Hello guys,
My hubby (mbabischkin) and I are actually in the slow process of moving to your side of the world. We will officially be there in October; but we are coming out in June for a scouting trip, hopefully to find a place to live and otherwise figure out what's happening.

We will be in town from 6/9 to 6/13. Does anyone want to get together? Anything MINI going on then?

Hugs (and looking forward to meeting you guys),
PB

 

Hey, where you moving to? I dunno about any Mini events at the time in June that you'll be here (although, totally unrelated there is a big M Coupe event on June 5 I'll be going to ) but check with the Norcal and Redwood Empire groups.

In any case welcome to the area!

:smile:

 

Opps -- I guess that would have been helpful --- We are headed into Petaluma -- hubby is a Coastie! I have no idea if we will live in Santa Rosa or Petaluma --- but we will hopefully find a place.

Hugs,
PB

 

Welcome to the great nation of California. I think Goldcountry mini club is trying to set up a run through Lake Tahoe on June 12 if your interested while your over here.

 

I had friends that lived in Petaluma for a few years. Very nice place with a pleasant little downtown. I loved that area.

 

I'll be on my way through Petaluma on the way to abalone diving, but that's the best I can do this time. But hey, if you ever want to know what there is in Santa Cruz, drop me a PM!

 

I doubt we'd have enough time to run to Tahoe --- as the primary things we need to find are (in no real order):

1. A place to live
2. A place to put the boy in school.
3. A few things to do
4. Meet some MINI people
5. Scout out things like pet friendly places
6. Fall in love with the area so I'm less bummed about leaving DC

so, you see I have a few things to do --- but we are available for dinner???

Hugs,
PB

 

Wait, I thought it was the great state of Northern California we were headed to?

 

Do we our passports? Where do we exchange our money? What's the exchange rate? Are there local customs we need to be aware of as to not offend the natives?

Oh, my --- all the other new things to worry about now.

Hugs,
PB

 

Hope I didn't start anything. Hope you find a nice place, school, etc. in Petaluma. I've driven through there a few times, good town and beautiful area.

 

The Gold Country MINI Club run is a one-dayer from Sacramento. You would see some lovely scenery in God's Country for sure!


www.goldcountrymini.com, and click on the forum for all of our events!

 

We haven't split the state yet. Can't agree on whether to split it into two states or three! Either way, those of us up north would have to get a new Guvernator. Hmm .

The Santa Rosa/Petaluma area is beautiful. Close to the ocean, close to the City, and close to lots of terrific twisties... what more could you ask for?

 

A little asphalt bridging the cracks on the roads, and a couple of more lanes on the freeway would be a great place to start.

Some of the cracks in the concrete towards the north end of Santa Rosa have to be at least 4" wide broken all the way thru the slab.... but they usually keep the weeds mowed on the shoulder before fire season anyway hehehe.

But the county maintained surface streets are better and some city streets are even good and the twisties are fantastic.

 

Not meaning to toss cold water on your enthusiasm, but be prepared to confront the price of a home here. I bought a home in Napa 3-1/2 years ago for 450k, a comp right now is $825k, perhaps a bit more. Petaluma and Santa Rosa will be similar.

 

That ice water was tossed months ago. I don't think we'll be staying the area long enough for it to make sense to buy a home out there

 

LOL! You only need to be here 6 months to turn a tidy profit....Our house has gone up almost $200K in just over a year - yes - you read that correctly - $200K!!!!

Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven - burned up)
05' Cool Blue MCSC "Ariel"
05' HB/W MCS

 

Well, there's also the fact that we don't have the $500k that seems to be market for a 2 bedroom doublewide trailer up in the Marin/Sonoma area...