Prelude: The Journey Begins with "Toaster"
My trusty Honda Element, affectionately named "Toaster," recently crossed the 115K-mile mark. Though Hondas can easily double that mileage, it got me thinking – maybe it's time to consider a backup vehicle. Not only for the inevitable trips to the mechanic but also for occasions that call for something a bit more... stylish.
Years ago, I dreamed of owning an Acura NSX-T. I remember sitting in one at a dealership in the 90s, but alas, that dream faded as prices skyrocketed to over $130K. I then started searching for other toys. The Porsche Boxster caught my eye – until I learned about the dreaded IMS issue (thanks, Reddit). I even revisited my love for the first-generation Mazda RX-7, but the perfect one slipped through my fingers.
Then, someone recommended the Honda S2000. After some research, I narrowed my focus to the second-generation AP2 models (2004-2009). Soon enough, a gem appeared on Bring-A-Trailer. I placed my bid, got a little advice from a friend (“Don’t let a thousand or two stop you”), and won the auction. The only question left: How do I get it to San Diego?
Shipping quotes were either shady or exorbitant, so I did what any road trip lover would do – I decided to pick it up myself. Thus, the stage was set for a one-way road trip from Calgary, Canada, to San Diego, with plenty of scenic detours along the way.
September 3 – Seattle Bound
The first leg of the trip took me to Seattle via Alaska Airlines. The flight was smooth, and Alaska was kind enough to upgrade me to business class. However, the Roadway Inn I had booked for the night left much to be desired. Their shuttle service stopped at 8 PM, and I arrived at 10 PM. No biggie – I hoofed it the two blocks to the Seattle tram, but the stay was still rough.
September 4 - Calgary
The next morning, another Alaska Airlines flight took me from Seattle to Calgary, this time with no upgrade. Max, the person I was buying the car from, had arranged for Nic to pick me up at the airport in an Audi SUV. Nice ride, but Nic joked that maybe he should’ve brought a McLaren instead. As it turns out, they’re McLaren dealers!
At the dealership, I finally met Max and ogled at their car collection. Porsche GT3s, McLarens, and more – it was gearhead heaven. After a quick tour, Nic offered to take me for a spin in one of their McLarens. That thing is fast.
But soon, it was time for the real reason I was there. I took possession of the Honda S2000 and started my journey. After a quick sushi stop to plan my route, I set out to cross the Canadian Rockies. Top-down driving, heat cranked up to balance the crisp air and breathtaking views. It was pure bliss.
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| 8/10 of a mile after taking possession. |
First Panic.
As I rolled through the scenic foothills, I realized something critical: the S2000 doesn’t have an aux port or Bluetooth, and my iPhone was running out of juice fast. Panic! I pulled into a gas station and spent 15 minutes trying to find the gas cap lever. Turns out, it’s hidden in plain sight. Crisis one averted.
Inside the car’s storage bins, I discovered a cigarette lighter to USB dongle, and an aux adapter. To my surprise, this S2000 had an aftermarket Bluetooth setup installed, which solved my music and charging dilemmas. Crisis two has also been averted. With my phone juiced up, I was back on the road.
By 6:30 PM, I pulled into Sparwood, British Columbia, and called it a day. A small town, but a great spot to rest before continuing on.
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| The Canadian Rockies |
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| Attempt at a glamor shot. Of the Rockies and car, not me. |
September 5 – Border Crossing Adventures
I woke up early and hit the road, passing through the Canadian Rockies' snaky roads. The chill in the air kept the top up. The morning’s highlight? Testing out the ABS brakes when a flock of deer suddenly appeared on the road.
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| Notice the elk on left. |
Eventually, I reached the U.S. border. As expected, I was flagged for driving a car without license plates. I had all my paperwork ready, but the border officer just handed me a simple form and said, “Fill this out.” No fuss, no extra taxes – just a stamp, and I was good to go.
I made good time through Idaho, although the scenery wasn’t as picturesque as the earlier part of the trip. By the time I reached The Dalles, Oregon, I was exhausted and called it a night.
September 6 – Oregon's Gorge and University Vibes
The Columbia River Gorge was my next drive-through, and the views were as stunning as I had hoped. It was a chilly morning, so I had the heater on with the top down. The temperature soared by the time I reached Portland, so the top came up, and the A/C went on. I made a quick stop at the University of Oregon in Eugene, grabbed a bite, and continued south.
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| Columbia river gorge. |
The day wasn’t without hiccups – a rogue rock from a dump truck left a nasty divot on my windshield. Well, it’s going to need a replacement anyway.
The long drive continued into southern Oregon, where I finally hit the coast. The winding roads were perfect for testing out the S2000’s handling, but by the time I reached Crescent City, California, I was ready to crash for the night.
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| Near Cresent City, CA |
September 7 – Giants Among Us
The next morning, I embarked on one of the most anticipated legs of my journey: the Avenue of the Giants. This 31-mile stretch through towering redwoods was nothing short of magical. The stillness and grandeur of the trees were humbling. I took my time, stopping frequently to take in the serenity.
The rest of the day was spent driving towards Novato, just north of San Francisco, where I settled in for the night.
September 8 – Homeward Bound
I set off early, determined to beat the Bay Area traffic. My plan to take the Pacific Coast Highway was thwarted by closures, so I detoured through Gaviota before reaching Santa Barbara.
A quick pit stop in San Luis Obispo for coffee turned into a delightful encounter with 2 local car enthusiasts, Vern and his neighbor, who owned a black Ferrari 308 GTS. The neighbor was ready to part with it but his wife was not. I couldn’t resist offering a swap – my S2000 for his Ferrari. No deal, of course, but it was a fun conversation.
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| Vern's squawking macaws. |
The final stretch took me through Oxnard, down Highway 1, and into Santa Monica. Traffic was brutal, but by 8:30 PM, I rolled into Solana Beach – tired but triumphant and with memories that will last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
This road trip wasn’t just about getting a car from Calgary to San Diego. It was about checking off a bucket list item: driving a convertible sports car along the Pacific coastline, through redwood forests, and across beautiful landscapes. The new Honda S2000 – my new dream ride – made the journey unforgettable.
More pics here.
