Realising I’m the least consistent blogger I (and probably you) know, it seems appropriate’s I squeeze a few excuses into the mix before we head back to AZ together.  It’s not that I dislike blogging, actually the reverse is true, I just forget it requires both focus and attention to maintain.  Despite that, my passion for The Egg and her adventures continues, and we had some great post-Copperstate jaunts last year.  I was lucky enough to introduce her to Rod Emory, had the opportunity to tour the Singer factory and headed out to Palm Springs on a road trip after Christmas with perfect driving conditions.  All great experiences I had every intention of sharing; but, when the option to sit down and type or grab my keys and head out again are presented…well, hopefully you understand.

Best news of January 2016 was confirmation our application to Copperstate 2016 had been accepted.  With every year the event continues, their number of applicants and great cars increases, & with it the possibility we may not make final selection.  Fortunately the combination of my cheeky little car, English accent and hapless navigator scored high enough again that we all reached Phoenix in a state of mild euphoria, yesterday.

There’s a total of 87 cars on the rally this time, and I’m thrilled to report an excellent turnout on the 356 front.  Of particular note, two gorgeous examples painted in an extremely rare colour known as Smyrna Green, a triumvirate of absolutely perfect Speedsters and a bullish Pre-A that started life as a Carrera Panamerica race car, but was sadly never raced.  It’s worth being on the rally this year just to hear the exhaust

Coming back for year five, my excitement has morphed into something different.  The mix of great driving roads and stunning vistas never stops inspiring, but as I scroll through the app (simply called copperstate 1000, absolutely worth the download) and see so many familiar names, there’s a sense of “family” reconnection that’s irresistible……this is the best not-quite summer camp for adults, evah!

Our first day was a total of 231 miles and took us from the glorious sunshine of Phoenix to the colder, wetter climate of Flagstaff.  Gentle stretches of comfortable undulations in the morning, giving all cars a chance to reconnect with the Arizona tarmac, and then more challenging twisties as we headed from Prescott, through Jerome and Sedona, until we reached our final destination.

With altitude increasing so did the rain, but The Egg continued un-phased.  It may be 50 plus years since she left Germany, but the combination of damp and wet are stamped into her vehicular DNA.  Plus, the Egg Doctor’s decision to replace bushes and king pins following last year’s event provided additional grip and tension to every turn of the wheel, allowing us to drive every corner with confidence and precision.

Suffice to say all is just as consistent on the navigation front.  He’s back, he’s family and he may well be for sale on eBay with no reserve before the end of the week!  I adore my cousin, truly….but when his plan for the afternoon starts with a quick nap, I find myself not only remembering the cat’s attempt to smuggle himself into my suitcase fondly, but wondering how quickly felines could learn to map read.