Greetings all MidCal MINI Peoples.  A great deal has taken place in all of our MINI lives this past year and as a result the Club has been rather dormant.  Work, family and life in general has kept everyone hopping and our MINIs have been quietly and faithfully taking us where we needed to go and where we needed to be.  Tina (MINIEOR) and Tom, the Club President and her husband have been busy with adorable Zoey, John and Suzie are moving to San Jose and Jim and Janet are never far from their bikes.

With that being said, Tom and Tina are hosting the Annual MidCal MINI’s Potluck Christmas Party again this year and are looking forward to seeing old Club members again.  Tom will resume his crown as Master of the BBQ so the main course is provided with the rest being whatever you want to bring, as this is a potluck and BYOB event.  Early afternoon arrival (3:00) is encouraged to expand the time for enjoying the great scenery and to catch up on the past year with expanded chat time.  As usual, all are welcome to stay as long as you want and if you partake of the Holiday libations and you don’t want to drive home, just bring your sleeping bag and stay the night.  There are two bedrooms available, one with a futon and one with an air bed (first come, first serve so reserve early) and of course their is plenty of room on the living room floor.  The party venue also has room for a trailer or motor home; no hookups are available however.

If the group would like to do a MINI run before eating begins, let Tina know if you would like to volunteer to lead it.

As per tradition all are welcome to participate in a gift exchange.  The RULES are not to spend more than $20 and try to select something with a MINI theme; either for a MINI or having to do with a MINI.  If you want to play, bring a gift.  Tina is also thinking about holding an ugly sweater contest.  Any one game?  Let Tina know.

RSVP as soon as possible so that Tina and Tom know just how much to BBQ and so all those attending can be informed as to quantity of potluck goodies to bring.  A MINI Club meeting will be held as well to begin the plan for 2015.

DATE:     Saturday, December 13, 2014

TIME:      3:00 pm start

DINNER SERVED:  Around 5 or 6 pm

LOCATION:  Once your RSVP, you will receive an email with complete directions

PARKING:      MINIs will park along each side of the driveway.  Please leave a path for cars to enter or exit.  For those intending to stay the nigh, ask Tom or Tina where to park.

While the House and Senate may have avoided default on the US debt, they caused such uncertainty that we are defaulting on the proposed run to the Wawona Hotel for lunch this coming weekend, October 19th.   Given the lateness of these developments the Off Road Adventure will be pushed back a few weekends as well.  In addition the MidCal meeting this coming Friday, October 18th is being shifted too.

So here is the new proposed plan:  OPTION 1 – meeting on Friday November 1st under the normal itinerary – dinner and meeting; or OPTION 2 – meet up on Saturday November 2nd for the Off-Road Adventure and lunch.  Either day, November 1st or 2nd would be the last meeting of the year.

Please email Tina right away to let her know your preference and specify November 1st or 2nd.   Email mcm@midcalminis.org with your choice ASAP.

The annual Tioga Pass Run to the World Famous Whoa Nellie Deli has long been a favorite of the MidCal group.  But after much discussion at the last monthly meeting it was agreed that this is a very long run and the turnout has been dwindling over the past several years.  Still wanting to take in the mountains and fall colors near Yosemite, it was agreed that a run to the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite for lunch and perhaps a visit to the Pioneer Village would be a nice trade-off.  The question however is whether or not the Park be open on October 19th?  If the Park is not open, the Off Road Adventure will take the place of the Wawona Hotel lunch.

Watch this site for more information as it develops with respect to availability of the Wawona Hotel or the Off Road Adventure Route.

The Wawona Hotel is a National Historic Landmark and rests upon verdant meadows and beside rushing streams.  The tranquility of this Victorian era lodge in Yosemite makes it a favorite of those who prefer a relaxed environment and the gracious charm of a bygone era.   Wawona Hotel in Yosemite is located just four miles from the Park’s south entrance, cradled between the majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the bustling activity of Yosemite Valley.  Yosemite’s Badger Pass Ski Area is a short 30-minute drive for those who love to ski.

From strolling the property’s  historic grounds, golfing, enjoying a stable ride, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter or exploring the Pioneer Village Museum or even simply enjoying a the view in one of the Adirondack chairs, Wawona is always lovely to visit.

The Wawona Dining Room is well-known for its culinary excellence.   Cuisine features an array of seasonal specialties as well as traditional favorites, including Pot Roast, fresh Trout and a delicious grilled Flat Iron Steak.  The Wawona Dining Room itself is traditional Victorian with a rustic flare. Hand-painted hanging lights featuring giant sequoias and strung with small sequoia cones are replicas of original hotel lamps from the 1800s and cast a warm glow throughout the room. On warm summer nights, the veranda, which is adjacent to the dining room, is a classic spot to enjoy Wawona’s sumptuous fare.

If you are interested in taking part in either of these Runs, Wawona or Off Road, email MidCal at mcm@midcalminis.org with your preference.

Don’t forget this coming Saturday and Sunday, September 28th and 29th is the annual Clovis British Car Round Up. Sponsored by the Valley British Auto Club, this group celebrates the British car hobby in the Central San Joaquin Valley. This is the only official car show entered into by the MidCal group.  The car show is held in conjunction with the annual Clovis Antique and Collectibles Fair and provides attendees with plenty to see and do.  Restaurants, coffee houses, live music and exceptional antiques and collectibles are all within walking distance of the car show.

The two-day event starts on Saturday September 28^th at 9:00 am in front of the Clovis Cole Hotel for a group tour and Run through the Sierra Foothills. At noon a catered lunch is served with a short program about the Nature Center. One hundred percent of the luncheon event proceeds benefits the Clovis Valley Nature and Education Center. At 7:00 pm there is a “meet up” no-host dinner at Yosemite Falls Cafe in Clovis for old and new friends to enjoy time together.

Sunday, September 29^th, the Car Show kicks off from 9 am to 10 am for registration. The arrival location is new this year and is at Bullard and Woodworth so be sure to click on the registration link below for an entry form and check-in map. Drivers are instructed to park their cars in assigned areas by marquis and model. From 10 am to 2 pm, British car viewing and treasure hunting at the Clovis Antique and Collectables Faire is held.

You don’t want to miss this fun event, so click here to find the registration form and more information. All registrations are due no later than September 26th but to be safe, get them in by September 20th.

Check here for more pictures of the 2012 great event including pictures of the MidCal contingent and here for a Video and Slide Show of the event.

It is the third Friday in September and you know what that means; MidCal MINIs monthly meeting!   We will be meeting again this month at MOTHER MARY’S ITALIAN KITCHEN.  We are trying new places and welcome your suggestions, but on September 20th, the place is Mother Mary’s.

When: September 20th at 6:00 pm sharp.

Where: Mother Mary’s Italian Kitchen, 1345 N Willow Ave Clovis, CA 93611 

Directions: Take 41 to Nees and then head east to North Willow. Make a left turn onto North Willow, turning right into the parking lot.

Parking: Just look for all of the MINIs in the center of the parking lot just in front of Mother Mary’s.

RSVP: Don’t forget to let us know you are coming, we need an accurate head count to ensure you have a place to sit with the group. Remember to bring your chairs for the after dinner parking lot meeting. Folding chairs are encouraged!

Send your RSVP via email mcm@midcalminis.org and be sure to account for each individual that will be in attendance. Reservations are by person, not by car or by couple. See you at the meeting.