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Yes it would have been an incredible experience even in a MINI van (tho those oversized vehicle gummed up the works on the single track roads ... but that was part of the experience -- drivers *having* to co-operate to get anywhere) but the MINIs were bonus ... I am giving strong consideration to doing the Ireland trip next May -- will depend a bit on the MTTS plan for next year - have you been to Ireland also? Is it different enough from Scotland or too similar?

As most of you know, I've been part of the MINI Community in the states since 2008; I have traversed the country from north to south, east to west, coast to coast, track to track, with MINI USA and on shorter events with different regional clubs. An international MINI drive has been on my bucket list since I first read about them years ago and this was finally my year – I signed up for a two-week MINI driving tour of Scotland. I was not sure exactly what to expect but knew the following: I have never been to Scotland, I love driving MINIs, and other MINI club members took a trip with the same host several years ago and raved it was “the best vacation they ever had” That was almost an understatement. This trip far exceeded even my preconceived high expectations. For as many times as our MINI community roots out the best of local flavor – the MINI version of diners, dives, and drive-ins – and economy hotels (after all, it’s just a place to sleep before the next road calls) this was an indulgence. Spending the night in castles and historical hotels – not just a night or two, but *every* night. Two course breakfast and three course dinners – not occasionally, but every night (because the package included the lodging and two meals daily, it was suggested to budget for lunch. I’m not sure if “budget for lunch” meant money or calories, but we never needed a lunch budget for either!) .. since it was basically an all-inclusive package, I *never* felt compelled to save a few dollars on meals or lodging. (Not at all disparaging our stateside more budget friendly events, just remarking on the stress-free-ness of having someone else make all the arrangements.) As much of the US as one may have seen, there's a whole world to explore and what a fantastic way to do so. Knowledgeable tour guides with a comprehensive itinerary, outstanding accommodations and meals, many memories made with new friends professionally captured by the tour videographer / photographer. Highly recommended experience for those who love MINIs and those who love travel; I am personally looking forward to another trip with Ultimate Driving Adventures in the future. FB Link is here (the trip we just finished is the first pages under "Posts" (not under Featured): https://www.facebook.com/UltimateDrivingAdventures PS It was my goal to wear a different one of my MINI event / club shirts each day of this trip .. I am sure you will see that I did represent DC Metro MINIs .. and a couple of different shots Like Comment Send

They are belatedly posted ... there aren't many .. and they aren't that great .. but I did just post the photos from the "Bo" run last fall ... thinking of another, slightly different variety for this spring if I can get the details synced up. Better late than never, right! Here's the link to the 2024 Bo Feeder Run album on this forum:

Please buy your calf-feeding tickets if you haven't already. (cross posted, currently six MINIs attending) Weather looks perfect! Join us! (This is a re-do of a very popular Frederick County drive during MTTS 2022. Since the priority list was MTTS Out-of_Stater's - two full sessions - this is the "locals" chance I promised to run)

Clubman is "on my list" -- I've got a '13 S, but when I get a new MINI, one of these days, I am sticking with the Clubman model. BB2 will both lead to questions ("what does that mean?") but also to conversations ""what does that mean?" which is fun! Have fun!

I don't see that Carlisle (Ok, Ok, South Central PA MINI Motorists) have an organized drive for Friday to get to WGI as they have historically done .. I'll be heading up from MD, probably staying directly on 15 since my PA friends aren't taking us on intereting backroads somewhere .. if anyone wants to meet up off 15 in Frederick, MD, I'm pretty flexible on my departure time for the day. Could meet at Sheetz on Thomas Johnson Drive - it's directly off 15. Friday looks like rain all day, but Saturday clears up nicely ... if you've never been, it's a fun event.

In the same "missed out" boat and making up for it with other events. Thought about MINIs Take Mountain Lake next weekend, but I do not think my foot will be healed well enough by then (the reason I missed MTTS) .. also looking at either Hampton Roads Fall Colours Run or maybe MINIs Take Vermont for a fall excursion .. But none of that is what you asked about ... the Carlisle MINI group for at least the past 8-9 years (except pandemic) has run an event to get to MATG, even before it was a MINI USA sponsored event. They usually meet at Fort Hunter (Harrisburg) area, take a lovely drive up through PA backroads and stop for lunch somewhere along the line. Some return on Sunday, others Monday (on your own return) .. all that enticement and so far I do not see an event posted on either their Meetup page (in the process of being d/c'd) or their FB page. If I see / get more details, I will post them here. MATG is a really fun event for a good cause in a beautiful area .. Friday - Sun/Monday really doesn't allow enough time to see everything in the area (not unreasonable to get to Niagra Falls, Finger Lakes, and the Corning Glass Museum) so if you have the time to make a week of it, do it.

2nd the small cooler idea -- especially if you are staying in hotels that include breakfast .. too much food between hotel breakfast and MINI R&R breakfast, so nice to have the cooler for the spares .. Likewise on the radios - could have done without them, but they will take up space regardless because wouldn't want to not have them. Blanket vs chairs for any outdoor seating option is personal preference. Fingers crossed the driving app has been improved .. surely with the technology we have these days ...

I am flying out to ABQ on the 12th also from BWI. Spending the extra $ to fly non-stop arriving at 3pm. Jill? There are 2 dedicated FB pages to the event - including one for "newbies" and there are lots of questions, answers, and lists I will say that every time I have gone (this will be 7th) I have packed entirely too much stuff ..

Thank you, we've got a nice group going to what looks to be an awesome breakfast spot .. hoping after that point some folks heading east will stick together, and MINIs heading northeast will too!

Posted as an Event on MOTD FB page; RSVP on the event if you would like to join us (helps headcount for breakfast) https://fb.me/e/58pmVL3Xi

Ah, gotcha. Bingo used to be Thursday, but it's been a few years since I've been.

PS I'm heading to Fontana early Thursday morning (gotta arrive in time for Bingo!) from Frederick if anyone is doing the same.