After crunching for 3 weeks on a large file server and SQL cutover, I finally got a chance to leave early... and go on a walk in the hills. The Coupe has been zaino'd for days now, waiting for the rain to clear, and her outdoor photo shoot. Finally, some sun and warmth. But .. I had to get out. Work all day, wax all night. Time for a break..

After a few miles in the hilly neighborhoods above my house, I finally came to the very crest of the last hill. A nice little loop of a street with some interesting architecture. I just happen to notice this beautiful vintage car. A bright blue sunny day, the owner was out, seated on his little wooden bench, detailing the tires. "Hallooo there", as I approached his drive. "I couldn't help but notice your fine auto here". Stewart, I soon found out, was British. A very kind hearted person, with an obvious love for cars. He was so pleasant to chat with.

"Ah, yes", when asked about the car, "It's a '57 Jaguar (Stewart pronounces, "Yaag-you-arrrr") Coupe". A beautiful cherry red single stage paint. Walnut burl wood dash. "I'm only the second owner", he proudly states. "I've done what I can to keep her up, and keep her original, you know" (all this.. in a British accent). He'd managed to procure an original AM radio to replace the one that had died many years ago. Several other "enhancements" to the radiator and engine.. "to keep her running, of course".

What a Gem. A beautiful hard top two door, two seater (provided you ignore the impossibly small miniature "jump" seats in the back). It turns out, Stewart is preparing his baby for a vintage car tour that is held in the Nappa valley each year. My goodness, it's this weekend. He's driving up Friday and Saturday (not trailering this 45 year old car) to SF, where they block off a segment of a street on Nob Hill to show case the cars all of Sunday (if you're in SF this weekend ....). The following week, they drive 250 miles a day, through the wine country. '58 cars and older only. Some day guys.. some day.

We shared Eugene to SF route plans we'd both tried. Then, he led me into the garage where hidden behine bikes and boxes was a canary yellow '98 Porsche 993. The last of the air cooled engines. 4 wheel drive. 12" rear tires. 18" wheels. And huge red Brembo brakes. What a cool car. "170mph, should one desire", narrated Stewart..

What a pleasant visit with a new neighbor. I finished up my walk, made a simple dinner, and enjoyed the rest of the fading light, sitting on the back deck.. reflecting. I dind't have my camera with me on my walk, but I did snap these photos of the evening sky as a few show stopping clouds rolled by.

Yup.. a good day. Cars are so cool.