Impromptu shoot in the middle of a 1200 mile road trip

Viper Driver

Viper Driver

Experienced Member
Joined
22 May 2002
Messages
1,310
Location
Tucson, AZ, USA
Back story: I lost both of my parents to suicide/cancer in November and December. They lived in Clovis, New Mexico and I live in Tucson, AZ. I had to travel back to my hometown to settle some of their estate affairs a few weeks ago, and I figured that I would drive the NSX to at least have something enjoyable in amidst all of the sorrow my family has been going through.

One of my friends from Albuquerque, Josh of Lunchbox Photoworks, volunteered his day to meet me at the Very Large Array telescope (and a few other locations) on U.S. Hwy 60, about halfway on my drive. He's an award-winning photographer who's work has been featured in many magazines. More to follow as he releases them!















 
Chuck,

Really sorry to hear about all that has happened in last few months, I just couldn't imagine what you are going through. We miss all you Taco's around here, the Sunport just isn't the same! Taco 99 just isn't cutting it, LOL.

Great pictures, the car looks fantastic! So many great places around here for photo shoots.

Hope all is well.
 
I am very sorry to hear about your parents. The car looks great and the shots themselves look amazing. Very nice car, I like what you've done with it.
 
condolences for your family events.

Your NSX looks stunning ... and you guys run some super looking ride heights that if I did this in the UK I'd lose the floor pan due the rubbish road conditions!

regards, Paul
 
Great pics.

But more importantly, my sincerest condolences for your loss. I'm very sorry.
 
Blackhorse06 said:
Chuck,

Really sorry to hear about all that has happened in last few months, I just couldn't imagine what you are going through. We miss all you Taco's around here, the Sunport just isn't the same! Taco 99 just isn't cutting it, LOL.

Great pictures, the car looks fantastic! So many great places around here for photo shoots.

Hope all is well.
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Thanks, yeah I certainly miss flying out of ABQ as well. I miss it a lot, definitely one of the best fighter squadrons ever to have existed. Actually, the "sound of freedom" used to be heard all the time over top of the VLA where these photos were taken. One of our primary training areas (Cato/Smitty MOA) is right over top of there. Also, an awesome low-level route (VR176) takes us right through the valley.

To add to the "bad news," I'm actually no longer flying F-16s (as of July) due to a career-ending neck injury sustained while flying in the back seat with a student. I'm waiting on surgery right now for that. Hoping to make the move to the airlines once I'm finally on the mend. So yeah, I'm no longer a "Viper Driver" like my handle on here says. The NSX is my sole means of "turning and burning" now.

I really didn't mean to start the thread out on a sad note, but just wanted to give reason why it was so cool to have the shoot happen the way it did. Perhaps I should go back and edit it to leave out the sad part? Probably too late for that, I guess.
 
Sorry for your loss, I can't imagine losing a parent, let alone losing both so close together unders such tragic circumstances.

Pictures are great, thanks for sharing, both your story and your pictures.
 
I am very sorry to hear about your loss, Chuck.

Man that silverstone car looks good! I haven't seen mine in months, the car is in storage.
 
Best NSX pictures ever!!! Stunning scenery and equally stunning car, with very tasteful modifications - I applaud you.

Losing your parents in quick succession is gutting - I lost mine when they were in their early sixties, me in my late-thirties.

Look on the trip and photo-shoot as a tribute to them and to you.

(ps - how is your car so clean during a big road-trip?)
 
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NZNick said:
Best NSX pictures ever!!! Sunning scenery and equally stunning car, with very tasteful modifications - I applaud you.

Losing your parents in quick succession is gutting - I lost mine when they were in their early sixties, me in my late-thirties.

Look on the trip and photo-shoot as a tribute to them and to you.

(ps - how is your car so clean during a big road-trip?)
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NZ Nick has it as expressed.
Feel for you.
I've always been a fan of your posts and flying experiences. Pls don't quit. HUGE fan on your silv/silv, too , as you may have noticed.

Funny how I never liked silver sports cars until I saw an NSX wearing it. (With matching silv interior) Photos are AWESOME :biggrin:
 
Viper Driver said:
To add to the "bad news," I'm actually no longer flying F-16s (as of July) due to a career-ending neck injury sustained while flying in the back seat with a student. I'm waiting on surgery right now for that. Hoping to make the move to the airlines once I'm finally on the mend. So yeah, I'm no longer a "Viper Driver" like my handle on here says. The NSX is my sole means of "turning and burning" now.
Click to expand...

FNG's, cant kill em, just gotta try and train 'em up! He must zigged when he should have zagged! Well let me say as one veteran to another. "Thank You" for all that you have done for the citizens of these two fine states and the country as a whole! The NSX is great way to get the fix, but it is hard to replace the feeling of pickling one off down range! I have always missed that part of my former profession. The airline pay should help to ease the transition! LOL
 
VD...

I hope to meet you some day. I'm saddened at your losses, as I had the same happened to me in 2005 when I lost both my parents unexpectedly to cancer, challenging me in the hardest part of my adult life...still. I can't imagine the pride your parents must have felt with their son occupying one of the most envied and glamorous of military positions known. I admire you, applaud your sense of duty to our country and thank you for your service. I also support you as you transition into new phases of your life. Hopefully you can take solace in the thought that the vibrant parents who nurtured you into the man you are, are no longer challenged by age, frailty and pain. In my own solace, I believe their living spirit becomes the culmination of the best of everything they ever were in life...person, spouse, parent and friend, and there can be no doubt they watch over you and guide your good graces.

I hope our paths cross some day.

All the best, Tim...
 
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