The end of April might seem like a long time ago to many of you, it seems like just yesterday to me. The end of April brings the annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines car and airplane show in Half Moon Bay, a very enjoyable drive down the coast. CalTrans has opened up the new tunnels bypassing the Devil’s Slide area on Highway 1. It’s quite an engineering marvel, and it doesn’t affect the view for more than a few minutes. But enough about the roads; let’s talk about cars. For those of you who have never been to the Dream Machines show, it’s spectacular, featuring all kinds of cars, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes, and helicopters. There is a machine for nearly everyone, including the ye olde thyme one cylinder “hit-and-miss” engines that make our Model As look quite advanced in comparison.

Last year, my dad, brother, and I made the same trip. It was our first time attending the show, so we spent hours trying to see everything, walking from the (working) airstrip all the way down to where the vintage, classic, cruiser, and muscle cars park. We saw everything from a huge helicopter used for logging and fire fighting to a WWI spotter plane to a WWII half track to monster motorcycle built on a semi chassis (well part of one anyway) to a Bentley with a matching trailer. We had a great time.

This time around in 2013 – on my own with my nearly four-month-old daughter, I opted for a more relaxed route. I opted to stroll past the planes and helos to the cars. My buddies in the local West Coast Willys club had banded together at the end of the (blocked off) runway, pitched a few tent canopies, and fired up the BBQ. That sounded perfect to me. One of the best things about the Dream Machines show is that attendees can walk right up to the cars, trucks, and other things that go and check them out close up. The owners are usually nearby if you have questions or simply want to talk shop. It’s outstanding. This year was no exception. There were numerous Model As on display, even more than last year. I took several pictures of a shiny coupe which had quite a story of its own. And just across the runway from the Willys were two unique Model As – what looked to be an original woody station wagon and a speedster. They were simply outstanding.

It was a great event and a great drive. Put it on your calendars for next year.