MORGANS OVER AMERICA IN THE JASPER NEWS

When we were in Japser, a young reporter came to interview Linda and I about the trip. Here is the link to her article in the Fitzhugh News of Jasper. http://www.fitzhugh.ca/sports/1265-did-you-hear-about-the-morgans

Morgans Over Norway Blog Started

Hi MOAers. Not having even finished MOA V windup, I am on to the next Morgans Over XXX trip 2012.
I am looking for input on where and what to visit, contacts, and anything else that might help plan this event.
http://morgansovernorway.blogspot.com/  or follow the link on this site.

Day 40- On to New Adventures

Our leader, Ken, and Pat drove off at 0700 to head back to Vancouver, so our last drivers meeting was held at 0830 in the motel lobby with breakfast. Three Morgans needed to be dropped off at Bobac for shipping (Paul, Manu, Colin with Callie above). Colin and Callie needed to get to San Francisco with baggage, Paul and Marie Isabelle and Manu and Annick needed to get to San Francisco for the day. The final plan was that  the  4 drivers would drive to Bobac, Kathy would pick up Manu and Paul, bring them back to the motel and pick up Annick and Marie Isabelle, then take them to BART or the Ferry to San Francisco. We were to pick up Colin and Callie from Bobac and take them to the city. We headed to Bobac about 10 minutes after the entourage left. No morgans had arrived. Eventually they made it to Bobac via the scenic route of Alameda. Still getting lost after all these weeks. Ultimately we made it to SF with Colin and Callie but on the way Alan called looking for Bill Finks mobile #, as his Morgan battery was completely dead- not even push starting worked.  We gave him the number and hope he was successul in getting his Morgan to where it needed to be. We also had noted that Roger and Linda were stopped outside the Alameda tube with their hazard flashers on. They weren't there when we returned, so we hope all is well with them and their trip to Sonoma. Susan and Richard also toook off for more Morganning heading down to Carmel. Linda headed to SLO in her mini. Eventually we arrived home after a VERY WONDERFUL trip. Thanks to everyone. As I sort through pictures more will be posted. 

Day 39 Cambria to Alameda and Farewell Party

After our 8:30 drivers meeting, everyone set off in different directions from Cambria to Alameda. We headed up 101 with Linda in the back seat of the BMW, and dropped her off at Patti's in Salinas to pick up her mini and finish the trip to Alameda. We stopped by home, picked up some clean clothes, visited our babies, and took the truck to Alameda in preparation for carting people and baggage tomorrow. The plan was to stay at the motel next to the Oakland Yacht Club where we were having our Farewell Party.

VIEW FROM THE OAKLAND YACHT CLUB

The OYC had been booked last year when we anticipated having 48 MOA members plus several members of the local Morgan Club attending, The group was much smaller than originally planned, so the 26 of us had plenty of food and drink to meet our required minimum catering fee.  The party started at 5 PM with appetizers of shrimp, beef satay, cheese and fruit plate. We gathered together, enjoyed our cocktails and had a wonderful time. Dinner was served at 6:30 PM with everyone being mixed up at tables- you weren't allow to sit at the same table as the person you had traveled with, and we mixed up countries as well. The dinner was a spinach salad, then a choice of Pan Fried Duck or Halibut- both were excellent and of course wine  . Manu was impressed with the french wine that was served.

MICHAEL, SUSAN, LINDA.

STEVE AND BOB

BOB, BILL, AND JIM

KATHY, LINDA, THORLEY, ELAINE AND CALLIE

RICHARD AND SUSAN

After dinner, Roger, Linda and Elaine presented several Thank You's to the organizers. A wonderful framed group photo was presented as well as other items.

Then the show began. PAUL AND MANU below sang a song for us.

Pat had a few words to say about each of us. Then everyone participated in sharing their best day/event, and some their worst event as well. It was WONDERFUL to hear all the stories. We stayed up about the latest we have on the entire trip with us all heading back to the motel about 10:30 PM. Happy but sad that the adventure is over.

Day 37 Cambria

One the first whole day of Mog West, there are many activities planned- a Concours, the Rallye, and a BBQ at Lynn and Johns ranch. Sans Morgan and with a lie in, we went to the Concours at the Catholic Church parking lot.  With both Ken and Linda's Morgans in the Premier Class, the competition is stiff.

DASEMAY- Linda's Mog

KEN AND PAT'S 1969 PLUS 8

DENNIS 2010 SUPER SPORT- 35 ordered, 0 delivered waiting for California paperwork

Jim's 1933 Sport 3 WHEELER

BART'S 3 WHEELER

JOHN's  PLUS 4 PLUS

After Lunch at Linns, we queued for the rallye with Elaine the driver and Philip the navigator in the BMW. Linda had Kathy as navigator. We traveled through the hills surrounding Cambria including going as far as San Luis Obispo. We passed John on what we thought was the checkpoint ,and later found it was the end of the rallye. Good thing, because John was distracted and didn't stop us to tell us to turn around. So we continued on Santa Rita road, through the gravel roads, back roads for miles. Finally a man in a pickup truck caught up with us and directed us home. Our rallye was an hour longer than every one else. 

We quickly prepared for the BBQ, jumped back into the car, then drove back to the Ranch for dinner. There was the usual presenting of the Hagis, then a great dinner and good company.

Day 36- Half Moon Bay to Cambria

As we had gone home for the night to see our babies (cats), Bentley, Healey and Lola who we very happy to see us, we set out to meet the group in Carmel for the drive down Highway 1. The decision was made to leave the Morgan at home, and set off in the BMW convertible- easier to get in and out of. After 2 Morgans passing us on the way to Carmel, we arrived in plenty of time to meet the group. I (Elaine) drove down a sometimes foggy and sometimes clear Highway 1. The usual stop at Nepenthe's for lunch was accomplished, however the sky was not as clear as usual hence no lovely pictures.

We arrived at Cambria around 3:30 PM and checked into our huge room- we have the disabled room with 2 sofas and plently of room to move about. I suspect it was once 2 rooms.  I helped Linda wash her car for the concours tomorrow. The first event of MogWest (a joint Morgan meet between the Northern and Southern Club and others) was registration, appetizers and the infamous Ayers/Del'Ario darts.
LARRY AND LINDA L

LARRY, LINDA, CALLIE AND SUSAN

KATHY AND GAIL

PAMELA AND WALDO

RICHARD AND MICHAEL

As we had eaten so many appetizers, we skipped dinner and headed to the bar for our daily ice cream.  Once Colin publishes his pictures for today, I may be able to add a couple more pictures of the group.

I

Day 35- Fort Bragg to Half Moon Bay

Today was the beginning of the end of the trip. Fiona is leaving us to fly back to UK to be at work on Monday. Bob left early to get home to Thorley, taking Jim with him. Michael had driven to Half Moon Bay last night, thinking that was where we were, so he missed Fort Bragg. Alan was apparently unable to reach his sister in Portland, so he continues with us to Cambria.
It was beautiful this morning in Fort Bragg and we looked forward to having a nice breakfast in Mendocino, which we did after a drive out to the Mendocino headlands with the Belgians in hot pursuit. Those who missed this town, missed a beautiful place.

 MARIE-ISABELLE and PHILIP

ANNICK

PAUL

Callie and Colin, as well as John and Gayle, Paul and Marie Isabelle and Manu and Annick  dropped in at the restaurant,and were soon on their way, as they had already had breakfast at our hotel.
VIEW FROM RESTAURANT

The drive to Cloverdale by the wineries was pretty, but even tho' the road had been recently paved, it still had lots of bumps in it making it a not so nice drive. The roads seem to have been paved, but no one bothered to fix the problems in them- like painting without sanding. Others went to Steve R's organizer of MOA I, II, III.for lunch, which I was very sorry to miss- but we were so late by this time and Philip had become very frustrated with the off-ramps and construction, that we figured they would have already left to see his other cars in Geyserville.
The drive to Half Moon Bay was hot, but nice to cross over the Golden Gate Bridge and head down to what is reported to be a nice motel in Half Moon Bay.
After spending the night at home tonight, we are switching to the BMW convertible tomorrow, and will meet up with them and the Northern California Club for the journey down the coast to MogWest at Cambria.

Day 34 Coos Bay to Fort Bragg, CA

We are getting very tired, homesick and ready to go home. We will stop by tomorrow on our way to Cambria. We really miss our babies (the cats) and need to see them. No cats have been available to hold for nearly 6 weeks. The closest we got was to pet the cat at Barkerville. And while we have seen many wonderful sights and had some great times,  there are unrealized  expectations which are really getting to me, and attempts to pacify everyone  has become very exhausting. So, yes, I want this to be over. 
It was a beautiful morning as we left Coos Bay. No wind, and blue skies. and the anticipation of trees and more trees. A long trip, over 300 miles was on the agenda for today as we headed down highways 101 and 1 to Fort Bragg.

Our first stop was in Gold Beach for coffee. As we were sitting there, lo and behold, John B, from the Northern CA Morgan Club appeared with his friend Barclay, who lives in Gold Beach Oregon.

We continued driving and enjoying the view, with the weather staying comfortable. Eventually we wanted lunch, and in following Garmin for a lunch place, ended up on the scenic road in Trinidad.

Eventually we ended up at McDonalds for lunch- Linda, Phil and I We never saw any other MOAers all day, not what I had hoped for when planning this trip. Continuing down the start of Highway 1 north, there was a very curvy 20 or so miles. The guys loved driving it... my stomach didn't like it at all, in fact I heard that someone at the hotel had to go to the hospital this everning after riding down the road, As there was a Japanese restaurant in town, Philip and I went for sashimi. The Brits went out somewhere in the town and the Americans ate at the hotel restaurant. I am not sure what the Belgians did for dinner. The drivers meeting isn't until 8:30 in the AM,  so we will have a bit more time for sleep. Sorry to dump... but again, I am ready for this to be over.

Day 33- Warrenton to Coos Bay

The morning started out with a few sprinkles of rain- the 10% chance. Eventually the skies cleared up, but a strong breeze remained all day as we headed down the Oregon coast.Our first stop was at the Tillimook cheese factory, where we tasted the cheese, and then tasted the ice cream- 38 flavors. However they didn't have samples of ice cream sitting about.

'

Continuing down the coast, we went off 101 S and onto the Cape Drive route, closer to the water.

Our first stop was at the Cape Meares Lighthouse and Octopus tree. (Later Ken told us that he was in the parking lot there and a gentleman came up to him and asked if he knew Henry T (from UK). Of course he did.. he even stayed with him last year. Henry was on several MOA trips. The man was Henry's brother-in-law from Cincinatti on vacation here. Again, a small world. ) 

A steep climb up the hill finished my walking for awhile.

We continued down the road looking at the beautiful ocean views, while being very frustrated with the very bumpy and horrible road. At intervals we headed back to 101 for short distances.

While we had hoped to make it to Mo's in Newport for lunch, Garmin led us to the Pelican Pub and Grill, which was a very excellent lunch. Susan and Richard and Fiona, Paul and Marie Isabelle, and then Manu and Annick all showed up shortly there after.  As we had only traveled 100 miles by 3 PM, we then went back to 101 to hurry to the hotel in Coos Bay, where we arrived about 7 PM.

Most of the team had dinner at the Red Lion Restaurant, but for sentimental reasons (MOA II) as well as  concern about ever getting food at the hotel, we went to the Casino and had a senior prime rib dinner for $11.95. I had slept most of the day in the car, and Philip sacked out as soon as we returned from dinner. While I probably won't catch up on previous blogs before crashing, I think I finished this one.

Day 32- Victoria to Warrenton WA

The  4 AM wakeup call was pretty early, but since we had packed everything but essentials for the morning, we were able to be ready to walk to the Ferry at 0450.   After immigration and customs, the ferry left at 0610 headed to Port Angeles. We had a cup of coffee and a pretty horrible egg mcferry sandwich before landing about 7:30 PM.

After informing Ken that we would be apart from the group today, and being certain that Linda had backup, we left to do some visiting.  First off, we went to visit Elaine's distant cousin, Paul J age 87 who lives in Port Angeles. He is the son of dad's Aunt Blanche and the brother of Don J. He lived in an adorable place on the high bank water with views for ever. He remains healthy, active and spends his time with photography and reading. It has been at least 35 years since Elaine saw Paul when he lived in Pasadena.

Elaine and Paul

View from the deck

After our visit with Paul, we headed on to Sequim where we visited with Philip's highschool friend, Pete, his wife Eileen, and Pete's parents, Olive and George- who were like parents to Philip. Pete and Eileen spent the last 10 years circum navigating the world in their sail boat. Now they are back at work teaching in Arcadia/Pasadena. It was WONDERFUL to see them again.

Eileen and Pete

George and Olive

As these visits took up our morning and early afternoon, we had to hustle down the road to make it to Warrenton, just in time for dinner at the local fish restaurant. Another wonderful day.

DAY 31 Victoria

41 YEARS OF BLISS

Today is our anniversary and another beautiful day in Victoria and no 8 AM drivers meeting. We will make up for it tomorrow as we have to be at the ferry at 0510. Linda surprised us with a very cute anniversary card.

Travel Agent Lisa and Pat eating brunch

The first official event of the day was brunch for all us in a beautiful atrium room in our hotel. We said our official good-bys to Anne, who will be leaving us tomorrow to fly back to Australia, and to Sherry who has had enough of travelling , and wants to be home in the summer for a change. Michael will head for home tomorrow and drop her off, then continue the trip at Fort Bragg, as he doesn’t like Coos Bay.

After brunch, we hopped on the hop on/hop off bus for a tour of Victoria. We didn’t hop off until the end, nor hop on again, but followed the 1 ½ hour route. Although very sunny, it was quite breezy in the top of the bus. We then stopped for a bite at the Empress hotel veranda and toured around the rose garden.

The Europeans went for an seaplane ride, which reportedly was excellent.

We then wandered through the old town, then back to the hotel to pack up our cars. We needed to take them to the ferry terminal this evening, as we have a very early sail tomorrow morning.

After a long walk searching for a closed restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf, we finally had dinner at the hotel dining room and went to bed early for a 4 M wakeup call. It was a glorious day in Victoria- a place to revisit.

Day 30- Tofino to Victoria

This day was scheduled to be a very busy day with many sites to see on our journey from Tofino across  and down Vancouver Island to Victoria. Ultimately, short stops were made at various places and Kathy and George and Linda and Roger didn't make it to the Northwest Morgan Club pig roast.

The morning had usual costal fog and a bit of danpness in the air, when we actually were ready to depart on time. If I don't blog in the AM, I seem to be able to make it on time.

First we did the above group photo with Winston, Fred a neighbor dog who comes to play with Winston, and the group. Also a photo of Olivia, the owner and her staff.

 Once we were away from the coast, the sky turned blue and warmer. A stop at the site of the Martin Mars fire bomber site (run by Coulson), was very interesting. A few stayed for the tour and a few of us ate Mars Bars   http://www.martinmars.com/

Our next stop was at Goats on the Roof, a clever way, allegedly for a certain group of motorcyclists to launder their money. Indeed there were goats on the roof, and some very dangerous looking weeds on the roofs of the buildings. To me, it looks like a disaster waiting to happen. I suspect their fire insurance costs quite a bit. Here we had the largest single ice cream cones I have ever seen. Having just eaten a Mars bar, I opted for the sugar free carmel crunch, as if that would make any difference at this point.  I couldn't get the goats to cooperate for  picture taking, but you can see it on the web site.  http://www.oldcountrymarket.com/

The next stop was driving through Chaminus, a beautifully done town with murals painted on the walls. Groveland could use with some sprucing up like this. http://www.chemainus.com/arts/murals/index.htm . Fearful of not getting to the party on time, unfortunately we only drove through, and didn't stop to walk around,.

A quick stop at Bristol Motors, a guy kind of place, was done. Here the owner restores Morgans and other cars, and had every type of tool you could imagine, according to Philip. The Antique Car Club members were there as well, so it was fun to talk to them.

Then on to the traffic getting into Victoria to our delightful hotel,with a beautiful view

http://www.laurelpoint.com/

View from our room into the inner harbor

A quick cleanup then on back through the Victoria traffic to the Mog Northwest Club BBQ at Kit and Joanne's lovely estate and great pig roast. We thoroughly enjoyed this outing as well as seeing previous MOAer's Bill and Marv.

http://www.mognw.com/

One of the Peking to Paris run Rolls Royce' was there along with their owners. The woman was talking about having to wear a chadoor as they go through Iran, otherwise their car may be stoned. Women, appreciate your freedoms.

Ken did the presentation of the plaque and thank yous to Kit and Joanne.

And as we returned to the view from our room, toward the Empress Hotel , we must say it was another wonderful day on MOA.