New Glarus drive, October 2009
The names of the towns are beginning to sound familiar: Orfordville,
Magnolia, Mt. Vernon, Little Norway, Forward. We have, after all, taken
this drive six times now, once each year the club has existed. The
awareness of having been here before fits the experience nicely, because
this drive is a spiritual homecoming, a return to the things that have
always made the 356 desirable. The crisp air, the golden leaves, the
unhurried pace, the curves and hills, the company of friends, all add up
to a celebratory end to another driving season.
This year, there were only seven cars in the group, but almost every one
carried a passenger to keep the driver company and maybe take a turn at
the wheel. The forecast of rain turned out to be a false alarm, and for
most of the morning the sky was cloudless. We were lucky in the
mechanical department as well, with a welcome absence of broken fan
belts and disintegrated gearshift bushings.
What do you say we do this again next year?
Ron Felson with his answer to the question, "What's the best car
to drive when your 356 is not quite finished being restored?"
photo by Paul Masanek
Keeping up with this crowd requires concentration.
photo by Paul Masanek
Every 356 driver's favorite road sign.
photo by Ken Smith
Stewart Park in Mt. Horeb, halfway to New Glarus.
photo by Ken Smith
The old familiar lineup.
photo by Ken Smith
Lynn, Nancy and Julia compare notes at the break.
photo by Eric Smith
That license plate had Tom expecting to find a four cam motor in there.
photo by Eric Smith
Lunch Swiss style at the New Glarus Hotel.