Day 5 - Friday

A lot of rain fell overnight, so it was a pleasant surprise to find that, though overcast, it was not actually raining as we set out for the final day's drive. Today's route involved a ferry ride from Coupeville to Port Townsend, so a prompt start was mandatory. Stragglers would miss the boat... The drive on US-20 was pleasant, and we all arrived in time to take our positions in the line for the 11am ferry.

Lining up for the ferry

We had been forewarned that as low tide was close to our boarding time, the ramps to the ferry would be at their steepest angle, and we might experience problems due to low ground clearance. These fears proved to be unfounded, and we all boarded without any issues.

Michael, Phil and Drew braving the weather on the deck as we crossed to Port Townsend

The sister ferry passing us in the reverse direction - each ship can carry 64 vehicles

The ferry ride was only 35 minutes, and uneventful (the best kind of ferry ride!). After disembarking at Port Townsend, we congregated in a parking lot close by, and explored the small port. The specialist Tea Store, and Chocolate Shop received several visitors. Many of us took the opportunity to enjoy a quick lunch.

Lunch at the Silverwater Cafe in Port Townsend

"The best fish and chips in Port Townsend"

Following lunch we took the one hour's drive to Port Angeles, and then up to Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park. During the drive up to the Visitor's Center in the park we were treated to several sightings of deer grazing right by the road side. Less of a treat was to experience the result of a very recent landslide (it must have happened only a few minutes earlier) where a tree came down onto the road together with a huge boulder about 4'x4'x4'. Fortunately, no-one was passing at the instant the rock came down. Having negotiated around the tree, we proceeded up to the Visitor's Center. Lower down the mountain, rain was falling, but higher up it was dry, though the clouds were low.

Hurricane Ridge Visitor's Center

Unfortunately, the low clouds meant that we couldn't see the range of peaks that the viewing point is famous for. Those of us who'd hoped to hike up Hurricane Hill to get the best view didn't do so - there would have been no point.

View from Hurricane Ridge

The drive back to the hotel was interrupted while the park staff cleared the tree from the road, though the boulder may take a little longer to move... Back at the hotel we congregated in the Breakfast Room to celebrate the successful completion of the Oil Leak with a selection of pizzas brought in for the occasion. Wine and beer flowed, as did the conversation. Before we each bid our fellow leakers goodbye, Kjell gave us an outline of the 2020 Oil Leak plans: a drive through the Sierra Nevada from Death Valley to Crater Lake.

Despite the weather, which impacted 3 of the 5 days, everyone seemed to agree that the 2019 COL had been a great success. In the end it is the people that make this such an enjoyable event. I wish everyone a safe trip home, and hope to see them all again on a future Oil Leak.

PS: I'd like to thank those who sent me their excellent photos for inclusion in the blog. Some I have added already, and I will be adding more when I reach home. Thank You.

Day 4 - Thursday

A second successive morning with clear skies when we awoke at the Sun Mountain Lodge near Winthrop.

Sun rise over E-Types

Deer wandering around the property and grazing on the grass....

....oblivious to what happened to their friends on display inside

Unfortunately the day got off to a bad start (or failure to start) as soon as we left the hotel. Less than a mile down the road we came upon Glen and Sharon stalled in the middle of the road. The new fuel pump installed yesterday had decided that pumping gas was too much work...

Greg emptying the trunk again to access the malevolent fuel pump

A smack with a hammer got the pump ticking again, which as far as I know, kept going for the rest of the day.

Our route today took us into the North Cascades National Park on the north cascades highway (US-20). Rather than attempt to convoy as a single group, we set off in small groups in recognition that each of us would want to stop at different points along the road and enjoy the views or hike the trails. The road took us through spectacular mountain terrain with a series of lakes with amazing blue-green waters.

One group of 6 E-Types climbing US-20 into the mountains

Driving photos are now easier thanks to a dash cam

View of Lake Diablo from alongside US-20

According to the Ranger we spoke with, the color of the water is due to reflections from suspended mica

As we approached the Visitor's Center mid-way through the park we came upon members of our group with an open bonnet. Oh no.... Lynn and Jan's V12 has been having hesitation problems at low revs for a few days, and he and Greg were working on the carb adjustment as we drew up.

Lynn and Greg adjusting the needles

One of the fuel filters was also found to contain a lot of debris and replaced, and the damper oil was exchanged for oil with a lower viscosity. The last I heard, the engine seemed somewhat better, though still not right. Watch this space...

While work on the V12 continued we took the opportunity for a picnic lunch in the beautiful setting. Very relaxing for those not working on the car! After lunch we drove the small distance to Visitor's Center and each decided what activities we'd like to do. Debbie and I took a short hike on the trail of the cedars. By the time we completed it, we had missed the 2:00pm get together back at the Visitor's Center, so we drove the remainder of the route to La Conner on our own. The route to La Conner took us through the village of Concrete, so named in 1909 after the Portland Cement Company built a plant there in 1908. It is famous for it's concrete bridge, built in 1916-18 named the Henry Thomson Bridge. At the time, its graceful arch was the reputedly the longest single-span reinforced concrete bridge in the world.

Henry Thomson Bridge, Concrete

Rick and Christines S1.5, and Greg and Dianne's S3 on the Concrete bridge

As we left the park there were a few showers of light rain, but not enough to cause us to raise the top. This evening everyone has the opportunity to select their own dinner experience. I expect we'll see a few of the party as we explore the small town of La Conner this evening.

Day 3 - Wednesday

For the first time we awoke to clear blue skies in Leavenworth. The OTS drivers immediately commenced the task of lowering their tops - not as straightforward as Jaguar intended, as many of us now tape the join between the top and the windscreen to reduce water entry.

A clear blue cloudless sky at the Icicle Inn ,Leavenworth as we prepare to set out

Today's drive would take us to Chelan and the wine and apple growing region of Washington. The route that Norm had devised for us included some great stretches of twisty roads with no traffic, and spectacular views. After driving to Wenatchee on US-2, we crossed the Columbia River and then climbed rapidly to far above the valley on the east side on back roads. We then drove Badger Mountain Rd for 20+ miles to the small town of Waterville. This was a wonderful smooth sweeping road with no traffic and great views. At Waterville, we joined US-2 West to descend back to the Columbia River through a steep canyon on another great driving road.

Greg drove ahead to catch this great photo of the convoy coming down the canyon on US-2

We then turned north on US-97 to follow the Columbia River through apple growing country to Chelan. The small city of Chelan sits at the head of Lake Chelan, which drains into the Columbia River via the Chelan River through a steep gorge. Much of the land surrounding the lake is populated by vineyards, and the town is a popular tourist destination. We arrived there around 10:30am, giving everyone time to explore the area on their own, and have lunch. We explored some of the shops and the small park at the head of the lake.

We were given the finger by two plants outside a local restaurant

View across the end of the lake from the park

The lake water was impressively clear, and contained many small fish

Other members of the group were more adventurous and took a swim in the lake, which was apparently very refreshing.

While most of the group were enjoying themselves, Glen and Sharon were not having so much fun. They suffered a fuel pump failure early on the day's drive, and with most of the cars ahead of them unaware of their problem, were almost on their own. Fortunately Mark and Rhonda were able to offer some assistance, and as Glen had a spare fuel pump the problem was resolved. However, this wasn't before the local fire department and Sheriff intervened as they considered it a safety issue.

Meanwhile, back in Chelan, we regrouped around 1pm for the drive to our endpoint for the day at the Sun Mountain Lodge near Winthrop. The 65 mile drive on US-97, WA-153, and WA-20 was fast and enjoyable. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I repeated it twice more (there and back again) before the day was over on my own. OK - I left my credit card at the luchtime restaurant and had to return to get it...

The Sun Mountain Lodge is a beautiful property close to the town of Winthrop. Many of the group are staying at the hotel which has great views from it's rooms and grounds.

View towards the Cascades from our hotel room - we head that way tomorrow

We congregated for dinner at the hotel dining room and, as far as I know, everyone enjoyed their meal very much. Tomorrow we will drive the North Cascades highway which should be a highlight of the Oil Leak, so we hope for more good weather like today.

L to R: Debbie, David, Glen, Mark, Rick, Christine, Rhonda, Sharon, Geo, Kathleen

L to R: Drew, Jan, Carolyn, Terry, Michael, Denise, Cam, Lynn, Glenn

L to R: Greg, Lloyd, Phil, Glenn, Georgia, Carolee, Milton, Tom, Norm (Dianne photographer)

Day 2 - Tuesday

As we awoke on Tuesday at the Paradise Inn, we were greeted with some of the views we had hoped to see. The clouds had lifted somewhat, and those that took to the hiking trails early got the best of the day.

Peaks appearing above the clouds over the vacant parking lot at 7am

Nisqually Glacier visible below the clouds

Greg and Dianne out on the trails before the clouds descended again.

However, it didn't take long for the clouds to descend once more. So, when you can't see the big picture, you have to focus on the details that are visible... I took the short hike to Myrtle Falls

Myrtle Falls

The vegetation is varied and profuse

Lots of variety among the plant life along the trails

Our driving schedule for today was designed to allow everyone time to explore the trails from the Paradise Inn before we hit the road. At least one of us failed to read the directions (yes me - even though I wrote them!) and didn't make it to the start point at the Grove of the Patriarchs... Our unintended diversion (via another horribly rough road) meant it wasn't until lunchtime that we caught up with the rest of the group. The route took us on US-12 east to Naches where we refueled the cars and bought provisions for a picnic lunch.

Waterfall by the side of the road (if you took the right road...)

View while we waited for at a stop for road works on US-12 - a bit of blue sky for a change

The weather continued to be showery, with occasional spells of sunshine. The picnic stop by the Yakima River was dry which made for a pleasant lunch break.

Lunchtime picnic by the Yakima River

At the picnic stop we took by the river in Yakima Canyon on WA-821 several of the OTS drivers "dropped their tops" for the first time of the trip. Within 10 minutes of resuming the drive to Leavenworth they had to pull over and put the tops back up! The drive on WA-821 and US-97 from Yakima to Leavenworth involved sweeping curves in the Yakima Canyon followed by a a long ascent on US-97 through the pass before a descent into Leavenworth. Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains. Alpine-style buildings line the main street which is also decorated with beautiful displays of flowering plants. Having checked into our hotel at the Icicle Village Resort, many of us explored the quaint village and it's stores.

Bavarian-styled buildings on the main street

Amazing displays of flowering plants decorated all the stores and restaurants

Tending these flower displays must be a full time job in Leavenworth

The restaurant at the Icicle Inn was our dinner destination for the evening, and we enjoyed a great meal and, most importantly, great company! The dinners on these tours give us the opportunity to meet and chat with each of the participants, and for many of us, are the highlight of the day. Old friendships are renewed, and new ones made. The weather forecast for tomorrow's drive is better than the past two days, so as one of the OTS drivers, I look forward to some open top motoring, particularly as the beating the exhaust system has experienced seems to have resulted in some minor exhaust leaks which invade the cabin.

Day 1 - Monday

The 9th Oil Leak commenced at 7:30am at the Best Western Hotel in Hood River, Oregon. The full Cast of Characters was there with the exception of Mark and Rhonda Hull, who were delayed in Portland with a major oil leak, and Michael and Denise Jenkins who were working on replacing a failed water pump in Portland. Fortunately, both were able to join us at the end of the day in the Paradise Inn, in the Mt. Rainer National Park. 

The shaft of Michael's water pump had sheared off - presumably when it seized

After crossing the very narrow bridge across the Columbia River we headed west on WA-14 alongside the river. It didn't take long for the rain to start, which persisted on and off for most of the day. None of the OTS drivers braved the weather with top down. The route then took us north towards the Windy Ridge viewing point where we hoped to see Mount St Helens, and witness the devastation that the 1980 eruption caused, as well as the renewal that has taken place since the volcano exploded sideways. Early on the twisty road made for enjoyable drive through dense lush forest. Later, the route used National Forest roads NF-25 and NF-99 which became more and more rough as we ascended. 

Driving on the National Forest roads through the dense forest

It was often necessary to drive on the wrong side of the road to avoid major ruptures of the road surface, and we all experienced multiple groundings of exhaust systems on the rough road. As we ascended we entered the clouds which did not bode well for any chance of seeing much from the view points. At the first view point it became clear to many of us that proceeding any further would be fruitless and the turned around. One wit commented "it looks just like the Grand Canyon", a reference to the fact that on the 2018 GCOL few of us were lucky enough to see anything but cloud on our visit to the North Rim.

Some of the Es at the first "view point". Not a lot to view though....

The eternal optimists among us, and those attracted by the prospect of restrooms at the Windy Ridge Viewpoint continued the remaining 9 miles to the view point. As we feared, there was nothing to see, so no one climbed the 400+ staircase to the ultimate viewing point above the parking lot.

Nothing but E-Types at the Windy Ridge View Point

What we should have seen. The entire side of the volcano blown sideways devastating the area between us and the summit

On the following descent a few us of us were lucky enough to pass a viewing point when a small clearing opened up in the clouds to give us a view of Spirit Lake. The lake was filled by debris from the 1980 eruption, and huge numbers of tree logs were deposited in the lake by the blast. Many of these have been recovered for commercial use, but a a large number remain as a mat blanketing the surface of the lake.

Spirit Lake with Mt St Helens lost in the cloud behind

The far end of the lake - note the blanket of logs like matchsticks floating on the surface on the right

During the descent on NF-99 Carolyn and Cam experienced a nasty brake failure on the 65 E-Type OTS. One of the front brake calipers broke free from the mounting bracket. The damage to the caliper was not repairable but, as on past Oil Leaks, many folks helped perform a repair that would allow the Carolyn and Cam to return to Portland. Terry Sturgeon kindly accompanied them on the return drive to help out if necessary. Both were able to rejoin the group in time for a late dinner at the end of the day. Carolyn and Cam brought their Jaguar XK.

E-Types as far as the eye can see while "the team" worked on the brake problem

The descent into the small town of Randle took the rest of us over another stretch of NF-25, which was in even worse condition than we had experienced up to this point. Another 20 miles of driving down a miniature version of the grand canyon! Exhausts took a beating with multiple groundings, and we were all very glad when we finally reached a decent road surface. At Randle, several folks stopped for lunch while other proceeded to the Grove of the Patriarchs just inside the Mt Rainier National Park. A 1.2 mile loop trail leads through 1000 year old huge growth Cedar and Douglas Fir trees.

One person at a time on the suspension bridge - right....

Rick and Christine at the Grove of the Patriarchs

Dianne and Greg measuring the trunk diameter?

Greg just had to go paddle in the water...

From there, with rain showers continuing, we drove the 15 mile ascent to the Paradise Inn high in the Mt Rainier National Park, where we were to spend the night. This old lodge-style building together with it's visitor's center is the center for a large number of hiking trails in the park. Some us us hiked that afternoon despite the cloud cover, whilst others left that until tomorrow in the hope that conditions would improve. Heavy rain fell that evening as we all dined in the restaurant.

The Paradise Inn in the Mt Rainier National Park

The end of a wet day. The weather forecast for tomorrow is for thunderstorms, so we may not see as much as we had hoped. The good news is that everyone is now together at the hotel with hopefully their mechanical problems behind them.