Just a quick note to let everyone know I’m back from L.A. I had a couple of very full, and busy days there and didn’t have the chance to post anything over the past few days, but I’ll get some updates posted shortly, but first I thought I’d tell you a bit about my trip, and why I was in Los Angeles.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to L.A. by Ford Motors to test drive the new 2008 Escape, their small SUV that also happens to come in hybrid model. For two days I had the chance to drive the Escape all over L.A. while being treated to backstage access to the show On The Lot a tour of CBS Studios, and an opportunity to meet Carrie Fisher (The Star Wars geek in me was very happy!), Penny Marshall, and Mark Burnett, who I asked when he was going to bring Eco-Challenge back. He got a chuckle out of the question, and told me that there was too much liability for him to consider re-launching the race. He also told me that it was his favorite project that he ever produced, even after nine years of production. Needless to say, it was a real pleasure to meet the man who put adventure racing on the map with his television coverage of one of the most legendary races ever.
I’ll post my thoughts on the Escape sometime in the next few days. But for now, We’ll get back to our regularly scheduled programming…
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Nice to see your back. Sounds like a grand ol’ time. Got to meet some good people…drive a free car…
If I knew you were going to run into Penny Marshall, I would have given you a script to pitch for me..am pretty sure “Laverne” would have been interested..
So did you have to pay for this trip? Just curious..I am sure, after all these years of driving Fords, I have to have some credentials built up someplace, ya know?
Looking forward to your future posts on this–I might be in the market for a car, you better pitch it good..lol
Thanks for the welcome home. It was a fun, but long couple of days, and no, I didn’t have to pay for any of it. Ford treated me and the other bloggers very very well. It was an unexpected opportunity to be sure.
Right now I’m planning on putting my notes together and writing up my thoughts on the new Escape over the weekend. I can say that the Hybrid model is a great little SUV, with amazing gas milage and obviously it’s great for the environment, which we’re all in favor of right?
I didn’t get Penny’s (AKA “Laverne”) business card unfortunately. I’m sure she would remember me though. After all, how many bloggers could she possibly meet? 😉
Great to meet you Kraig!
What a fun time!
Megan
– Divine Reality
– A Girl Must Shop
Hi Megan,
It was great to meet you too! I had an incredible time in L.A. with you and the other bloggers. I hope your trip home was a good one and the re-entry into “normal” life wasn’t too bad. They spoiled us so rotten out there that I wasn’t ready to come home yet!
Pleasure to meet you Kraig! Hope you also had a blast on the Photo Rally! I couldn’t have had a better partner! I’m diggin’ your blog here, dude. Once I’ve got time I’ll check out your adventure on Kilimanjaro! Too groovy!
Thanks again for a wonderful time!
Did you ever get a replacement Kermit?