A Distinguished Gentleman (allegedly)

 So, Facebook is good for something. I read a thing about something called "The Distinguished Gentlemen's Drive" and was intrigued. This whole Disinguished Gentlemen thing is a group that fancies itself as what the name implies. Kinda hipster--flat caps, tweed, waxed mustaches, and into odd vehicles. The GOOD thing is that they do events to raise money for Men's Health Issues (we all know what that implies---but they go further) through a world wide group called "Movember." That's the bunch that wants men to grow facial hair in November, esp. mustaches. Well, I THINK I qualify for that part, at least. Movember is a world-wide organization that has raised millions for men's health. This Drive Day was a world wide event involving some 60 countries! 

And Ladies, PLEASE don't scoff. I know your potential plumbing problems are FAR more complicated and frequent than ours, but any health advances are good advances. Men's Cancer Matters. To coin a phrase. 

So, at short notice, I inveigled Marianne to dress up with me and join the fun. And fun it was. Cars had to be more than 40 years old and this drive met in Costa Mesa. Perfect, because later that day we were due at Mari's sister's house for a B-Day party! She lives in Orange. 

hmmm, should I sabotage or surrender? 

Yes, very natty indeed! 

The cars were mostly Porsches but there was a nice MG and a great looking '66 Mustang (THAT brought memories to Mari--her first car was a '66 Stang!). I added the Yellow Submarine and yes, a French car in and among Les Bosh! Quelle Terrible! 

And in the Small World Dept., the organizer was a veteran of the Iron Bottom and a couple of the Drives I organized! But wait, there's more...one of the women was a cousin to a family Mari grew up with in Sierra Madre! 

The drive was (sadly) made up of a bit too much city streets, but in the OC, it's hard to NOT do that or freeways. Anyway, we cruised PCH to Dana Point (which is always fun, except in Laguna Police were the cops are REALLY NASTY about speed and noise!) and then up into the hills and canyons in Eastern OC. 

I'd never been up any of them (!!!!???) and that part was very enjoyable. Traduco Canyon, Ortega Hwy, and Silverado Canyon made up the majority of the drive. Some great stuff, but understand, on the weekend, cyclists, motorcyclists, and others are all over the place. Just enjoy whatever scenery hasn't been recently burned. 

We all met up at the Silverado Cafe for a pee/food break and THIS lovely car showed up (no, not part of our drive). It's got a Triumph Vitesse/GT6 engine on a Rapier chassis. GREAT little car! 

We ended at the Lyon Air Museum at John Wayne Airport. Nice little museum, some great planes and good displays. 

Tail Gunner Joe Wants YOU! 

All in all, a delightful drive and through generous last minute donations, I was able to raise about $130 for a worthy cause. THANKS to those who donated. 

For more, see: https://www.gentlemansdrive.com/driver/StephenMcCarthy18259