June 16th

The Kampases planned the MG’T” June drive which started in Issaquah at the XXX Drive In.  The drive wound through the back roads from Issaquah to Fall City-Preston-Carnation, and into parts of Snohomish County. The group stopped for a tour of the St. Michelle winery in Woodinville and ended for lunch at Ruby’s Diner also in Woodinville.    Driving MG’s were Guy and Carita Boswell (MGA), Ed and Jean Monell (MGTD), Jim & Jan Rothwell (MGTF), Bob Kamas (MGTC) Stephanie Kampas (MGBGT).  Joining the drive were Mike and Lorraine Mihalik of Woodinville.  Mike drove his white 1947 TC and Lorraine her charming newly restored 1963 Mini Traveler.  Meeting up with us at the winery were Larry and Arla Helser in their MGTF.  Joe and Susan Colombo showed off their new Mini Cooper convertible and Jean McGarah drove her recently restored Murano. 

The day was perfect for a MG drive. The tour wandered through the tranquil farm lands, past the Nestle Regional Center, which has just been purchased by Paul Newman for his “Hole in the Wall Gang” a camp for children with terminal cancer and their siblings.   We only lost two cars in the congestion of downtown Woodinville heading for the diner, and did not wound any bicyclists although we were tempted when thousands descended upon our favorite back roads.  Luck was with us, the majority of the thousand were headed south when we were driving north.  Just the final fun turns in Snohomish County became challenging with a steady trickle of bicyclists along the road.  Joe Colombo and Stephanie Kampas at the end of the caravan seemed to enjoy driving straight down the middle of the road making something of the situation.  We all survived, grateful that it was for just a short part of a wonderful drive. 

The tour reminded all of us why we own MG’s, there is just nothing like driving one on a sunny day in the back roads.