Good thing I'm not
an old dog.
This weekend I
found myself trying to learn two new tricks – on opposite ends of
the technology spectrum.
On one end of the
spectrum there's a 1930 Ford Model A Town Sedan. My father-in-law has
recruited me to serve as co-driver for a cross-country trip next
month. This means I not only have to reacquaint myself with a
three-speed, manual transmission, I also have to master the art of
double-clutching, especially when downshifting from third to second.
I look forward to
the trip, so I've been motivated to learn that largely lost art.
Yesterday I found myself behind the wheel for nearly an hour, driving
the 83-year-old car in traffic on country roads at fifty miles an
hour.
At least we think
we were going fifty. The Model A's speedometer isn't reliable.
That's the reason
I'm having to learn some new technology. To keep accurate track of
the Model A's speed, my father-in-law just bought a GPS receiver.
He's never used one. Neither have I – preferring maps from the
Motor Club or online printouts.
As the designated
navigator, it's my job to figure out how to use the GPS, then show my
father-in-law. I don't expect it will be hard to learn.
There's nothing
like a little motivation – and a little bit of patience – if
you're no longer a pup.
2 comments:
Andy,
How are you going to plug in your GPS. Does a Model A have a cigarette lighter? I don't know if you can change the batteries often. I am very curious how you are going to merge the two technologies.
Some adaptation needed. My father-in-law, with his electrical engineering background, has wired in an outlet, taking into account the Ford's six-volt, positive ground electrical system.
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