Plotting Hatches : Went on a drive with the MCs the day NAM stood still

It had been a long time since we'd done some serious back road driving - the good long picturesque drives of the past were way before the Hyper Blue MCS had joined the family and finally the day came along where we could embark on a nice spirited jaunt with the two hot hatches.

It was a beautiful day and the scenery did not let us down, twisty curves near the rugged coast, among the rolling hills and through the dappled stands of redwoods filled hours of joyful driving. The usual array of annoyances (bad drivers & bad cyclists) were quickly forgotten as the pure enjoyment of the moments piloting the car and beauty of the environment elevated the experience. It may not be much, just a drive, just cars, but these moments are truly life affirming and I have to remind myself they are worth making the time for.

For the most part we were too wrapped up driving to stop and take pics along the way, but we did manage a few. A little assortment of them to follow, enjoy!

 

Stopped by a friend's place on the way out:

 

The view through a crusty ol shell of a car by the side of the road:

 

@ the quarry:

 

more quarry:

 

Featuring the M Coupe:

 

'S' curve:

 

Near the lighthouse:

 

Excellent pics!


Waiting to see more.....

 

Thank you! There are more pics but most of them are at the quarry and not much variety for ya - we really should have stopped for scenery photos

Here's a quickie shot of the Mini as seen through the M Coupe hatch while driving:

 

great pics...I love the M-Sports graphics on the M Coupe.

Have you ever written a comparison of the two? If so, point me to it...I would love to read your thoughts on the two cars.

-jac

 

Thank ya, I just had to have the motorsport flags

Haven't written any comparo, beyond both being hatchbacks with great steering the two cars are just so different - one light and nimble and elastic, the other visceral and powerful in a seemingly limitless way (that s54 engine) with more finicky handling (still on stock suspension). Perhaps we'll put together a more thorough write up at some point, I appreciate the interest

 

This is the route we took in case anyone is interested:

 

Very nice pics

Just wish Mich. had some good roads to go play on. The most excitement I get driving lately is dodging potholes.