The Adventures of MORGANS OVER AMERICA VII- Best of the West: June 2019

7/14/19- addition of Day 45 below- still several to go.
The adventure is over and most everyone has headed for home, some via Chicago, Hawaii, Venice, CA, Newport Beach, and San Francisco.
Jen and Stan joined us on our drive from LA back to the SF Bay Area, with Stan having some time riding in the Aero.
I had lunch today with Jen and Stan in San Francisco, and on Sunday I will fly with my sister Lee to Provence. During this vacation, I will attempt to complete this blog.

DAY 47- REDONDO BEACH-Deliver Morgans to Shippers and Farewells
This is the final official day where those who were shipping their Morgans delivered them to the shippers. Only drivers, without their navigators, braved the LA freeways to take them to their respective warehouses. Philip led the British and French, while Grant led the Kiwi's. Christian and Fanny then Ubered to LAX to pick up a Mustang Convertible to spend a couple of days in Venice, CA. Stan and Jen went on a tour of Los Angeles, while Christian and Fanny went to the Wayfarer's Chapel. Keith and Sue went to see the Queen Mary.

Christians photo- at Wayfarer Chapel

Christian's Photo- Fanny at Wayfarer Chapel

Christian's Photo- at Wayfarer Chapel

British preparing to deliver their Morgans to the warehouse

Christian's photo- Lining up to send off the drivers

Kiwi's preparing for delivery to warehouse

Simon and Joan- ready to leave for the warehouse

Most participants were taken over the day to LAX (thank you Philip) for flights home or to intermediate destinations such as Chicago, Hawaii or San Francisco.

Saying goodbyes at the hotel

Bruce and Allan headed out in Bruce's Morgan for Colorado.

Dennis and Nancy heading to Denver via San Francisco area

Christian's photo- at the warehouse for shippin

Christian's photo- French Morgans at the warehouse

Christian's photo- Saying goodbye to Morgan for shipping

DAY 46- REDONDO BEACH- Sights and Farewell Banquet.

Today was a free day to see the sights of LA and clean your Morgan for shipping.
(need photos)
The wonderful and sad Farewell Banquet was held at the Bluewater Grill across the street from our Redondo Beach Hotel. The menu included NY steak, and Pacific Swordfish, both excellent meals.

Ellen Jo's Photo- At dinner

Ellen Jo's Photo- More dinner

The evening concluded with all participants describing their Best and Worst Day/Experience on the trip with many laughs as well as support for those Worst Day's that occurred, most of them Morgan breakdowns. I wish I had recorded what everyone said, which I think of now, not then. (Need photos)
Stan presented John with his Stetson hat which Stan had carried around in the back seat of the Bugan convertible since Cody, WY. The hat had a mind of its' own, trying to fly out of the back on numerous occasions and eventually being strapped down with the seat belt.

The Stetson returns to it rightful owner

DAY 45- SAN LUIS OBISPO TO REDONDO BEACH- Mullin Museum and Michael's Tea Party

After an early start in order to get to the Mullin Museum in time for our 11:30 AM group tour, we had just a few minutes in Solvang for a comfort stop and for Stan to pick up a box of Danish cookies and a "to go" coffee.

Barry, Philip, Gené and Nigel at Solvang, CA

After a bit of a search to find the Mullin Museum, we started on a long tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgable, but after more than 2 hours, we had to leave for lunch. I think he continued on with a few people left. The museum is full of beautiful French automobiles. (need help with identifying them)

Mullin Museum in Oxnard, CA

Our very knowledgable tour guide

Most expensive car in the world, allegedly.

1938 Citroen Traction Avant Coupe

Beautiful Bugatti

Hispana Suiza

Saoutchik

Bugatti

Google Maps told us it was quicker to get to Michael's driving down the coast, so we did that especially for Stan and Jen's interest. There was a lot of stop and go, but it was more scenic than being on the 405. (need photos)

Michael and Janine had invited MOA as well as members of the Southern Club to his Morgan garage (shed as the Aussies call it) for iced tea/lemonade and cakes and to visit his Morgan collections. There was a great turnout of the Southern Club and most of our tour members made it there.

Michael's stable of Morgans

Michael in his garage

The group at Michael's garage

Sarah and Janine at Michael's garage

We finally arrived at our Redondo Beach Hotel in time to head out to dinner, where most of us enjoyed dinner at a very casual Captain Kid's Fish Market and Restaurant.

DAY 44- Monterey to San Luis Obispo- Hwy 1, Seals and Concert

DAY 43- Monterey/Carmel

DAY 42- Oakhurst/Yosemite to Monterey/Carmel- Steck's Party

DAY 42- Yosemite- Glacier Point/Big Trees- Jodeikin's Anniversary

DAY 41- Groveland to Yosemite Valley- Tram Tour

DAY 40- Quincy to Groveland- Fisher Party

DAY 39- Ashland, OR to Quincy, CA

DAY 38- Klamath Falls to Ashland- Burks Party

The day started off with a very slow breakfast at the Running Y. While waiting in the sun, Stan resorted to a makeshift hat.

The run was a short one over the dead Indian Memorial Highway.

Some were able to check into their rooms at 12, but most of us had to wait until 3 PM.
Meanwhile, we headed to downtown Ashland, where we were reported for holding a parking place for Barry for a few minutes, and Stan got the brunt of it having been approached by the local police.

Shamed Stan.

As we had a late brekie, we headed out for an ice cream, while others walked around town, or had lunch along the river.

(jens photo)

Christians photo- Downtown Ashland

Jen wanted to visit the Art stores on Oak Street, so we headed over there, where several houses were part of an Art Co-op.

The big and final event of the day was dinner at John and Barbara's lovely home in the Ashland Hills. Their Morgans friends had gathered together to prepare the meal for us. We were most appreciative of their efforts. Barclay was the organizer of the menujohn with helpersLynn and Karen, Francine and Gary, Ginny, Paul and Vicki, and Barbara and John. Many thanks to you all.