[Healeys] The Power of Healey

John Vrugtman javrugtman at htcnet.org
Sun Apr 14 17:19:42 MDT 2013


Priceless!

On 4/14/2013 7:00 PM, Bob Spidell wrote:
> I have a neighbor named Mike.  Although I'm on good terms with most of 
> my neighbors, Mike and I have the most in common and have occasional 
> long conversations but we're not what you'd call BFFs. About 12 years 
> or so ago Mike's first wife died of cancer.  Mike was understandably 
> despondent and, at some point either me or my girlfriend at the time 
> decided he needed to get out and about.  I offered to take Mike on a 
> day trip in my BJ8; we drove down to Pinnacles National Monument and 
> spent the day hiking and returned. He seemed to enjoy the trip and the 
> car but I don't recall him bringing it much, if at all, in the ensuing 
> years.
>
> A few days ago, Mike came over while I was working in my garage. After 
> the usual exchange of pleasantries and chit-chat Mike said he had a 
> 'big favor' to ask (I noticed he seemed unusually emotional and might 
> have been fighting back tears).  Now, Mike isn't one to ask for 
> favors--typical Midwesterner (he's originally from Michigan)--and I 
> figured he just needed me to water or mow his lawn while he took a 
> trip (he's semi-retired now and is making the most of it).  I had 
> noticed that Mike had a fresh bandage on his neck--he'd had surgery 
> and radiation treatment for thyroid cancer previously and had to have 
> another surgery and was facing the radiation treatment again.  We 
> didn't talk about it, but the prognosis is likely not great.
>
> Anyway, the 'big favor' Mike asked for?  He wants to take another trip 
> in the Healey.  Turns out that day trip in a Healey meant a lot to 
> him, and now he wants to take another during an extremely trying 
> time.  I've planned an overnighter down the California coast through 
> Big Sur, a night in Morro Bay then back up through an inland route 
> known for wildflower displays this time of year.
>
> Now, any car might do for such an occasion--certainly any British 
> sports car--but for Mike the Healey is special (and he's not a 'car 
> guy').  I'm getting a queue of people wanting to take trips in the 
> Healey.
>
> Our route:
>
> http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Hwy1BigSur.htm
>
> http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Highway25.htm
>
>
> Bob


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