We’re supposed to run front plates here in Texas but for the last 10 years (over this car and a previous car) I haven’t had one and never had an issue. I do keep the front plate under the seat so I could throw it up on the dash if needed. I think it’s one of those things the police either add on (if they’re feeling “generous”) or they use as a pretext to stop you. As a old man, I don’t seem to fit the profile of someone the police want to pull over, for better or worse.
I’d say close to half the vehicles I see driving around don’t have front plates. The larger issue here is (or was, legislature finally abolished this) paper “temporary” plates that every uninsured/unregistered car in Texas and several states around were using to get any piece of junk on the road.
Tasted 3 roads and all passed the no discernible salt test. The disks were looking minging (even though I’ve got wheel covers), as it was 6 weeks since the last spin and thought they needed a ‘scrub’. So on balance, I thought the ND isn’t going to fall apart going for a spin on roads which I could taste no salt, and disks would be shiny silver again.
So a nice spin, about 16 miles to top up the tank with ESSO’s 99, as I like a full tank when it’s hanging about. Similar route back.
Today, I mostly went from Dalton-in-Furness to Leeds. As I had more time for the journey than usual, I thought I would avoid motorways, and enjoy the views afforded by the A65 (I guess there are views to be enjoyed). Famous last words. There was so much fog, I might as well have been standing at the top of the Eiffel tower for all I knew.
But Nugget luuuuved it. Roof down all the way, overtakes galore (slow drivers, smelly diesel cars, and badly maintained ones), classic Zazie and Garbage on play, I had a ball. I was lucky enough to follow two drivers who had confidence in their cars over some twisty sections: one in a Focus, and the other in a Fiat 500. They were slower than us but fast enough to allow me to plan some smiling corners.
I collected Nugget from the hotel’s car park in Leeds (I hear the Holiday Inn were charging extra for the improved view from the rooms while I was parked there),
and I drove up the road to the Cardigan Arms (A65 again!) for some late lunch. Great food, rather surprisingly, at £12.50 for a pint, a hot sandwich and some homemade handcut chips…
Driving home tonight after another visit to my friends, on the A65 (I am now glued to it), and hoping for very little traffic so that Nugget and I can have some proper fun. Fingers crossed.
Picnic at the Estuary today. Stinking hot and calm which is a change from the rubbish weather of recent weeks that has mainly involved wind, rain, and thunderstorms. At least our area has missed the flooding, land slips and damaging gales that have afflicted some regions. Its Summer!!!
Pulled over by Maen Llia - very large Bronze Age monolith / standing stone over 3.5m in height (out of shot, I’m afraid).
This tranquil road travels past the beautiful, remote peaks of Fan Llia and Fan Nedd in the delightful Ystradfellte area, located in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Powys, south Wales 🚘
Cruising at 1,801 feet with the top down for the first time since I bought the car. Had a blast through Gospel Pass in the Black Mountains. Highest public road in Cymru.
Also as these roads are really rough tried out my Memaflex cushion pad with a new £2.99 cover for the less well padded gentleman tourer. Six hours driving and I got out for a fuel stop not walking like John Wayne.
It was running around the city Friday, Cruising A roads Saturday and exploring the Black Mountain lanes and forestry tracks Sunday. I’d quite happily do a track day today and wear out the tyres. I have had it a fortnight today and can’t fault the car.
I’d be calling out the paramedics if my ND came withing miles of a road like that. Mine won’t go out if the floors wet. It should relalise what a papered life it’s got!!
Had a drive through some of our local country roads. Saw very little stock - a sad commentary on modern economics and the Global Village. Did come across some cattle beasts, this years calves being fattened for beef. Those familiar with cattle will know that they are significantly more curious than the proverbial cat, and it took them little time to form a line so they could admire the MX-5.
. Enjoy.
🚘
