Here we are almost at the end of August and smoke has filled the air, so thanks to Richard Ford, we were on the road to Shawnigan Lake and the Kinsol Trestle (2869 Glen Eagles Rd Shawnigan Lake BC V0R 2W0). We gathered together at our usual spot on McCallum road in Langford for the up-island drive. It was very busy when we departed at 11 am, with a couple of cars getting separated from the main group, but after a minor course adjustment, we were able to get onto the Hwy 1 going north. Of course it was busy all the way with the construction zone and one lane merging, but the main body of cars waited for us as we turned left at the Shawnigan Lake – Mill Bay Rd traffic light. Once all together, we drove on through Shawnigan Lake village … not the Lake, to arrive at the Kinsol Trestle Parking Area.
We enjoyed an extended walk (on the map it was just over 2km) to the trestle. After a few pictures and talking to several other visitors that said how much they loved our Minis/MINIs, we departed for the return journey to Victoria.
We headed down the west side of Shawnigan Lake and back to Hwy 1 on the road to Victoria. Of course the travel south was busier with stop-and-go crawling, as the two lanes of traffic merged into one. However, it really did not seem too bad.
Thanks to everyone that attended and enjoyed the drive, camaraderie and the picturesque Kinsol Trestle. Here are a few pictures of our adventure:

Can we pick em or can we pick em! What a glorious evening for a wonderful drive around Sidney and Land’s End. Thanks to Sandra for creating the route and of course, none of this happens without Richard lending his expertise as the Events Coordinator. Along with members from the invited MG Club, we had an opportunity to chat prior to the departure from the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney. From there, we took a route that weaved through Sidney, Land’s End and the Victoria International Airport to finish the drive at the Sidney Dairy Queen where we all enjoyed an ice cream treat. Looking forward to our next event for a drive around Shawnigan Lake.

It was an pleasant day for a morning drive up the Malahat Drive to Transfer Beach in Ladysmith. The roads were clear and the sun was bright. We made it in good time to join many others from various car clubs that attended from near and far. Admission to the show was by donation that was collected by volunteers of the Old English Car Club Central Branch. The considerable funds collected were given to the Ladysmith Food Bank.

Although we did not win any awards or prizes, all had an enjoyable time admiring a collection of incredible English cars and bikes. Of course, in turn the Minis/MINIs were admired by our fellow English car enthusiasts and the general public as well. Some of us brought picnic baskets while others chose to enjoy the great food from the Ladysmith Lions Club Concession Stand. Here a a couple of pics from the drive and event:

This Meet was held in Santa Maria, California. This provided with a leisurely drive from Victoria along the Hwy 101, with overnight stays in Astoria, Oregon, North Bend, Oregon, Arcata, California, Santa Rosa, California then along Hwy 1 and 128 to arrive at the host hotel (The Historic Santa Maria Inn). For 4 days and nights we enjoyed all the events at Mini Meet West 2023 https://www.minimeetwest2023.com/. Our attending members represented our Club very well, taking home several awards received at the Awards Banquet on the final night. Next day, we commenced our return journey along Hwy 395 staying overnight in Lone Pine, California, and Reno, Nevada. We continued our journey via Hwy 31 and Hwy 97 for overnight stays in Bend, Oregon and Leavenworth, Washington. From there on our final day, we took Hwy 2, and the I5 through the Blaine Border crossing. Having got through that, we took Hwy 99 North and Hwy17 via the BC Ferry home to Victoria. The return journey saw temperatures up to 43 degrees Celsius. We enjoyed several scenic stops and wonders of nature throughout the journey of over 4000 kms. Below is a sampling:

It was an incredible day to join our fellow English Car Enthusiasts for a Sunday Picnic in Beacon Hill Park. All types of English vehicles were on display for an adoring public that fell in love with the Minis/MINIs on display. Several Minis/MINIs gathered at the Tim Hortons area of the Saanich Plaza that is located adjacent to Blanchard St. As a group, we then proceeded to Beacon Hill Park and found a team of cheerful volunteers including Wayne Watkins there to greet us and direct the Minis to an area where a number of Minis that had arrived ahead of us were located. It was a wonderful opportunity to get together and enjoy each other’s adventures and exchange ideas on Mini/MINI repairs and modifications. Many brought a picnic and ate while the sun shone brightly upon us. Glad to see everyone and hope to see you at future events that will be taking place throughout the summer and fall. Here are a few pictures from the Father’s Day Picnic:

Heritage Acres – 4 June 2023

It was a fine day for the Fair and Swap Meet at Heritage Acres. Several Minis/MINIs turned out in support of this event. We all were accommodated at Heritage Acres by the Old English Car Club (Southern Branch) in a great location across from the Old School House. Many visitors took the time to admire, ask questions, and take the opportunity to be able to sit in a Mini. Some of us found treasures and others, well … not so much. However, everyone did enjoy themselves and were able to take full advantage of the fine weather.