« TTA Stag (a.k.a. “Uncle Jack”) and John Macartney re-enter US of A-visa SOLVED | Main | EVENT PUBLICITY this far… »
Corunna, ONTARIO to Hampshire, ILLINOIS
By John | August 1, 2009
It was an early-ish start to the day. Many miles needed to be covered before “uncle jack” would return to the place of his re-birth. Also, there was the very tacit issue of whether John would find himself ‘persona non grata’ with the US authorities – or not, following the problems with his visa this far.
Mark Jones (MGBGT), “uncle jack” and Jeff Kramer still with his TR4A left Mark’s home at around 08.30, for the ferry across the river to the border crossing at Marine City.
The two women border guards were professional in the way they politely interrogated John about the reasons for his trip, asked him to complete two forms – and bingo!
John can now stay in the US and COMPLETE his serendipitous odyssey!
We were met by Richard Truett and Chris Holbrook, both from Detroit Triumphs, who were to escort us across Michigan as far as New Buffalo. John and Chris both worked together at Standard-Triumph in Coventry and London in the ’60’s – and both are more than competent in continually ‘insulting’ and mickey-taking one another when together. So, in that regard, the meeting at Marine City was just like old times – but perhaps Chris could have chosen a better time to say, “Macartney, don’t tell me those security people believed all those lies you’ve just told them!?”
One can cope with jibes of this sort – but perhaps not when the two people in question are well within earshot! But hey, John was given his green ticket and is now strictly legally admitted.
The caravan set of across the Michigan interstate system, pausing for a break near Jackson – and then lunch about an hour later. It was around 3.00pm when we arrived at Casey’s Bar in New Buffalo – and found ourselves in place and waiting for the three cars that had come out to meet us from ISOA – Illinois Sports Owners Association. A beer (or three) from Casey’s – and we were on our way again to meet Joe Pawlak and other ISOA members at a location just west of Chicago. Traffic was heavy – and perhaps just a tad too fast for me – as I was beginning to feel rather tired by then. Already, we’d done more than 400 miles if “uj’s” odometer is to be believed.
And then, there they were – all waiting in a car park alongside the highway.
Half an hour was spent chatting about the trip this far, swallowing water and finding out how “uncle jack” had behaved so far – and then it was time for the very last bit of the drive to Joe Pawlak’s home. We set off once more – with Joe driving his lovingly restored ‘65 Spitfire (which he bought new when still at school) and meandered along roads that were straight and true – into the setting sun. The evening was clsoing in on us and then we made a left turn off the road, up a drive and stopped outside a garage door.
“uncle jack” had finally got me to his home.
And finally, just before we close off today’s website entry – a little competition for your enjoyment. There are no prizes – but can you identify this person in the ‘Jesus’ sandals and long socks?
I’ll give you two clues.
He’s British and quite well-known throughout the country in the Stag fraternity.
Topics: General News | 1 Comment »
August 2nd, 2009 at 11:56 am
Why, it’s “Twin Cam” of course!!