We'll be doing a bit of Iowa River Valley motoring on Saturday, June 15th as we head over to the John Ernest Vineyard and Winery for their annual Hog Roast and Luau. This will also be our last opportunity to motor with EIM plankowner and MINI motorist extraordinaire deanman before he and Shirley relocate north to the Gopher State.

We plan on meeting up at the Morgan Creek Park and Arboretum just west of Cedar Rapids at 1:30 pm, and will depart there at 2:00 pm. Our route takes us via the Amana Colonies on the way to the Vineyard. Our planned 3:30 pm arrival provides plenty of time for wine tasting, gift shopping, exploring, etc. prior to pork sandwiches and salads at 5:00 pm. (The food is served until it runs out so we want to be at the head of the line.)

There is live music ("Past Masters") starting at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to stay or leave throughout the evening as they desire.

The event at the Vineyard is festive so wear your hula shirts and luau apparel if you've got it.

What to bring:
- $8 (Luau admission fee - each adult (kids are $4))
- Lawn chairs
- Your favorite deanman motoring memory

Links to additional information including our route map, and the RSVP link, can be found in the associated Event Calendar Entry (<-link).

 

sounds like fun!

 

Let's hope we can dodge most of the rain showers on Saturday. The activities at the Vineyard have options for moving indoors so there should be no issues there. See ya Saturday!

 

Stay away you nasty thunderstorms!!!!!

 

Away, away, AWAY!

 

We were unable to attend due to a scheduled meeting in DSM today.
We wish the 'Deanman' well with the Minnesota job. It has been a pleasure.
FiremanMike & Diane

 

Fun time yesterday... Nice group of MINI's to see Daryl and Shirley off. We wish you the best in Minnesota, and hope to see you again.

 

Here are the photos I took of yesterday's event. Sorry I couldn't stay for the entire day.

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjG7xyWB

 

Thank you, dear MINI friends, for the fabulous send-off! Shirley and I appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness, and friendship!

The mementos you gave me (except the edible ones) will be cherished for many years. I know I won't find other MINI friends like you, but I will be able to think back fondly on all the fun I shared with you... because of you.

You are the best!!!

Daryl, Shirley, & Leo

 

Awesome pictures Jim! Sure glad you made it out to the park to join us.

Here's my contribution to the collection:

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjG8iPn3

It was great seeing everyone, and thanks to everyone who managed to effectively shoo the nasty weather away. Turned out to be a fitting send-off for our honored guests.

Yo Professor -- be thinkin' about saving a spot on your schedule for next year's Border Skirmish. Good luck up there where all the women are strong, the men are good looking, etc. etc...

We'll miss you -- but hope see you again in the not-too-distant future!

 

Great pictures Jim & Gary!

Daryl-quit talking like we won't see you again! My heart can't take it! Besides, I will still be stalking you on FB and G+