We lost a supporting cast member of the Hefferblog this week.
This frequent, if unmentioned, Hefferblog guest never received a pseudonym. We simply called her "The Pilot.
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| The earliest photo I could find of the Pilot - January 2004 |
The Pilot has made numerous appearances in this blog. Most of the photos feature it's backside.
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| Daisy, Lucinda, Mona and I tailgating before a Journey concert October 2011 |
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| Mik, making sure that all the luggage was secure. Getting to the airport to go to Tahoe - January 2010 |
In the last few years, the Pilot became the "go to" car for cycling events because we could fit four bikes in the back and still have seating for four people.
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| From last April's Gran Fondo |
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| Many of the backside photos of the Pilot, also include Betty's backside since she would usually take over loading duties. This was from the Gran Fondo April 2012 |
Other appearances featured the inside of the Pilot.
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| DramaGirl and Millie, our designated drivers in Napa during the Napa to Sonoma 1/2 Marathon - July 2011 |
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| Betty really never liked being in the second row, but was willing to bear it anyway, like for this short ride to the bay - September 2009 |
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| Clarence and a couple of bikes - June 2009 |
But the Pilot did more than cart around heffers and their bikes. The primary purpose of bringing the Pilot into our lives back in 2003 was to cart kids around.
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| At least 7 of these kids got to Turbo's 8th birthday party at a San Diego Gull's Hockey Game - February 2006 |
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| Ski trip to Mammoth with the cousins - March 2008 |
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| Same kids, same trip, two years later - December 2010 |
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| Birthday parties - Drama Girl and Friends - September 2009 |
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| Turbo - Excited after a day of Skiing at Big Bear - February 2008 |
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| DramaGirl and Turbo, on the roof of the Pilot at Snow Valley - January 2009 |
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| I don't care if you eat in the car! - November 2012 |
Certainly, the Pilot has gotten us to early morning races
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| Walter driving a whole herd, and a few other friends, to the Rock and Roll Marathon - June 2008 |
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| And also dropping us off at the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon - June 2010 |
Many have slept in the Pilot
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| DramaGirl - napping after an unknown event - April 2007 |
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| Mik and Alberta, snoozing after Surf City Half - February 2010 |
And mostly, we (my family, my friends) have had many, many, many adventures in the Pilot
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| DramaGirl was oh-so-thrilled to wear the cummerbund and be our designated photographer - Napa to Sonoma 1/2 Marathon weekend - July 2011 |
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| On our way to see a show DramaGirls, friends, and moms (Ally and AJ I think) - September 2007 |
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| Unloading Skis and Snow (we like to call it Dirt) Valley - January 2009 |
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| Parking too close to the Pilot... June 2010 |
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| Using the back seat to change into dry clothes after running in the rain - December 2008 |
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| Riding bikes with DramaGirl and Turbo - April 2009 |
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| On the Vegas Strip - April 2009 |
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| Passing time as we drove to the Grand Canyon - July 2010 |
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| One of the last heffer-adventures during my 50th b-day celebration. I don't know it but I'll be going to see REO speedwagon at Rincon with the WHOLE HERD!!! August 2012 |
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| And of course, I braved teaching Cori how to drive in the Pilot (although we quickly learned that a teenager really doesn't need a car that seats 8 people... June 2011 |
Recently, the Pilot started having some mechanical problems, with almost 120,000 miles on it, that's not too surprising. The night of REO Speedwagon, we had to call AAA to charge a way-dead battery, about a week ago, our mechanic told us we needed to replace the engine mount. We wondered if the $700-$1000 repairs would start to become more frequent occurrences, so we decided to trade it in on a newer car...maybe one with some more "modern" features.
So, as we cleared out the back of the Pilot, looked under the seats, dug through the nooks and crannies to make sure that we weren't leaving anything of value behind, I admit, I got a little teary. I mean, I was ready to trade it in for a newer model, but still...that darn car held a whole LOT of good memories...
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| Emptying out the backside - one last time |
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| Walter with our girl. He looks pretty broken up about it, doesn't he? |
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| Note, we took all the last shots from the Pilot's good side, hiding the dented bumper on the driver's side, dented thanks to DramaGirl's new driving experiences.... |
So long old friend. It was really one good ride!
Once upon a time I drove a small 83 Honda Accord hatchback. It was blue. I loved that car, and had it 14 years. I put the most astonishing things into it, and we drove it 340,000 K. (All right, 211,000 miles). It never failed me, ever. It was one of two cars to start after 2 days of colder than -40 during a ski trip. The doors were frozen, but it started. I had to get in through the hatch. The other was a specially customized winterized jeep. I cried when I was told it could not be insured anymore, and couldn't be repaired to be insurable. Frame rust.
ReplyDeleteSo yes, I've got a pretty good idea how you're feeling. I hope your new one serves you well. Our current car is an 04 blue Honda Accord, with about 230,000 K on it and going strong.
Glad you dropped in for a comment!
Lots of fun in the pilot - mostly while you were driving and us trying to make you laugh. Love the pixs of turbo in the long hair! Here's to new memories with the new wheels!
ReplyDeleteThis is certainly one of the nicest tributes I've seen for a car. Funny how attached we get to them, especially if they are loyal and faithful for a long time.
ReplyDeleteAnd? And? Where's the new ride?
ReplyDelete