Okay everyone, the plans are set for this drive which will take us past a large percentage of the barn quilts along the paved roads in the county self-acclaimed as the "Barn Quilt Capital of Iowa." The route starts and ends in the town of Washington, IA. It includes a lunch stop at the wonderful Tuscan Moon Restaurant in Kalona. Refreshments will be served at the end of the route.

Our rendezvous is at 9:00 am at the Washington County Fairgrounds at the west end of the town of Washington. Our lunch stop in Kalona is planned for 11:30 am. The final stop back in Washington for refreshments should occur about 2:45 pm.

***Much more specific details and useful hyperlinks may be found in the Event Calendar Entry (<--link). You'll also want to be sure to go to the calendar to RSVP.

The detailed route map description is attached as a PDF file below.

It will be great to be out motoring again!

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Drive idea seed initially planted by MariaChick...thanks!

 

I would like to go on this drive, but I will be spending some quality time with my grilfriend in my MINI on our way down to Arizona that weekend. Let me know how it goes.

 

That MINI matches the quilt square. How cool is that! We should play Match the MINI to the Quilt on the 16th.

 

A bit more info on the 9:00 am rendezvous point at the Fairgrounds. We'll meet on the east end of the new Fair Building, which is easiest to find by turning in off of Highway 1. The new building doesn't show up on Google Satellite View, so I've added it's location to the image below along with a red dot showing the rendezvous point:



You'll know you're at the right spot when you see the barn quilt and the replica of the tallest corn stalk ever grown in Iowa:

 

Sounds like a bunch of fun.... See you all there!

 

Di and I will not be able to play, Di works and I also have another commitment. Enjoy the tour!
Mike

 

1 + 3 = 4 for me.
Let's Motor on got some Quilts to see.
Add a few twisties add a few turns
Smiles on our faces More Turn Less Burn.
I could go on or call it immature
Nothing like EIMer's on MINI adventure!

 

That's an awesome "poem" David...

 

You are 100% correct on that, David! I am so bummed I can't be a part of all the MINI fun!!!!

 

I finally get a MINI and all the events are when I can't make it... Oh cruel fate!! Its the same with the central iowa group.

I even know all the landmarks for this one...my other half's family is from Keota, and half his family is in the guard so we are at the armory near the meeting spot pretty regularly...

 

You'll be with us in spirit. And there'll be lots more opportunities.

Wx forecast for Saturday now says sunny in the afternoon. The trend is definitely in the right direction.

 

Participation by Pam and I is looking real "iffy". I've been having a nagging cough and chest pressure for awhile so went to the Doctor who run a bunch of tests, referred me to my Cardiologist who referred me to the ER. After a couple of blood tests and an eventual CT scan they said I have pneumonia. Put me on some high powered antibiotics for five days. Hope that takes care of it.

We were really looking forward to this drive because we have done a similar drive ourselves around and South of Waterloo.

Miss you all. Have a great time.

 

You take care of yourself

 

H'okay so--I RSVP'd yes, but as of right now, it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to make it tomorrow. :( I'm super bummed.

 

The weather , fierce as it was, could be no match for the fun loving EIMers that gathered at the Washington Co. fairgrounds
to embark on the first EIM Barn Quilt Drive. For those that braved the the Iowa weather, there was the reward of great
company and a very FUN DRIVE! And at the end...........PIE.

THANKS Gary for all the planning and fun.

Be sure to let your mother know how
much we enjoyed her warm hospitality.

Lastly, THANKS Janice for the delicious pie.

 

It sounds as fun as o knew it would be! I'm so sorry I missed it

 

We did have a fun day, and the weather got progressively better as the day went along.

Here are a few pics from our excursion:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmm57/s...7626517220010/

An intrepid group of MINI folk for certain. It was great to see everyone!

(I'm still amazed that 05MINI caught up with us west of Rubio, of all places. That's some serious morning motoring after a night of partying!)

Edit: Oh, and I almost forgot -- 51 barn quilts sighted (thanks Nancy) and that's not even counting all the sidewalk quilts in Kalona and the one we used in the group photo.

 

If my MINI wasnt in for repairs (Still there) I would have made it, but next time...

 

What's wrong???????? The Pepper White MINIs need to stay healthy for our big adventure next month!

 

"Red 5" and I had a great time...maybe to great! Excellent friends, food and motoring... and PIE!
BTW...the whole 'red 5' thing...I noticed at the meet up that I was in the 5th position. I have been in this spot many a-times before and each time unintentional.
So, I mentioned this to my daughter, she thought it was cool and combined with the walkie-talkies...well she ran with it. (not even realizing the famed "Red 5 standing by.." from Star Wars)
Fair Warning...there will be more of the same on R4TH2.
Great time Gary !
Thanks!

 

Lets see

So far
alignment (replacing tie rods as they were fused)
New gear shift in center console (Direct short)
Oil Change
CVT flush and fill

2 weeks and 2k later

next up brakes

 

You'll feel great driving that MINI with all the new parts! Leo has new brakes, new steering pump, and fresh oil. Can't wait for those Black Hills!