GRM Fly and Drive #3: Let's go to Florida for an Element

So about to start the 3rd chapter in my GRM fly and drive story.

Chapter #1 took me to the home of all things Miata, Grand Junction, CO. While I was there I had the unforgettable experience of driving a 400HP+ Miata from Grand Junction to Austin through record breaking heat of over 117F.

Atomic Betty Fly and Drive

Chapter #2 took me to So Cal for a clean Integra GSR sedan which still graces my garage today. I had a blast playing in the So Cal Mountains and channeling my inner rally driver as I got on to dirt road in the heart of the grand canyon area while giving a forum member a heart attack.   

GSR Fly and Drive

So for Chapter #3, Going to none other than the home of this great family to pick up Tom's old Element that he has been storing at the old GRM world hq and bring it back to Nebraska.  Since I've never been up the coast between JAX and Myrtle Beach, I'm going to take the coastal route and I've got 2 camp sites booked. One in the Charleston area and one in the Ozarks. I will be testing it out as a car camper for the weekend getaways.

I'm going to validity Tom's statement that he would drive it to Alaska tomorrow with a 1700 mile adventure.  

The adventure starts December 30th. 

I find myself in the unique postilion of hoping this is an entertaining story full of twists and turns, and hoping it's the most boring story in the world since you're buying the car from me!

Well Tom, My last two were entertaining and exciting because of outside influences. Both of the cars were great and didn't give me a lick of issues. 

Notice the route goes through Asheville and Knoxville so there may be a little back road bombing W. NC style with the element if the weather is good. 

Flying all the way to Florida to pick up a weird Honda CUV? Sounds like you're

Right in your Element

I'll see myself out.

Colin Wood said:

Flying all the way to Florida to pick up a weird Honda CUV? Sounds like you're

Right in your Element

 

 

I'll see myself out.

I totally read your comment with this voice in my head! :D

And in the mean time, Can I just leave now?? Geesh. A couple days in the south will be nice. 

i hope there's a vanity plate in this vehicle's future.

SRPRISE

In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :

I laughed way more than I should have with that comment. I am thinking that may have to happen!

In reply to bmw88rider :

I mean, I'll pick you up whenever you get here. 

This trip was pointed out to me. Depending when you head north to MB I might be able to meet for lunch or something. Or wave at you as we go opposite directions on 95. 

Hey Stampie, That should be about noon on NYE. If you are free for lunch, It'll be about that time of day. 

Stampie want to meet us halfway and get lunch towards St. Augustine or something? I'm totally commandeering bmw88rider's plans at this point though. 

In reply to Tom Suddard :

I'll be north heading towards Jacksonville that day.  I have a feeling it's going to be a wave across 95.

So I understand why our taxes are so high here all things considered. I went to get the temp tag and it's metal. I was like WTF? I was just expecting a paper tag like every other temp tag known to man. 

So weather is shaping up for nice car camping trip. Weather is going to be in the 60's in the day and low 50s at night  for most of the way. Will be a bit rainy. Test out one of the roles right away, Car camper. 

I was originally looking at this as the outdoors adventure wagon: 

Super tempting with the turbo 4G63 but also a little scary with the thought of if I was in BFE and something went wrong with it, would I be able to get the parts for a JDM car never brought here? Then, the costs too. $20K was a bit more than I was looking to spent. 

My ultimate goal for the Element will be something to take out for a weekend getaway and my winter vehicle. Overnight MTB adventure, Hiking trip, or just hang out trip. Since it's a haul to get to a lot of places from here, having a place to sleep overnight and then coming home the next day is pretty great. I didn't want a full RV because those are a PITA when they are not using it. (Storage, Upkeep, Etc) This, I can fit in the garage. So looking forward to it. I specifically wanted a pre facelift as the passengers seat moves up 3 more inches. 

That and my GF can't drive a stick shift so need something for her to drive on her visits. 

Vehicle that will fill a lot of needs in my life. 

bmw88rider said:

 

 

Chapter #2 took me to So Cal for a clean Integra GSR sedan which still graces my garage today. I had a blast playing in the So Cal Mountains and channeling my inner rally driver as I got on to dirt road in the heart of the grand canyon area while giving a forum member a heart attack.   

GSR Fly and Drive

 

 

 

 

You certainly made me cry and gave me a heart attack - my cars never see that kind of dirt 

Super excited to see you in a few days! I broke the Element out of office car storage yesterday and drove it home to save us some time this weekend.  Drove great!

Tom Suddard said:

Super excited to see you in a few days! I broke the Element....

This what my brain first saw......ruh ro. 

Yeah wouldn't want any breaking of the Element. :)

So good thing is I'm NOT flying southwest so my chances of actually getting there are good. 

Flight still on time? Excited to get this trip started!

Oh, and what's your T-shirt size?

I fly out at 1:30 in the afternoon so too soon to say. I'm a XL. 

Following along for vicarious enjoyment...

And the Uber to the airport is called. Let the adventure begin. 

Make it to Florida? 

bmw88rider said:

And the Uber to the airport is called. Let the adventure begin. 

Will you bring the Element when you come to see me in Feb? Can Tom give you an extra L shirt for me?