with traveling in close quarters on a 12-day odyssey. One of these moments came when I had lost my sunglasses and wore Valerie's to cut the glare from the snow. Looking a bit like Elton John, I drew a few curious stares from passing cars, and  every time I turned my head toward Ashley and Valerie in the back seat it set off an explosion of snorts and giggles. 

Another 80 miles and we celebrated the culmination of our 2,100 mile journey as we arrived in Detroit and checked into the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. No mechanical difficulties or problems to report with the exception of a fire alarm and momentary hotel evacuation (that we’re certain Derek had something to do with), and then we were off for a reception hosted by Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures.

A smooth landing after a long journey with a great team. Now the real fun begins with our triumphant drive up Woodward Avenue tomorrow and the possibility that the dealership may have the Chrysler 300G repaired and ready to join us--we're all stoked about the possibility of that reunion. Guaranteed great pics to follow!