Early Sunday, July 10th, we were to all meet midway between Dallas and Ft. Worth TX. to commence the adventure. Blodgett arrived late, having to arrange a discussion and donation to the Highway Patrol, who were also out early. Then, after a not—so-quick fix of Blodgett’s bonnet hinge, the wagons were headed west.

Prior to the breakfast stop, both Harris and Nogueira were also visited by the Texas Highway Patrol... an ominous beginning. But the day quickly ended at noon as the 4/4 spit up its water pump in Snyder, Texas, as the first casualty of the trip. So, after only 275 miles, we sought overnight lodging to await the shops to open on Monday. (And this is a dry county with the nearest beer 25 miles away.) However, we found a nice motel, run by Art Feinsod, who happens to be the brother-in-law of Harry Angel, a 3/4 Morgan Club member in Connecticut. As some had had only 1-4 hours sleep the previous night, they collapsed in bed (Nogueira, of course, commenced polishing out the new paint job on his car).

The following day, after a most exhaustive search, the proper water pump was found; and the convoy headed west for the United. States border with Texas. Driving far into the night in an attempt to make up lost time, we camped the second night in Socorro, New Mexico, some 700 miles from Dallas but still a long way from California

Tuesday, things really begin to come apart. First, outside Quemado, New Mexico (find that on your map) the muff coupling in the +4 transmission parted. The offending part was removed by the side of the road and help was sought. Quemado? No luck. Finally, some 50 miles further on, in Springerville Arizona, Noguelra found someone to reverse the splines and weld the unit together for a temporary fix. 

Cost? $5.00! Simultaneously, the +4+ showed a failing generator. Boyles also headed for Springerville, where he got a quick reconditioning at DD’s Auto & Truck Repair, a salvage yard! Cost? $20.00. In the interim, Harris put up his tent by the side of the road, next to the disassembled +4, and a regular TEXMOG encampment was created along side the New Mexico highway. Soon two State Police cars simultaneously arrived on the scene from opposite directions, to inquire of our problems and good naturedly to advise entrepreneur Harris that he did not have a Catron County permit to establish a new town. As dusk drew near everyone regrouped to press on, as we had only made 157 miles so far that day. But, just out of town, the Swan’s electrics vent again. So, driving on the battery and racing for over an hour through the darkness, Boyles vaulted ahead alone without lights in the +4+ to civilization in Holbrook, Arizona. Soon the others caught up and escorted him to a motel, where everyone called it a day.

Early the next day, Boyles exchanged batteries with Nogueira, who then accompanied Boyles to Flagstaff in an attempt to find a new generator. Apparent good fortune appeared and a new regulator and generator were installed in the +4+ along side the freeway by the time the remaining three cars arrived. They had been delayed back in Holbrook as Blodgett +8 had a flat tire. Without further incident, except occasional overheating by some of the cars, the convoy pulled into Kingman, Arizona that afternoon to plot the attack on the impending desert the following day. Four days and 1120 miles we were about a day behind schedule. Here we were, in Kingman, Arizona, and both Boyles and Nogueira were to pick up their wives, who were flying the following afternoon into San Francisco, some 620 miles away!

In view of this, the group began to separate. Boyles, Nogueira and Harris left at 2:00AM the next morning to cross the desert into California. But, before reaching Needles, the generator on the Nogueira +4 failed. The Düchess died again. There was nothing left to do at that time of night but put the lightless +4 between the +4+ and the 4/4 and drive all night to Barstow, where we had breakfast at dawn. There, the Harris/Simmons wagon split south for the Los Angeles area and Boyles and Nogueira headed up the valley towards Mojave and Bakersfield.

At Mojave the +4 generator begins to really howl. Fearing that the bearings might lock up and take the water pump with it, the fan belt was removed from around the generator. To keep the fan and water pump working, however, we rigged up some cord to serve as an interim fan belt. When that failed, Nogueira used his shoelaces. That failed also, so Bob borrowed the +4+ and headed to Bakersfield, some 45 miles away to find a generator, while Bill and Larry camped under a tree and kept an eye on the +4. After several hours delay, Bob returned (he had run out of gas and had to push the +4+ a quarter mile) and the new generator was installed. Pushing onward through the scorching Mojave Valley, these pioneers reached San Francisco about 8:30 PM, some 18½ hours after their early morning start.

Friday, it was a gala entry into Morro Bay - exactly as scheduled. Upon swapping stories with the other Texans, it appears that Jan had lost a fan belt and that the +4+ had blown an exhaust gasket, but otherwise no incidents. Saturday was the Concours with some 96 or 97 cars in attendance, with every form represented. As expected, the Texas cars didn’t concours out too well, but all had a great time meeting new friends and some old ones with whom we had only corresponded. That evening, the Concours was followed by a Beach Party, which was really great fun, and I hope it is continued. Several tugs-of-war ensued, with the Northern and Southern California Clubs vying for the privilege to later lose to the Texans.

Sunday was to be Rally Day. However, prior to that Boyles and Nogueira, accompanied by Diehl, headed for the shop of Jason Len (XK’S UNLIMITED) in San Luis Obispo for needed repairs. Jason graciously opened up his shop this Sunday morning for us in need and also for new MMCC member Tom Laskoski, who was experiencing radiator problems (later to prove fatal for that day). Nogueira installed a new muff coupling in his transmission, brought down from San Francisco by Bill Fink to replace the temporary fix, and Boyles replaced the exhaust gasket, thus silencing his car considerably. Diehl also worked on an air dam for Boyles' car to assist in cooling.

The rally was another matter. Although reasonably accurate, an intended trap at the beginning lost most of the cars. Larry and Boyles got the +4+ to the end at the winery and enjoyed the scenery, but didn’t excel too well on the rally. Jan and Blodgett were also there, but the Harrises and the Nogueiras admitted defeat and pursued other modes of relaxation before the rally’s end. Too bad, besides the interesting roads the winery was a nice quaint ending place. We followed the three Three-wheelers back from there to Morro Bay - a unique sight to say the least. Bravo to them for braving the competition.

Sunday night was the awards banquet, where the MMCC table was honored with the presence of Larry Ayers’ Mother, a Texan also. This event was also the debut of the new TEXMOG flag, which was proudly displayed both at the Concours and at the banquet. On behalf of the MORGAN MOTOR CAR CLUB, Bill Blodgett of San Antonio accepted the long Distance Driven in a MORGAN award. Other awards eluded us, but the biggest prize was to meet and interchange ideas with all our new friends from California, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington who were there.

Monday we visited the Hearst Castle at San Simeon, which is almost beyond description. It was a good tour and we got some great photographs. This place was even out of JR’s league. California should be very proud to have preserved such a magnificent landmark.

Well, enough of this frivolity, fun and relaxation, it’s time to return. And here it comes. After leaving Larry at San Francisco to fly back to Dallas, and Terri to go to Hawaii, Bob and Boyles headed for ISIS and minor repairs. New damper blades were installed on the Swan, as she had chewed up a brand new tire. Blodgett met us there, so the Blodgett, Boyles and Nogueira group headed out of town to get a good start on the trip back. (Both Jan and Harris had again elected to head South from Morro Bay with plans to meet us later in Kingman.) Driving across the bridge to Oakland - disaster! The +4+ uses up another generator, so all pack in for the night.

The next morning, we throw generator #2 into the back and go out and buy and install generator #3. Blodgett, meanwhile, has had enough of this nonsense (me too) and goes on to Texas (without incident as far as I know). After installation, that day is spent driving through beautiful Yosemite Park, where there was still 3—8 inches of snow. Nogueira burrows down into the +4 for warmth and we roll up the windows on the +4+. Our arrogance soon evaporates as we enter Bishop, California, and the Oakland generator fails!

The following morning, generator #4 is installed in the Swan as well as an auxiliary radiator, and at 10:30AM we head for Las Vegas and Kingman. Upon reaching Las Vegas we search out Caesars' Palace to find the American Express Office. Having cornered the generator market by now, Boyles was getting a little short of funds. Bob and Judi hit the slots for awhile and when we departed it's hoped everyone was substantially even. Departing wasn’t quite that easy as the Swan now had used up her starter and thereafter had to be pushed started. After a brief visit to Hoover Dam in 78-degree weather, we ventured into Kingman and a reunion with Harris/Simmons and Jan Diehl. We were four cars strong again. Jan arrived a little late, advising that he had been stranded between Barstow and Needles at various times with two separate water line failures and a fuel pump death.

Friday, July 22nd was a day to remember, our first visit to the Grand Canyon. AWESOME!!! It is really an exceptional sight. It was kind of a mixed blessing that we didn’t have time for the Canyon on our trip out as the remaining marvelous sights would have paled in comparison.

After staying way too short of a time and failing to make contact with local MORGAN owner Allen Naille, the TEXMOG FOUR headed across the Painted Desert to Gallup and with thoughts of the splendor and majesty of the Canyon in our minds, we bedded down for the night.

We weren’t out of the woods yet. On Saturday, the cars pulled over at Santa Rosa, New Mexico, with Harris having broken loose his auxiliary radiator on the rough roads and, you guessed it, the Swan swallowed another generator. To Hell with buying a fifth generator, Boyles decides to go as far as he could, perhaps to Dallas. The convoy does reach Snyder that evening and take up residence again with Art Feiñsod (Though not mentioned earlier, Art had taken us to see his. outstanding collection of vintage automobiles and memorabilia in a warehouse outside his home, a virtual museum in Snyder, Texas). The day was ended with a meal of choice Texas steak, as the Swan was push started from place to place around town.

Nevertheless, Sunday at noon we reached Dallas safe, sound and very happy for having ventured and completed a trip of over 4700 miles. There were no problems for which there wasn’t a solution, no accidents and still all those great great people in California. While Larry’s Ode to California only covered the first half of the trip he was on, Win Sharples, editor of the Washington D.C. Club ROUGH RIDER sent me a sequel composition, which reflects the final portion of the journey.

As an aside, do you realize that the MORGAN MOTOR CAR CLUB of Texas had 15 members present at the Morro Bay event; 8 from Texas and 7 from other States. Not a bad Club representation.

Washington, D.C. 1982, Morro Bay, California 1983 . . . who and where will be our next target?? Stay tuned for news as to what North American venue the Texans will select for their 75th Anniversary appearance.