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As people seemed to like the idea of road-trip posts, and I have been using pretty much every spare-ish sunny day to cruise around the area, here is another one, which will hopefully also be a little bit educational as well.
(I hope the photos don't come out too big. I've used the "link from album" function.)
This has been a pretty good autumn for leaves, I think.
Red, blue, and some white. Very patriotic, for quite a few countries. Including Lady Mary's native land, and mine.
Nicely polished....
For the next entry in Lady Mary’s Lessons in Japanese History, we visit the Kurikara Pass, site of a pivotal battle from the 12th century that allowed the Minamoto to dominate the Taira, and become lords of Japan. We start off at the top of the pass, home to the Kurikara Fudo Temple, which dates back a thousand years (though the current buildings are much newer).
I parked, and headed up to the temple. Stopping to admire the sweeping lines of Lady Mary in the late afternoon light.
The name "Kurikara" comes from the Sanskrit, Kulika, a dragon king in ancient Indian legend. In Esoteric Buddhism he is regarded as a manifestation of Fudo Myo'o, the Unmoving Divine King. This, however, is Kannon. And the photo was taken with a Canon.
The view from the temple at the top of the pass.
Main path to the temple.
The sun was quite low, and much of the place was already in shade, but those areas that weren't glowed quite nicely.
There's a small red pagoda hidden off to the left, behind the trees.
After visiting the temple, I carried on along the ridge road to the site of the Battle of Kurikara, which took place in 1183. This is not quite it - I had to find parking elsewhere.
The fun thing about the Battle of Kurikara is that the Minamoto were dreadfully outnumbered by the Taira forces. So, after using trickery to fool the Taira into thinking there were more of them, so that the Taira forces remained on the pass until nightfall, the Minamoto then tied burning torches to the horns of cattle, and stampeded them through the Taira army.
As you might imagine, a herd of demonic flaming bulls roaring towards them rather demoralized the Taira, who fled as fast as they could, leaving the way clear for the Minamoto army to sweep through and round them up.
This stone commemorates the souls of those who died here over eight centuries ago.
Being a pass, and thus elevated, there are nice views in most directions. I like the splash of red amongst the yellow....
Back on the flat, in a sort of posh part of town where there's a nice avenue of trees.
This was taken with an 8 mm ultra-wide lens, and really makes the XJS look long and lean. That bonnet just goes on forever....
Sweeping along the avenue at a majestic 25 mph or so....
For some reason, the color of your XJS just seems to blend into the scenery perfectly. Another good road trip Some Day, Hope your oil seepage does not keep you down too long. Looking forward to your next trip
Kingfisher is a fairly bright colour in the right light, but can also appear dark green at night. Quite strange. Also, keeping it polished can, I suppose, increase reflections, thus increasing the feeling of "blending in."
I don't think the oil seepage will be too big an issue (I hope), but the tyres have arrived today (just got a call from the garage) and getting those fitted is my first priority. Before the steel belt visible on one goes right through....
Yeah, in Germany you have to put up with this:
Hohenzollern Castle in the Moonlight
I'd have to drive about 500 miles to see that. My area is totally flat for miles. I think the nearest 'mountain' range is in the Harz... And then it is only 0.7m high... And you can't access much...
Even better! An excuse for a nice long road trip! Post pics!
I visited Germany once, years ago. Drove from Heidelburg to Rothenburg, down the Romantic Road to Neuschwanstein, then over into Austria. Never been to the northern part, though. All I know about Bremen is the Musicians....
Can't you do that in stages, though? Five hours, stay in a nice rural town, have some good German food and beer and/or wine, poke around the area, drive a bit more the next day, rinse, repeat? Sounds like it would be a nice holiday. Or if you had to use the Autobahn, at least you'd be cruising at high speed in a car designed just for that....
According to Google Maps, Bremen to Wurzburg is 4 hrs 30 mins by Autobahn. That would make a good starting point, no? (I'm not actually ordering you to go touring, don't worry. It's just something I think would be amazing in an XJS.)
British car club rally yesterday...
it was fun ... two off course...( not like me ) ( missed the detour it covered up the hwy 64 turn) high speed to return to course... no temp or other problems... ran fine...
ended at derailed dinner on hwy 64 alabama
Last edited by Jonathan-W; Nov 20, 2016 at 02:01 PM.
some day, my V12 leaks oil from the famous ROPE rear crank seal(no place else).
i run it around a quart low from full, leaks much less, TWR racing idea!
it really is not a major problem add a little(1/4L) around 500miles or so!
but major problem to repair PROPERLY! i have never seen a Jag V12 rope seal that does not leak some! one of Jag flaws in engine design!
when Ford took over Jaguar, the 6.0L block was redesigned to a full circle Neoprene seal, problem eliminated! they also took care of other small details.
some day, my V12 leaks oil from the famous ROPE rear crank seal(no place else).
i run it around a quart low from full, leaks much less, TWR racing idea!
it really is not a major problem add a little(1/4L) around 500miles or so!
but major problem to repair PROPERLY! i have never seen a Jag V12 rope seal that does not leak some! one of Jag flaws in engine design!
when Ford took over Jaguar, the 6.0L block was redesigned to a full circle Neoprene seal, problem eliminated! they also took care of other small details.
thanks for the pix, marvelous!
Marelli 5.3l V12s have a seal rather than the rope. A lot better design, just not available from Jaguar anymore... It was introduced afaik in 1989. Mine has it and I am so thankful for it!
Road Trip: Cruising the Kurikara Pass
