We were to meet at a cafe, (11:15, don’t be late) and take a bus to Le Mans. We met, we ate, & the guy who carried my bag to the truck had raced @ Le Mans 14 times. 14 times. I should be carrying his bag, but he didn’t have one so I let it go. We toured Paris in one of those giant tour buses, (maroon) and now we 21 are headed inextricably south west to La Sarthe, the region that is home to the city of Le Mans. And we are a mixed lot. We’ve got surgeons, (at least 3) CEO’s, husbands with wives, a father & son and a guy who pulls errant 18 wheeler oil trucks out of 1200 feet of water with out spilling a drop. And there is me, mister picture. The rain has abated but I doubt for long. Our week looks to be intermittently wet and cloudy, a lot like home, only with better cheese.

Soon we’ll be at our destination, a chateau just 10 minutes from the circuit where we are to be welcomed by Don Kitch & Ross Bentley. There will no doubt be some deluxe spread of food and drink all at a big, fancy and old French house. This is a first class affair, this is France & I am damn lucky to be here. And I want to get shooting. My jet lag is waning ofter only 4 days & I would like very much to get things rolling.

After a few hours on the road we arrived at our beautiful chateau tucked deep in the country side. We got lost, a little, but finally arrived to an impressive sight of black clad Detagglio crew. Black umbrellas, lined up with the 4 black Mercedes vans, TEAM SEATTLE in red proudly marking the upper band of their windsheilds. It was pouring. As in really really wet. As each persons name was called they were met and escorted to a warm room repleat with the aformentioned snacks and drinks per my expectation. And my quarters are perfect. I have the top floor of the hunting lodge & Ross has the room downstairs. The bed is small, the sheets are clean and the mattress I think will be kind to my back. That’s a first impression, if I write more on this it will mean I was wrong... And of course I should mention that there are the two beams located precisely @ the level of my forehead. This is going to be a good trip. Don has done his homework and it is showing up everywhere. Now to dinner in town. Cheese and wine and all manner of delicious French fare. I love this part of France. Just love it.

Now it is late & I am tired. Tomorrow is an early start as we head to the track for............... Stay tuned & all will be revealed. And I should mention that Patrick Dempsy & Joe Foster were there tonight. Two very important individuals in this team and two very fast drivers according to those in the know. I have personally never understood celebrity adulation, but no one asked me. Nice guys the both of ‘em far as I can tell. If they slip up I’ll let you know but my hunch is, don’t hold your breath.