WIDE OPEN SPACES 

 

The English Motoring Club undertook another great drive thru the state over the weekend of May 20, 2006. Lead by our legendary mapster’s Ron and Haven Stuckey five LBC’s and one backup vehicle took to the roads for the 2006 edition of EMC’s Drive Thru History.

 

The Grand Tour of the Prairies begin at 9:00am sharp in Brandon Mississippi with Ron and Haven leading Jim and Faye Enzman, Pat and Barbara Cashman and Martha and I into the great open areas of Northeast Mississippi. Dennis and Mary Katherine Loftin drove backup and keep an eye out for stray tumbleweeds. John Turbeville joined us along the way in his TR-8 traveling at the speed of a sidewinder catching up with us front-runners near Louisville, just north of the turn off for Noxipater

 

We traveled on north to Starkville, passing Sturgis just to the east, enjoying the sunny weather and mild spring temps, rounded the corner and headed over to Columbus, passing near Mayhew on our way.

 

The whole gang was joined by other friends and relatives at Proffitt’s Porch for a late lunch at what had to be one of the longest tables ever to see the EMC pull up a chair. The food was great and we really enjoy an hour or so of AC, ice tea and mint juleps.

 

Back on the road we eased northwest away from Caledonia rumbling along without a care to our next stop at Waverly Mansion (cir 1852) spending the better part of the afternoon enjoying the ambiance of ante-bellum architecture at it’s finest. The tour guide was loads of fun and information and really enjoyed the visit by our group.

 

We worked in a stop off to visit with Captain Bud Egger,Columbus’ Mississippi’s own Fireman of the year and check out all the hook, ladders and even the fire pole enjoying a visit with all his co-workers at Fire House #1.

 

As has been the rule for the last few years we ended our road excursions for Saturday at a final destination for a lots of folks. This year’s choice was the Friendship Cemetery established by the Odd Fellows in Columbus in 1849. Acres and acres of the finest marble we’ve seen in a long time. As always it was a nice ending place for everyone.

 

Off to the motel in Columbus for a quick sarsaparilla then off to dinner at J. Broussard’s for a fine dinner in the upstairs banquet hall of this 1900 era lodge which has to have one of the largest original stamp metal ceilings in the state. A real treasure.

 

Overnight accommodations were great and rising bright and early on Sunday we all took of in separate directions with Martha and I along with Jim and Fay heading south on the Natchez Trace back toward home.

 

As your reading this we’ll have completed our Tire Kicking at Jake’s and a few will have made the journey to MG ‘06 in Gatlinburg TN. So stay in touch for updates on club activities.

 

Here's the event calendar.  Hope everyone gets a chance to join us.

 

JUNE 17, 2006 - Jake Weaver’s Picnic and Tire Kick’n / Clinton MS

 

Jake has agreed to fire up the grille again in 2006 for our annual “darn and it’s just gettin hot” summer gathering. We’ll provide the core food group requirements you can bring a side dish. We’re usually light on work however Jake may have a project or two we can help with.  Wrenching begins at 11:00am with lunch break about 12:00pm.  Details: Jake Weaver (601) 974 - 4367

 

JUNE 21 - 24, 2006 - MG 2006 / Gatlinburg TN

 

If you’re an MG’phile this one’s for you. This is the five-year gathering of the MG registers here in the new world. EMC plans will be made as we get closer however several have started making motel reservations to ensure lodging.

Details: www.mg2006.org. Gene Johnston (601) 607 -7021

 

July is an open month for the EMC and hot to say the least. Any one wishing to host a gathering of wrench turners or cooks just give me a call. I’m sure I can round up a handy group of like-minded citizens for everyone’s enjoyment.

 

 JULY 19 - 23, 2006 - 2006 Vintage Triumph Register / Los Colinas TX

 

This is the big yearly event for the Triumph Register. It may not get a lot closer than this one and it should be a good one. A couple of club members have given initial indication that they will likely attend. If your interested let me know and I’ll put you in touch.  Details: www.vtr2006.com

 

For additional information check out our web-site www.msemc.org.

Happy Motoring

Gene Johnston