drivetofive

The NALM games have begun out here in Tex-Ass!  Welcome to the 11th Annual National Acura Legend Meet.

As I peer down upon the couple dozen cars in the parking lot from our room here on the 16th floor of the Marriott host hotel in Katy, I see some tired cars and some tired people.  It’s been an action packed but very enjoyable day.  Gabe has his 1993 Legend coupe up on a jack stand to address some wiring issues.  Jeff is finishing up a concours-level detail job.  And a few people are unloading stuff from their cars after today’s couple-hundred-mile driving adventure through the Sam Houston Forest.  It was a sight to behold to participate in a convoy of Legends as we visited some photo opportunities and dined on some of the best ‘cowboy grub’ I’ve ever had.

At 9:00 in the morning, NALM Director TJ Vetrone called a driver’s meeting and gave us a briefing on the overall route and destinations we’d be visiting throughout the day.  Along with the help of his dad, John, TJ truly showed us a great time.  Our first stop was an abandoned town called Richards.  Oops, I guess not abandoned:  296 people live there.  For the 45 or so minutes until our arrival, my concentration was aimed as much at the cars ahead of me as it was behind me.  It’s not every day I get to drive down a highway sandwiched in between cars of my same make and model.  I must say I enjoyed the view.

NALM Photographer Dani Stir was the man of the day.  This guy will do anything for a photo-op.  I watched him climb atop a full size Chevy pickup and I watched him stand outside a moonroof at 70+ miles per hour, facing rearward, to capture in-motion shots.  And he did it all with a smile on his face.  Thanks, Dani, and we can’t wait to see how the pics turn out!

Yankee’s Tavern in Carlos, Texas was the dining venue of choice for a late lunch – and what a great choice it was.  Following John’s recommendation, I went with the Patty Melt (and added some mushrooms for good measure).  It was a winning selection!  This thing was juicier than any burger I’ve ever had.  It wasn’t long before TJ and Dani started cooking up another photo idea, so soon we lined up the cars yet again for a picture on the grass just behind Yankee.  I was given the exclusive opportunity to stage both of my cars atop a small hill, with the remainder of attendees grouped below.

On the way back to our host hotel in Katy, we did have just one more stop to make:  The Grimes County Courthouse.  Built in 1894, this structure today stands as an “island” of source with pavement all the way around it.  One at a time, under John’s direction, each driver pulled his car over by the front steps of the building while Dani snapped a photo.

It’s a successful NALM day in the books.  For those who couldn’t make it this year, I hope this gives you a quick glance into how our day went.  There’s much more to come.  See you tomorrow.

Hotel room with a view!

Alan doing some finishing touches on his Legend GS detail:  “Back to Black” on those plastic trim pieces.

Leon installed a NALM sticker on the hood of his 1995 Legend LS.  Official Pace Car!

Kevin saved the day by coming to my rescue with some power steering fluid that I was low on.

Departing the Marriott, following Mike’s gorgeous 195,000-mile 1991 “Golden Glow Pearl” sedan.  Mike bought that brand new.  How many of you have kept the same car for 24 years?

Fuel up in Montgomery, Texas.  Btw, gas is cheap here!  I saw $1.95!

Tyson and Chris – standing with our “twin” GS sedan 6-speeds.  Mine has 148,000 miles and his has 141,000.  The cars are only 145 production numbers apart.  Both were built in February 1994.

A rare sighting – I got to follow my own car while driving Chris’ GS.

Even more rare:  My coupe, with my sedan in the mirror, while driving Chris’ car.  This was just prior to our photo op in Richards.

The four Desert Mist Metallic Legends lined up.  These are all 1994 models.

Tyson and James posing with the cars.

Alan is from the Tampa area and he brings out this straw hat to every NALM.  I need one.

Sorry, just can’t get enough of these butts.

Vanna…. er, Chris Miller!

Legends parked at Yankee Tavern!

16 ounce Rib Eye!  Wednesday nights.  I need to go back.  Blake’s 6-speed 1994 coupe pictured.

Inside Yankee Tavern.

Alan on the phone with his wife Nancy.

Gearing up for a photoshoot on the grass.

Chris taking a look at his engine bay.  Grimes County Courthouse in the background.

Special visit from a Houston local and a good friend of mine – Mark.  He brought his big-bodied bombshell, “Vivian” out to say hello.  Vivian is a 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8.  She sounds pretty mean with that custom exhaust.

Check you tomorrow!

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