It's been proposed that we hook up with our eastern Washington MINI friends in Naches! Here's what the drive would look like.

We'd start the group in Auburn, take 167 to 410, 410 to 12 to Naches. Lunch in Naches. Come back on 12 thru the Gifford - Pinchot Nat'l forest, go north on 7, then onto 161, to 167, taking us back to Auburn.

Our eastern Washington friends could drive as far west with us as they would like.

What do you think?

Wendy

Being a Eastern Washington Owner, can you give me the emails of a couple. Personal message please.

MINIs Do More Mountains on 10.4.03

Please meet at the Iron Horse Casino in Auburn at 9 a.m. Take the 15th Street NE exit off of Hwy. 167 in Auburn. Drive approximately 1/2 mile east and you will see it on your left, mixed into gas stations and fast food restaurants. The exact address is 333 15th Street NE.

See you then!

Wendy

Hi All -

I'm picking up my MCS next week and this run sounds like fun. But we live in Mill Creek, which adds 2 hours of driving onto the day. Any idea of how many people are going (from Eastern AND Western WA)? Anybody from our neck of the woods going?

-Ed in Mill Creek

Hi Ed

Congrats on taking delivery on your new baby.

Since MINIs are for driving, drive time never seems to be an issue for most people. As a drive organizer, I don't ask for RSVP's. One, it's an administrative nightmare and 25% or more of people who say they're coming flake at the last minute (or have something else come up). And two, someone who didn't RSVP finds they can come at the last minute and might feel they're not welcome since they didn't say they were coming. Since everyone is welcome, one MINI is a sight to see, and two or more MINIs an event, we don't care how many people come or don't come. We're taking a drive and have invited others to come along, it's as simple as that.

On a Saturday morning, it's probably only 45 minutes max from your house to the meeting site.

We hope to see you there!

Wendy and Steve, GRNSTRK

10.4.03 Newspaper photo op, route adjustment/alternate meeting spot directions for MINIs Do More Mountains

Seattle-area "MINIs Do More Mountains", scheduled for 10.4.03, continues to grow into a fun-filled day!

The owner of Rockridge Orchards in Enumclaw called The Enumclaw Courier and told them a pile of MINIs were going to be visiting Rockridge so they're sending a photographer/reporter out to see us. So, if even if you're not going on the drive, if you live in the area, it would be great if you could come by and make the most of this PR opportunity and visit a real working orchard/farm (Asian pears are in season, and the cider is delicious!)

For our south-end drive participants (and an option for our Portland-area participants), feel free to meet us at Rockridge around 9:45 a.m.
Driving directions:
On eastbound 410, go thru Buckley. Cross the White River and take the 2nd left after the bridge (244th Avenue).
Go 5 or 6 miles, cross Auburn-Enumclaw Hwy. by going straight thru the light.
Go to the 4-way stop (416th Avenue) and turn left.
Go to the next 4-way stop (212th) and turn right.
Rockridge Orchards is about 500 yards up on your left.

The main group is still to meet at Iron Horse Casino at 9 a.m.
Driving directions:
From Hwy. 167 take the 15th Street NE exit in Auburn. Drive approximately 1/2 mile east and you will see it on your left, mixed into gas stations and fast food restaurants. The exact address is 333 15th Street NE. Feel free to grab breakfast if needed.

From Iron Horse Casino we will be driving thru Auburn on a more direct route to our 2nd rendezvous point, Rockridge Orchards.
Driving directions:
Proceed east to Auburn Way and head south.
Auburn Way becomes Auburn-Enumclaw Hwy.
Drive about 7 miles, take a left at 400th Avenue.
At the flashing yellow light (212th), take a right.
Rockridge Orchards is at the top of the hill.

Tom Gates (and any other eastern-living MINIs who wish to join us) will meet us for lunch at Whistlin' Jack's in Cliffdale, on WA Hwy. 410 after we go over Chinook Pass. See http://www.whistlinjacklodge.com for more information.

Our phone numbers (you can reach us in the car) are 206.686.4663 (Wendy) or 206.686.1265 (Steve).

*****

This is the fourth and final monthly event I have organized. Starting tomorrow I am attending SSCC to pick up prereqs needed to transfer to Bastyr University next fall. I will be spending my non-working hours (full time in property management) studying human nutrition, biology, and chemistry for the next year. I hope someone else will take up this opportunity to organize fun excursions for local MINI drivers. ~ Wendy Hughes-Jelen, GRNSTRK, West Seattle

Remember these times with a smile!!
July 2003 - 19 MINIs met in West Seattle and drove around Alki Point and Beach Drive to enjoy the Route 66 Festival at Endolyne Joe's in Fauntleroy.

August 2003 - 4 MINIs met in the Rainier Valley and drove south along the shore of Lake Washington for a Sykart racing day.

September 2003 - 6 MINIs met in Issaquah and drove Three Passes (Snoqualmie, Blewett, and Stevens). We spent the afternoon in Leavenworth, enjoying the music of Brass Band Northwest, fellow MINI owner Libby hangs the band's banner on Crumpet. The weather was fabulous, and so was the performance.

October 2003 - MINIs Do More Mountains. A visit to a fruit orchard, fall color in the mountains, lunch at Whistlin' Jack's Lodge.