A sea of chrome and classic curves greeted us at the Western Regional Car Meet for the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane (HET) in Penticton, BC. While I’ve been to vintage car events before, I was blown away by the sheer awesomeness of seeing a whole bunch of Hudsons lined up in all their glory – a spirited 1919 Essex, a gleaming 1928 model, and 1952 & 1953 Hornets buzzing with history. Even a 1951 Pacemaker seemed poised for a launch! Adding to the sensory overload were a stately 1937 Terraplane and a sleek 1940 Coupe.  

The event drew enthusiasts from far and wide: Pender Island, Lillooet, Surrey, Kelowna, and even across the border from Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho. Organizers Ivan & Darlene and Mark & Gigi did a fantastic job putting together a diverse and exciting schedule. From browsing the delights of the Penticton Farmers Market to gleaning inspiration at the Nixdorf Car Museum, there was something for everyone.

The ride on the historic Kettle Valley Steam Train might have been the highlight for some, …

… and it would have been for me, had it not been for the visit to the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) which stole the show. This world-renowned facility is a haven for science and technology, dedicated to radio astronomy research and development. Learning that the DRAO observes radio waves from celestial objects – stars, planets, galaxies, even the space between them – was truly fascinating.

Equipped with cutting-edge radio receiving equipment, powerful computers, and a massive radio telescope, the DRAO is on the leading edge of scientific discovery. It was an awe-inspiring glimpse into the world beyond our visible spectrum.

Getting to all these wonderful events was half the fun! Our Hudson cavalcade proceeded through the streets in and around Penticton, with onlookers marvelling at the sight. It was a rolling museum exhibit, turning heads and generating smiles wherever we went adding yet another dimension to the gathering and another layer of enjoyment to the entire experience.

But of course, a car club meet wouldn’t be complete without the camaraderie. We spent countless hours swapping stories about our cherished restorations, reminiscing about past gatherings with fellow HET enthusiasts, and – let’s be honest – troubleshooting each other’s car woes. It’s a reminder that the love for these classic vehicles goes beyond just the machines themselves; it’s about the community that keeps them alive.

The Western Regional was a fun-filled weekend, filled with automotive passion, historical exploration, and friendly connections. It left us with lasting memories  and a renewed appreciation for the beauty, history, and science that surround us.

By popular demand, here is a picture of our 1953 Hudson Hornet.

Where to next? We’re loading our camper onto our trusty truck and starting our epic journey to the Arctic Ocean! Stay tuned for updates on our next adventure – the icy landscapes and wildlife encounters promise to be unforgettable!