Travels with haRVy

Since Al was a drag racing enthusiast in his youth, we just couldn’t pass by “Big Daddy” Don Garlits’ Museum in Ocala, FL. Especially since it was literally right next to the highway we were taking. We arrived around 3 o’clock and stayed until they kicked us out at 5. We then had to boondock at a nearby Cracker Barrel, so Al could return for another two hours the next morning. He loved the place as it brought back lots of fun memories of times spent with his buddies. He had actually seen many of the cars on display compete in races decades ago! The place was jam packed with cars, memorabilia, and smiling old guys.

In addition to the Drag Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, there was another large building packed with all sorts of classic cars, hot rods, and even more memorabilia.

This is a re-creation of Don Garlit’s own garage. He began building race cars when he was just 16 years old.

A rare “Lead Sled” Mercury from the 50’s.

We traveled on south to Sarasota, FL where we had a very nice long weekend with Al’s nephew Marcus, his wife Linda, and their two daughters Kendall and Julia. We enjoyed fabulous weather (80 degree sunny days and 55 degree nights), the comforts of home (laundry, showers, swimming pool, etc.), good company, and a ride aboard Marcus’ boat to a beautiful semi-private beach .

After a tough day on the boat and at the beach,” the boys” solved all the world’s problems while relaxing in the Jacuzzi.

Now we’re off to see a bit more of the Gulf Coast south of here before turning around and beginning our long trek westward.