We’re Into Summer

A great weekend awaited those of the EMC that made their way to The Big Easy for the 17th Annual British Car Day coordinated by the British Motoring Club on New Orleans.

Friday night the BMCNO feed the early arrivers with a greeting party fit for a king. The Banquet Room at the host hotel was full of folks not seen since the shows at the end of 2006. The food was great and everyone had a great time catching up on activities since our last meetings.

A few folks traveled down to French Quarter to see the sights and hear the sounds and enjoy a night out in New Orleans. The Quarter looked great and everyone had a marvelous time.

After a night on the town, Saturday arrived bright and clear with an enthusiastic crowd ready to travel to the show field. Over 100 cars were presented for the show. The turnout was great with several new and unusual offerings for everyone’s eye.

Club members from Mississippi that made the trip were Pat and Barbara Cashman, Clay and Debbie Johnston and Martha and I in Ole’ Red.

Several members took awards, Pat Cashman was recognized with a 2nd Place in the Small Sedan Class with his 1950 Armstrong Siddeley Station Coupe, Menda Hayden, 3rd Place with her 1988 Lotus Esprit in the Lotus Class and Bill Silhan garnering Best in Show for his 1951 Daimler Empress.

Remind Self To Smell Roses

Due to time constraints I’m usually required to travel the interstates getting to and from the area shows. It’s been documented many times over that this plasticized form of travel leaves something out in the way of content and enjoyment. Basically you're left to the drone of the tires, the dodging of SUV’s and generally being lulled into a hypnotic state wondering when it will end. On our return for New Orleans Martha and I joined Clay and Debbie for a ride on the other side. Traveling the back roads gives one the opportunity to take in a side of America that was still very much the norm back when most of the cars in the EMC were new.

Traveling across Lake Pontchartrain, thru Covington and Bogalusa Louisiana into Mississippi passing near Sandy Hook, Foxworth, Silver Creek, Pinola and D’lo Martha and I really got a chance to see the life on the other side of the interstate curtain. Who would believe that while traveling thru these rural areas that we'd spot not one but four cars from the old country including an early MG B and Midget both in need of care, a Triumph Spitfire in good condition and a late model B that looked as though it could have been a show winner in New Orleans. Responsibilities called us home so onward we went by Piney Woods and Star to a safe landing at home.

In the future, make plans to get off the beaten path and enjoy the highways and countryside at a more enjoyable pace. If you're looking for an excuse, look at our upcoming events calendar. We’ve added a trip down to Mike and Alice Glore’s new digs down in Braxton in May and we’ve got our annual Drive Thru History at the end of May. Both of these events just call to your psyche....travel the back roads...find new adventures...smell the roses.

Here’s the listing from the EMC’s Events Calendar located at www.msemc.org.

APRIL 20-21, 2007 - Brits on the Bay / Pensacola FL

The Panhandle British Car Association has announced that their 2007 show will be held at The Admiral Mason Park. The host hotel and Friday night social will still be held at the Pensacola Beach Best Western. The new venue should be a blast for all attendees so keep this date on your calendar. Keep an eye on their web site for further information. Details: www.pbca1.com

MAY 12, 2007 - Garage Visit / Braxton MS

Mike and Alice Glore have evaluated the EMC’s propensity for disaster and agreed that we appear harmless and safe. On May 12th the EMC will travel down to Braxton finding the most hidden and out of the way roads to get there. Those in the Jackson area, we’ll meet in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart on Highway 49 in Richland MS at 10:00am. Details: Gene Johnston (601)607-7021

MAY 18-19, 2007 - Sports Cars at Buck Creek / Helena AL

The Birmingham British Car Club has also made a move for 2007 to the hamlet of Helena AL. Folks that have missed this show in past years have really missed a great weekend and the new location looks like a win-win for everyone. This is another date to post to your calendar. Keep an eye on their web site for further information. Details: www.birminghambmc.org

MAY 26, 2007 - EMC Drive Thru History / Location to be determined

EMC’s Drive Thru History has been a great way to get the top down and that far away look in your eyes as we travel the highways and byways of the state. The Mapmiester his self Ron along with ceremony chair lady Haven have pointed the compass toward the west along the Mississippi River with anticipated stops in and around the Vicksburg area. Look forward to a great drive and overnight stay. Details: Ron and Haven Stuckey (662)290-0765

That’s it for this update of the Off-Side Undo.

Happy Motoring

Gene