Anybody else in Week 19 (2009)?
#303
Surreal indeed. I kept thinking: I know more about where my car is than my MA and for that matter, MINIUSA! I just wish I could have spent a little more time looking at all of the cars. I didn't find Janet's, Brad's, or Jimmie's. Sorry guys.
#305
That's OK. Mine will have the factory aero like yours--I really like your color combo. I was originally going to go with red, but my current car is red and I wanted to be different... My MA thinks my car will be in Sacramento on 6/3--I am shooting for picking it up next Friday. Looks like I will be one of the last to get mine so I am banking on y'all to post photos so this week will go by faster for me.
#307
#310
You are too kind. It was my pleasure. There is no doubt your car will stand out even in a MINI crowd. Very unique and very beautiful!!!
#311
#312
As far as who drives the cars off the ship, I *think* it the ship's people not the port's but don't quote me on that. They leave them in a holding lot right next to the ship until they can be taken to the VDC. There is a video of this somewhere but I can't find it right now.
The VDC is only 1.7 miles away: http://maps.google.com/maps?lsm=1&da...11365,0.022745
What we were told (and saw) was a van full of people pull up to the cars and get out. They immediately got in, started the cars and drove them off. A couple of things to note here: 1) The people were said to be retirees who were trying to earn some extra money. They, of course had to have good driving records, etc. 2) The cars were already unlocked and had the keys in them. The van would then follow the car drivers to the VDC and bring them back to the port to repeat the process.
The security didn't seem very tight although we were always within speaking distance to our guide. There weren't any real gates or guards or many people around in general. We did have to go to the main office when we first arrived to sign in, get badges and meet the guide. From there we took a short drive (through a couple of parking lots) to the docks.
Also, when I first called to arrange things the gentleman asked me a series of questions to find out why an individual wanted to come to see the port. I finally admitted that I had a car on the ship arriving. That actually made him feel completely comfotable in allowing me to take the tour. He also took down my driver's license number. I don't think any of this was extreme in any way especially considering the times we live in. He was very nice and accomodating. He said they were trying to show the public how great the port is and was just happy to try to get some positive publicity.
Link to the PH site: http://www.portofhueneme.org/home.php
#313
What an AMAZING thread - I am just catching this. Thanks a ton to those involved. I have a chrome mirrored, black crown spoke wheeled, interchange yellow convertible S, (no aero kit, but has a nav and most other options....pricey but im determined to love it you might have seen there. Has to be trucked up to NorthWest Mini in Tacoma, WA, which I heard yesterday from my MA will take 7-10 days. Awesome stuff. Was tough not being able to track this ship very well but am overjoyed to see it reached the port. Thanks a ton you guys! What good company "Mondo" had on his voyage!!
best wishes!! *salute*
best wishes!! *salute*
Last edited by Nicoli; 06-01-2009 at 02:43 AM.
#314
#315
#316
I was able to zoom in on the original pic and can read the last 3 of the VIN. Is it 499? If so then that is definitely your car! I hope it is!
#317
So the last 3 is 499!!! But this is confusing i did not order fog lights?? Did i get a freebie or am i stupid and it comes with something else?
#318
What an AMAZING thread - I am just catching this. Thanks a ton to those involved. I have a chrome mirrored, black crown spoke wheeled, interchange yellow convertible S, (no aero kit, but has a nav and most other options....pricey but im determined to love it you might have seen there. Has to be trucked up to NorthWest Mini in Tacoma, WA, which I heard yesterday from my MA will take 7-10 days. Awesome stuff. Was tough not being able to track this ship very well but am overjoyed to see it reached the port. Thanks a ton you guys! What good company "Mondo" had on his voyage!!
best wishes!! *salute*
best wishes!! *salute*
I did notice a couple of IY verts but sadly I didn't take a close look, sorry.
#319
Dont mean to post like 50 times could you get any more of the vin or just last 3?
#320
I don't think it has the fr fogs. They come housed in the same opening as the front turn signals but in the lower half. I don't think I see them in there but time will tell.
#321
#322
Oh yes please do and well I thought the turn signal are in the same houseing as the Xenons but the fog lights are way way down on the lower bumper, and there are lenses down there that i can see unless i am mistaken and those are the turn signals
#323
This is an amazing thread! Where have you been? We have been lucky to capture so much of the ship and now the port! This stuff is very fun and addicting. I think it partly has to do with the "thrill of the hunt"! Then there's the exhileration knowing your car is on the ship!!!
I did notice a couple of IY verts but sadly I didn't take a close look, sorry.
I did notice a couple of IY verts but sadly I didn't take a close look, sorry.
anyway..thanks a ton its all good!! You are amazing!! And my brother-in-law is from Pittsburgh! hehe
Last edited by Nicoli; 06-01-2009 at 02:44 AM.
#324
lolol - I was trying vesseltracker.com which kept telling me the ship was outside its range or something, I don't know..hehe..been trying to get a lot done here before Mondo gets home 'cause I know I'll be MINI-silly for a long time after, and scatterbrained, and driving all over with a big floppy grin. There is a IY vert up here already I saw yesterday but was the previous version with raised anti-roll bars in back..I almost had a heart attack I was like OMGMONDO??? and then I was omg, OHhh...heheheee theres only a couple MINIs up in the little tiny town I live in near the Canadian border but seems like more lately!!
anyway..thanks a ton its all good!! You are amazing!! And my brother-in-law is from Pittsburgh! hehe
anyway..thanks a ton its all good!! You are amazing!! And my brother-in-law is from Pittsburgh! hehe
You'd be surprised by how many people tell me they are either from there or Steelers fans or both!!! Eventually I want to move back.
#325
Steelers! Awesome photos, looks like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing your experience with us! :-)
My dealer called me yesterday telling me my car should be in on Sunday? Not sure I believe him LOL. Either way I'm sure lots of us on the west coast will be introduced to our new babies next week.
My dealer called me yesterday telling me my car should be in on Sunday? Not sure I believe him LOL. Either way I'm sure lots of us on the west coast will be introduced to our new babies next week.