Despite the somewhat ominous forecast the rains stayed away, allowing us to enjoy some cooperative weather and a great turnout of MINIs and Iowa MINI folk for the EIM Drive and Luau at the John Ernest Vineyard and Winery this past Saturday. The earlier Iowa River flooding had long since receded, keeping our route between Morgan Creek Park and Arboretum just west of Cedar Rapids and the John Ernest Vineyard and Winery high and dry — and even delightfully twisty in some places. The winery tour, wine tasting, shopping, hog roast, and live entertainment made for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and evening. We thank the entire Kopsa Family at the Vineyard for their warm hospitality and for accommodating our group at the Luau!

Most importantly, we had the chance to properly recognize EIM plankowner, MINI motorist extraordinaire, steadfast volunteer, creative genius, and all-around nice guy Daryl H. as he and his wife Shirley prepare to relocate to New Ulm, Minnesota where Daryl takes on an invited college faculty position and a new life challenge. We had a great time at the park sharing our collective MINI motoring memories. EIM offers its sincerest congratulations to “Professor Daryl” and our best wishes for continued success and happiness, blue skies, smooth pavement, and lots of new MINI fun times. Fortunately New Ulm isn’t that far away so we’re all hoping our paths cross again soon!

A note of thanks to Greg and Judy B. for making the lengthy trek over from points west and south to join us.

Pictures from this drive may be found in our Photo Gallery or you can go directly to this set of photos using the following link:

Photos from the EIM Drive and Luau at the J.E. Vineyard and Winery, Tama, 6-15-13

See you next month!

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