I took my new-to-me 2006 Mini CooperS cabrio from Seattle down to Medford, OR last weekend for my college roommate's wedding. I expected many miles of top-down driving through the mountains and valleys of eastern Washington and Oregon. Instead I found high winds, hail, snow, sleet, and rain. Note to self: check the weather and take the X3 instead.

My only complains about the Mini: 1) It's noisy, and 2) I have this annoying screech / chirp at the base of the windshield after I had it replaced. I'm getting that looked into on Thursday.

So, what do you do in central Oregon when it's hailing? You go explore a cave where the weather is always the same. Photos below...






Driving over Santiam pass at ~5,000 feet.


Exploring a lava tube outside Bend, OR


Inside a lava tube about a mile from the entrance. Amazing, as long as you're not claustrophobic.


Just outside of Crater Lake National Park. We never did see the lake as the entrance was closed for snow. The Mini handled surprisingly well on ~1 inch of snow and slush. I credit that to front-wheel drive and new tires.


A beautiful bridge and a river inside the park.


-James
Seattle, WA

2006 Mini CooperS convertible (manual, xenons, sport, HK stereo, PDC)
2006 BMW X3 3.0i (manual, xenons, sport, premium, premium stereo, PDC)

 

Ah....that lava tube. I've been in it twice with my Native American flutes. Great fun once you get very deep inside as there are some places with a great reverberation.

 

Awesome trip! The great Northwest is just made for Motoring, isn't it? Sorry I didn't have a MINI when I lived out there!