This is a test posting to see if I am in the right place at the right time. At the suggestion of Drew, who I just cyberspace yelled at, I am introducing myself.

My name is Elaine J. Cohen. The "papa" in my user name belonged to my deceased husband and the "toots" is the nickname for our first grandchild, given to her when she was 2 years old and she is now 22 years old.

"PapaToots" was a name we used for our company when we were manufacturing at home in the garage heirloom ride-on toys made of wood, wagons in particular, sporting really long handles for grandparents. I sometimes was allowed to put one of the three layers of red paint on the rails and so I feel that entitles me to continue to use "papatoots" as a moniker of sorts.

I own a 2010 Mayfair 50th Anniversary HOT CHOCOLATE MINI, "justacooper" but "justafine," trust me. Her name is COCONIB. I belong to West Coast Mini in San Diego.

I love chocolate. I am right now as I speak going through Reese's Peanut Butter Cup withdrawal because they are all gone and all that is left is a promised Halloween bag for a dear friend and I am loyal.

I live in San Diego, the North County. I am going to be driving to North Carolina for Mini's on the Dragon, MOTD, even though I am navigationally challenged. I have 15,340 miles on COCONIB, have owned and driven her since February, and I have never left the State of California. I am a retired court reporter and do travel maybe once a week 80 miles back and forth to downtown San Diego. When I do the math on the mileage, I can account for it only by explaining I just get lost a lot. LOL!

I am hopeful that perhaps somebody from California might be venturing to North Carolina for MOTD and that maybe we can hook up somewhere. "Hook up" not literally but pretty close to that.

I have maps and books. I am also able to send up an S.O.S. to West Coast Mini's route meister, but I am really stubborn and will do it only when my hair starts to fall out.

Is there anyone out there in the world of MINI who might be somewhere between California and North Carolina for MOTD?


Thansk- -- thanks,
elaine

 

I live in Florida so I can't drive to the Dragon with you. I think you will do just fine driving by your self. Take enough time to stop and see some sights on your way to or from N.C. Grand Canyon, Painted desert, Etc.

Get a Garmin GPS and it is full of places to stop on your way as well as food and gas. A great invention.

I have been to California twice on my Harley Davidson as well as all through Mexico and as far as going all through Canada. I traveled alone and seen my country as well as our connected neighbors. Of course I was much younger and had a job that I could take off months at a time and still have it when I returned from my ventures.. I would not trade my travels for 50 million dollars.

I now have cancer and some other health problems and can't travel the way I used to because of lack of $$$$. I have all the time in the world but the Doctors appointments and not being able to earn money stops me from going.

I do not think you should not go just because you think going it alone would be scary. Join "AAA" and between the Mini Roadside service and your "AAA" if anything did break down you will be covered.

Do NOT pick up any hitch hikers or give anyone a lift. Make sure you have the correct air pressure in the tires and go for it. I'm betting you will have a great time.

**** Plan out your Motels and be in your room by 7pm so you can have a nice meal and get the proper rest. You don't want to be exhausted and sick when you do reach N.C. and the Dragon.

Be sure to let us know if you go so any NAM members can keep a lookout for you.

 

Thank you so much, Ronnie, for all the tips and the encouragement. I did join AAA and it is their maps and books I am going to use. A West Coast Mini friend did help me select a Garmin and hooked it up. I just have to learn to trust it at this point and become familiar with all of its features.

West Coast Mini does have a Mad Mapper or Route Meister that I referred to teasingly, but he definitely is not going to let me leave without assuring himself I am not headed for parts unknown. He will probably make me draw it out for him by hand and then recite it verbally.

I will do a post on NAM now and again, definitely when I have my route planned, and I will take you up on posting here when I leave California. The MINI community is actually what is giving me the confidence boost to just go for it.

No hitchhikers. No hitchhikers. No hitchhikers. LOL!

elaine

 

I'm happy to see you are going. The Garmin is good but you need to look at your maps anyway just so you know you are heading in the correct direction. I have the Garmin 1350T and it is always spot on to where I want to go. When I went on my Harley the GPS did not exist. I just read my map(Road Atlas) every morning and went. At 3: oclock in the afternoon I would get out my Motel 6 book and make my reservation to where I wanted to stay for the night. (Motel 6's were pretty nice in the 70's) they are mostly flop joints now. I always made a point to be in my Motel by 6 or 7. That way I could ride around and check out a town and find a good place to eat. If I liked a place I would stay another day or two. I stayed in the Grand Canyon for a week. "Bright Angel Lodge" it was great.**"TIP"** Never let your Gas tank go below 1/4 tank. ****** Gotta be safe so you won't run dry.

Don't forget your camera. In them days we had to use film. I have about 1,000 or more pictures of my trips. I still like to look at them once in a while. I had more money spent on pictures then I did gas or lodging.

I have seen just about every little cowboy museum in the west. Stayed in Dodge City for a few days, Seen the Alamo in Texas, Did the whole Pacific Coast Highway up to Origon, Did the Natchase Trace parkway, Blue ridge Parkway & skyline drive.

I'm getting Travel Lust just thinking about it.

Remember: NO HITCH HIKERS

 

Elaine (papatoots)
Your Justacooper sounds heavenly.
I won't be venturing to MOTD but wanted to tell you that I think you've got a wonderful plan and a thrilling trip ahead.
I'll be watching for your news and I'm tickled for you and,,, I just finished a piece of peanut butter-chocolate pie !!

 

Nice to meet you, Kathy. I will be back now and again with questions. Peanut butter chocolate pie, so we're probably talking 32 ounce bag. Good for you!

elaine

 

 

Welcome to the forum, good luck and safe driving on your planned trip.