Storytelling

[JHof]

Ah, well, I'm back.
My absence from NICO was not planned nor desired, so for the last couple of years I have been a visitor, never a poster. I have missed being a part of NICO.

I had a steam-powered Dell that bit the dust and I replaced it with a nice HP-- this, about two years ago-- but when I went to sign into NICO with my new stuff, I was blocked. I tried a number of different things to get back in, a number of different times-- but nothing worked so I eventually gave up. Recently, I re-tried, and with the help of NICO's webwizards, as Eminem once said ( before he began selling Chryslers), ..."Ah, well, I'm back"

The Infiniti Coupe is still in my garage, alongside the (recently) non-working 200SX, so my automobile universe has remained constant, but that hasn't stopped the adventures from piling up.
The Coupe now has 85K on her.
The cam sensors failed about a year ago and cost $600 to replace and the 6-changer Bose CD player has died, entrapping 6 of my favorite discs of music.
The passenger's power window has failed for a second time, so it stays up.
The rear bumper got hit in the parking lot of a NASCAR race, leaving a hideous concave wound where the bumper curves around into the bodywork. I had it fixed. Just bought a new set of Pilot Sports for the car( my Coopers wore down to cord in 35,000 miles) and I have switched to using synthetic oil.
Overall, the car has been running fine.

The SX had the power steering pump--or, maybe the steering rack--moan like wounded livestock and fail this summer, so I pushed it into the garage, then the battery died, so it sits. I really miss shifting.

I was pleased to see that NICO had a meet at Deal's Gap. That beautiful stretch of mountain road (along with a few other roads in the vicinity) has long been a favorite of mine, a road that I have fought and conquered in 3 different Nissans. I would have LOVED to see dozens of Z-cars romping along through the twists and turns.
Just a little South, beyond Blairsville,Georgia, Highway 129 duplicates the Dragon as you go towards Atlanta. That's another favorite ride. So is another road nearby, a little deeper into the Blue Ridge of North Carolina--The Snake--that I discovered this Spring and have driven FIVE times since. More on THAT, later.

Anyway, it's good to be back.

[nissangirl74]

Good to have you back. Can't wait to hear more stories.

[AZhitman]

Welcome back, Jerry - We've missed you!!!

Folks, for those of you who are new (or recovering from a head injury), Jerry's "SkidMarks" column here on NICO is one of the most entertaining collection of stories ever... Check it out: http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/skidmarks.html

Fix a sammich, pour a drink, prop your feet up and enjoy the ride!

[IanS]

Welcome back Sir. Its been too long since I have had the pleasure of reading one of your stories.

[OriginalWheelman]

Welcome back!

[300ZXttZMAN]

I love story time!

[audtatious]

Jerry, welcome back!

I'm familiar with the stretch of 129 you mention as I was on it last year on my way to Cleveland, GA