Yeah, I heard about that. Anyone remember the port strike back in October / November 2002? I had my Euro delivery 330ci convertible sitting on a boat. It took 12 weeks to get the car back after I dropped it off in Paris.

I think this time it will be different though. Back in 2002 they timed the strike when the XMas goods were coming in and the union was supporting the strike. This time around the union is not endorsing it (I think that's what I heard on the news) and the XMas stuff is already through customs. It should be over in a day or two instead of 4 to 5 weeks.

 

Looks like the Dorado Leader is again out of range for marinetraffic.com...... I sure hope she speeds her way to So. Cal.

 

I'm getting really excited too and if it helps, the arrival time should actually be on the 20th at 10PM local time (assuming I converted the arrival time posted on Marinetraffic correctly.)
I think boats run like planes. There are only so many spots to park them and if they get in early they just sit in the penalty box waiting for their spot. They also use more fuel which just adds costs to the carrier.
It's something like 4,000 miles from the Panama canal to PH. I never realized it was quite that far and I'm surprised those cargo ships cover that distance in only 8 to 9 days.
Tuesday night, my only plan is to open a nice bottle of vino and monitor the marine traffic site for the Dorado Leader's arrival. I'll be sending our CM's a mental welcome when they come into US territory.

 

how long do you think it'll take for it to go through the VDC? couple of days? I was just trying to time it so I can take a day off to pick it up and put it thru it's paces.....

 

That I don't know, maybe your MA can tell you based on history. XMas eve delivery would be cool. Maybe the dealership will be in a giving spirit and throw in all kinds of extra goodies.
Just post some pics for those of us who have a longer truck ride...

 

Mine hits port on the 18th and my MA said it would be after Christmas for delivery. I'm hoping he was sandbagging on me.

 

man, another week would be too much to bear....

 

At this point I'm just excited that my MA thinks my CM will arrive before 1/3/12! In addition to the Motor-tober discount, they are now offering 2.9% financing on Countryman, but only until 1/3. Go MINI go!!! Weather forecast is great for this time of year, so hopefully no major slow-downs along the way.

 

I just picked up my MCS last week. Here was my timeline after the ship docked. The ship arrived at Port Hueneme on 12/2 and I picked up my car on 12/6 at MINI of Irvine, about 100 miles or so from Port Hueneme. Your time and distance will vary, but I think mine was pretty much a very best case scenario. I know exactly how you're all feeling right now, but once it's parked in your garage all this stress and anticipation will seem like a distant memory. The first time you lay eyes on your new MINI, you breathe a sigh of relief and the hell of the last 6-8 weeks immediately fades away. Hang in there - it's definitely worth the wait!

 

does the mini come with a garage...i dont have one

 

Ditto! Of course, it'll take longer for mine to get to TX than yours will to get to MS! So you'll have mine before I do, I'm sure. I wish it could be here before Christmas, but I'm just glad it's close at last! Just think what a nice belated Christmas present it will be!

Actually, I'm kind of OK with the due date. I've been in final exams (stupid law school), and my last one is tomorrow. This will give me time after finals to go get my current truck detailed and maybe even sold before my CMS arrives!

 

For those watching marine traffic, the Taiko's ETA to Baltimore has been moved up to the 16th, the original date. It must have made up the time it lost in the English Channel!

 

I had an 05 Scion xB and just sold it ... I got $10K for that stupid little box. After driving that the past 6 years, I'm thinking I won't have any gripes about the ride on RF tires. It's all about perspective.

 

Nice! I'm hoping to get around the same for my 2003 Ford Sport Trac. As crummy as it is, it's apparently held its value well over the years--KBB says $12K-14K! but mine has a few dings and so forth, so I'm thinking $9K-$10K is more realistic. I will probably have NO complaints about my Mini after driving that thing for 9 years! To be fair, it's been reliable, just not a car with any personality and TERRIBLE suspension.

Also, the Florida Highway is back in range! It's getting ready to pull into the Chesapeake Bay as we speak!

 

I looked on marinetraffic and vesseltracker and didn't find it. Are you using a different website? It wasn't supposed to make Baltimore until the 16th ... maybe it made up some time.

 

I'm using marinetraffic.com. It's telling me out of range now, too, but I swear like 20 minutes ago it was just getting ready to enter Chesapeake Bay! Maybe there's a gap in the coverage somewhere at the mouth of the bay? I'll check again later...

 

It's back up! Just off Virginia Beach.

 

I was sitting here on my iPad looking at it when you posted. Godspeed Florida Highway, Godspeed.

 

Picking up my CMS tomorrow around 3PM....will try to get some iPhone pics at least up tomorrow evening....

 

Florida Highway is moored at the Port of Baltimore. On schedule to hit Brunswick on the 18th.

 

Cool! It's anchored right across form Fort McHenry, where the "Star Spangled Banner" was written. Oh say can you see...by the MINI's so bright?!

 

Florida Highway is on the opposite shore now! Hope they can finish unloading and get out of the bay before high tide tonight! They are expecting some coastal flooding in the Chesapeake between 6 PM and 3 AM. Beware, Taiko - the waters may be rough tomorrow!

 

I saw that. Who knew that watching little green arrows move across a map could be so much fun. I really need to get out more.

 

The Florida Highway has left Baltimore and is headed south to Brunswick with an ETA of the 17th ... a day early.

 

The wait is worth it....what a great car, already in love.

After 6 years of driving my MINI hardtop I feel like I'm driving a tractor trailer but it didn't take long to get comfortable behind the wheel.

Only have 60 miles on it but I don't find the run flats harsh at all.

Not the best pics but here are a few I snapped with my phone.


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1&d=1324000209

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1&d=1324000209

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1&d=1324000209