My First Mini - RoB

I was nine years old when I first laid eyes on the car of my dreams. It was Morden Corn & Apple Festival's annual Show & Shine. The sun was shining as I wandered through the cars with my uncle, a huge fan of old American muscle cars. However, the owners of these types of cars tended to be very particular with who they would allow near their precious vehicle. But as we continued wandering, I saw a different car that piqued my interest. She was small, light blue with a Union Jack on the roof. As I neared this car, the middle-aged gentleman, who had owned the car since new, offered me a smile. More than that, he offered me, a young boy fascinated by the culture around me, an opportunity that would change my life forever. He offered me the chance to sit in his car. If you haven't figured it out yet, that car was a Mini. I sat in his car, grinning from ear to ear. When I left that day, I knew, that someday, I would own one of these fine specimens of British engineering.

So, when I discovered a great deal on the car of my dreams, I had to have it. Lucky for me, my wife agreed & encouraged me to purchase my first mini and so Maggie came home to live with us. She's a 1978 Austin Mini 1000, with a 1275cc engine, blue with white stripes on the bonnet, 12 inch white Mini-Lite rims and a white roof.

We've built a shed to house her, been in several parades, car shows and rendezvous' as well as taken her to the Mini's 50th birthday party this past year. Life with a British car is never boring and we've had our share of troubles but they all add to the adventure. She's definitely not my last Mini but she will always have a special spot in my heart as My First Mini.

Trip to Winona - Part 4

So, back to the car troubles... after finally replacing the tie rod (which took 14 guys, a borrowed car to drive to the mechanic's and tell him he wasn't needed - because we didn't have his phone number, just his address, and finally, someone with the right tools to replace it), it was now time to find a new drive flange... in order to make it home. Well, you'd think with mini enthusiasts overwhelming the town of Winona, someone, anyone would have the part that was needed. However, after much searching, no part was available, for borrow or purchase.
Thankfully, Roger from Thunder Bay came to the rescue. He called up a buddy he hadn't spoken with in 25 years to see if he still had Mini's and might have a spare part. Well, his buddy has just had hip surgery but, lo and behold, he had the part (still on the vehicle, but had it nonetheless). YEAH! Even better still, Roger volunteered to drive the 2 1/2 hours one way to pick up the part and hand deliver it. 2 electrical fires and some time later, Roger came to the rescue! The part was installed, quite quickly I might add, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief! We even made it to the banquet that evening between delivery and installation. The event wrapped up as we put Maggie back together in the hotel parking lot again. What an adventure! And the rest of the trip home was a breeze, thanks to some new friends! Just in case, we had an escort but thankfully, no further assistance was required... well, actually, there was some minor electrical work... but she's a British car... you know how that goes!

Update

Wow, summer hasn't really arrived weather-wise but I feel like things have gotten crazy busy, which is quite typical of summer in Manitoba. Somehow we try to cram so much stuff into so little time... Haven't even had time to update the blog with installment four of the Winona trip. We're off to the races tomorrow in Gimli... hope to see you there! Maybe next week will be slower... :)

Trip to Winona - Part 3

I'd like to say that Tuesday dawned bright and clear but alas, British weather it would be. Cloudy, not raining but cold, very cold. It would have helped if we had brought proper clothing, however, we assumed (I know, never assume...but we all do it!) that the weather down south would be warmer than what we left behind. Despite the chill, the mood was upbeat as Minis everywhere were being washed, polished, primped and preened for the big show. Today the competition was not just any old car, but real, true, British ingenuity, the classic Mini. Having cleaned Maggie up to the best of our abilities, we drove to the St. Mary's campus. Of course, what adventure wouldn't be complete without some...well, shall we say "issues"? It was pointed out that the driver's side front wheel was wobbling. Alas, we had no idea what can of worms was about to be unleashed. More on that later. The car show was an impressive sight to behold. MKIs, MKIIs, MKIIIs, Sedans, Pickups, Cooper S', Mini 1001s, Mokes, Cabriolets, Clubmans, even a Goose (to list a few). Mid afternoon we lined up for the panoramic photo, taken with a 1930's camera. Quite well executed and the results are impressive, today's cameras would be jealous.

At the Show & Shine, there were a few vendors set up. Thinking that the wobble may have been caused by bent tie rods, a good deal was found and new parts were purchased. Back at the host hotel, it was decided to jack it up and pull the driver's side wheel flange off. Upon dismantling the drive assembly, it was discovered that the problem was much bigger than first predicted. The drive flange is supposed to be smooth, cylindrical, not rough and oval-shaped, as ours was. Hoping and praying that maybe, just maybe, by tightening the bearings and replacing the tie rod, the problem would be manageable (at least until we drove 700 miles north, out of foreign territory), unfortunately, this was not to be. We soon started to wonder when and if we would ever make it home. (to be continued in part 4...)

Not to be defeated, later that evening, we headed to the park for the official Birthday Bash, complete with live music, cupcakes & caffeine. Unfortunately, someone must have ordered British weather again, still no heat. But all in all, problems aside, not that bad of a day. Little did we know what was yet to come...

Trip to Winona - Part 2

After checking into our hotel, not the event hotel (too expensive and we found a sweet deal for 1/2 for the price...turned out to be corporate rate... whatever, cheaper none the less!), we headed over to the event hotel to register. Unsure of what to expect, the parking lot was a sight to see. Beside the front entrance, two Minis were getting beautified. Unfortunately, the main entrance to the hotel parking lot was a bit of a disaster for a small, low-to-the-ground car. A massive bump lead to some scraping and the holding of breath until a check that no fluids and/or exhaust had been left behind came up clear. That was soon forgotten as the side parking lot appeared and so did the Minis. All makes, models, colors and license plates were sitting side-by-side creating a Mini-lover's paradise. We parked the car and began the tour. Being the only old Mini in our town, to see so many in one spot was almost too much to behold. We soon met up with friends from Manitoba and compared travel stories and then went over to the Welcome Reception. There was definitely a buzz in the air as food and drinks were served, people chatted and movie clips containing Minis were posted on the big screen. Mini Meet Day One came to a close and we looked forward to what Day Two would bring... the Show & Shine.

Our Trip to Winona - Part 1

Despite the discovery of a pin and 3 ball bearings in the oil, the decision was made that the trip could not be taken without Maggie, the Mini. So, amidst some anxiety, disbelief and speculation about our state of mind, we set off for an adventure. And, an adventure we got. The border crossing was amazing... less than eventful. We had a nice drive down to Brainerd, MN where the Can-Am Mini Challenge was taking place. Rob got to drive in the lunchtime laps. From there we continued on to Stillwater, MN. Very beautiful little town, right on the Mississippi. Spent time stretching and feeling quite proud that we had made it thus far. We had splurged on the accommodations and our package included a four course meal. So we feasted on steak and lamb, settling into vacation mode. The next morning we continued on to our true destination, the 50th birthday party for the Mini, being held in Winona, MN. We avoided the interstates and took mostly smaller highways and some paved county roads, enjoying the scenery along the way. We had two near misses with wildlife as deer decided that the grass looked greener on the opposite side of the road. We were reminded quite quickly of the size and safety of the vehicle we were driving in. A divine reminder of how short life really is? We arrived safely at our hotel and breathed a deep sigh of contentment that we had made it all the way! Let the festivities begin!

Trying something new!

Well, we've never done this before. Yep, from the computer generation but never blogged before. Hopefully this will prove successful. Keep checking back for updates!