Nostalgia is real…
Well, my nostalgia is real and hitting hard right now.
My first Subie was a 1999 Forester which took me back and forth across America several times. Her name was Scruffy. I added all terrain tires and a roof rack system with a cargo box which allowed me to stow gear as I explored places many wouldn’t believe possible. Living out of her for months at a time. After ten great years and nearly 300k miles I let her go.
My second Subie was a 2001 Forester. Her name was Skippy. She came with a few crumples but was just what I wanted. I dressed her up with 15” Methods, all terrain tires and the same roof rack system while adding a basket. With a newish engine, clutch and radiator; she was set until my retirement. We spent many great times together rambling around forest service roads throughout the Appalachian mountains.
Unfortunately, a woman failed to yield one early morning a few weeks ago on my way into work. Skippy was totaled out and I stood by her side; shaken, in shock and bruised up shedding tears as I knew it was our last ride together.
Just a few weeks ago, I pulled the trigger on a 2018 Forester base model with a manual transmission. Had to have another manual. A name will come along as her personality sprouts. Now, I’m in the transformation mode to make her mine. It feels too fancy for my lifestyle. Too clean, too many buttons. Even the base model has too many buttons.
I’m blessed to only be bruised up but my heart still breaks a bit when I think back. I absolutely love the first generation Foresters. I’m a bit anxious with the progression and now driving a fourth generation.
I’ve learned a lot with Subies. Love them, care for them and be patient with them. I love working on them, maintaining them and exploring with them. Subie love is a real thing for me.
I’m hopeful and excited to build this car out and make memories with lots of journeys ahead.