Woke up this morning after another terrific night’s rest; this time in the warm surroundings of the Mandlebaum residence. Carolyn had fixed a nice breakfast of fresh fruit and homemade banana-chocolate chip bread, which I imposed my desire to take with me on the road! After breakfast, Allen and I took a short drive in the 500 – he demonstrated his experience in right-hand drive and was just having too much fun. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the Mandlebaums for welcoming me into their home for the evening.

Prior to leaving Tulsa, we took a quick shower…

 

On the road again, I’m doing shorter shifts in a vain attempt to prolong my time with the Cinquecento. Today’s journey only took me 400 miles into Memphis where I will camp out for the night and just take it easy. Jim Decker made the 4-hour trip all the way down from St. Louis, just to have a beer and a pork BBQ sandwich with moi and well, see a 500 too. We found a cool location to take a few pics together with the cars at this pyramid-shaped building called…….. “The Pyramid.”

Jim’s X1/9 is still a virgin. Starts, runs, sounds and drives like you’re leaving the dealer lot with a new one. While we were at the bar finishing up a couple of sodas, the weather turned into severe thunderstorms so we waited it out until it was safe for him to trek back home – he could only stay for the day. Thank you Jim for making the trip down!

Today seemed to be a pretty good day not only with the ‘lil girl, but with FIAT enthusiasts in this area of the country. I received a phone call from Duane Estill in Corinth, Mississippi. Although only 1.5 hrs away, it was unfortunate timing as he was not able to come up for a meet with Jim and I. There’s a southern route along highway 72 I can take into Nashville, however I’d like to do a late-morning departure and take advantage of some rest here at the hotel. I could use a swim and steam room treatment on the legs – the 500 is not equipped with cruise control and my right leg is feeling a bit twitchy.

To finish out the evening, I had the pleasure of meeting Memphis’ own Chris Layton. Chris and I have been long-time “virtual” friends via the forum, however this would be our first in-person meeting. Over dinner at the local landmark “Huey’s”, we talked like it was old times proving yet again that this little car hobby is more than just a hobby. The people behind the cars are just amazing and Chris is no exception. We talked so much, in fact, that I forgot to bring out the torch for the photos – Sorry Chris! I’ll photoshop it in :)

The Mandlebaums, Jim Decker, Duane Estill and Chris Layton. This day was by far the highlight of my trip.

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