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I woke up this morning about 3:30 am , for you know what . I couldn't remember what hotel room I was in then I saw that I was in my own bed , which was a relief . I couldn't get back to sleep right away because I started thinking about the trip and all the wonderful things that had occurred along the way . I don't think I properly thanked ken miles who did such a great job keeping the route new and insterting every day , and helping anyone who needed advice or fixing there car with a smile . He's a great friend . Elane fisher did a wonderful job on all the paperwork and the daily sheets and maps and points of interest ,3 to 5 pages a day . Took care of the hotel rooms if there were any problems ,keep us all together . Linda cannon took care of the money for dinners and cards and birthday gifts . She was a trooper even when daisymae was acting up , she could always smile . These three people went above and beyond so we would have a great adventure ! I thank them from the bottom of my heart ! Michael

Day 39 Cambrian to alamerda

We left Cambrian this morning to go to our last stop on our great adventure , what a adventure it's been . Alameda is where the dock is were the english and belgiums will ship there cars home . Elaine arranged to have the farewell party at the Oakland yacht club which was next to hotel . We had the entire club to ourselves which was great . The fixed a nice dinner good wine and strong drinks . Everyone had storys to tell . It was happy and sad at the same time knowing tomorrow we were all going are separate ways like the wind .we were all good friends before and now we are much better ones now . Everyone watched out for everyone else helped each other , made sure everyone cars were running to help them complete the trip . The friendships that were forged will last a lifetime for me and I know the rest of the gang. The next morning ( day 40 ) there more goodbye's and hug's and kiss's . I left to go over to Manticia to see henry and Louise and spend the nite . I got up the next day an left for home , I had been gone long enought ,I wanted to go home . Also I was running out of under ware and clean socks . We left June 7th and returned on July 21st , for a total of 45 days. Every day was new and more exciting then yesterday . I can't wait for the next morgan's over america trip . I'll be the first to sign up for the next great adventure ! Michael & Sherry P.S. I drove 7984 mile's start to finish with absolutely no problems the plus 8 is a great car !

Half moon bay July 15th

I left Portland on Wednesday morning the 14 , day 34 . Drove to half moon bay about 715 miles to meet everyone on Thursday the15nth Had one day to rest up and see the town . Nice little beach town , kind of cold with the fog . The group got there about mid afternoon , they drove in from ft bragg , went to a nice seafood dinner. Day 36th , Friday the16th , we left half moon bay for Cambrian for the start of mogwest ,which is a yearly meeting of the calif club . Got to meet a lot new people and saw a lot friends from are club . The had a nice BBQ for everyone . On sat they had a concourse car show with all the cars . Sunday there was a drive and lunch Up coast to ragged point . That evening was the banquet and awards . Colin won the dart contest . Roger won 1st for the roadster and I won 2nd in the plus8 class
. This morning we left for the last official day of the trip and drove to alameda. We are having a ferwell dinner tonight . Let you know tomorrow .michael

Home July 12th

We left Victoria and drove home to west linn . Sherry was homesick for the kids and the house and tired of driving . She asked if it was ok if I finished the tour by my self . I gave in and said it would alright if she stayed home . Dale came over cleaned up the car so it will look good for the rest of the trip . Went to the office on the 13th to see if it was still there , it was . My desk was about 3 feet high with papers to look at , I didn't . I left this morning , 14th , to meet the tour in half moon bay , ca. I got here a day early so I would have day to rest up by myself . I'll see everyone tomorrow nite . That's all for today . Michael p.s. Car went faster without sherry's luggage , don't tell her .

Day 25 , July 5 barkerville to Victoria July 11

Boy , the days just fly when your having fun . Try to hit the highlites for the last 6 days here goes . Barkerville is restored 1870 gold rush town . They mined 50 million dollars at $16 a oz , which was a lot then .we stayed the nite went panning gold ,road a stagecoach good fun . The next day 7/6 we drove to llilooet about 300 miles , in the Fraser river valley . Nice drive . July 7 th ,day 27 ,we went to whistler over the mountain the road was verry narrow sharp cuvers 12 to 14 per cent downhills . Took 4 or 5 hours to go 81 miles . Tough drive . Had a great hotel in whistler with a washer and dryer ,we all washed cloths . July 8 , day 28 ,we took the ferry to nanaimo on Vancouver island . We drove to the north end to tofino hard road . That nite car hit pole about a hundred miles away and took out power for have the island , haven't had a cole shower for years. Went on bear tour , saw black bear and two cubs . In the afternoon we went on a whale watch on a zodiac boat saw a few , then the wind came up and the sea got real rough . Sherry has marked zodiac boats off her list . On the way to Victoria we stopped a big market called goats on the roof. Big fruit stand . Stoped at Bristol motors where Jim Walters a mown members is preparing a 1917 lafrance for the Peking to Paris race , hope he doe's well . He won a round the world race a few years ago .the northern pod of the mognw had us to a barbq last nite , saw some old friends . Today we went on air tour of the islands , pretty impressive from the air . Tonight we took the car to the ferry terminal , it leaves for port angales Washington we are leaving the tour for a few days to stop at home where sherry will stay and I'll go on the finish the trip . Michael

Day 22 lake Louise to jasper

We left lake Louise for Jasper ( 150 miles ) . Saw a lot of big horn sheep and mountain goats on the side of the road. We stopped at the Columbia ice fields To take a tour of the glacier on a six wheeled ice explorer which took us onto the ice . The glacier is about a 1000 feet thick and goes way back up into the mts, the first time to walk on a glacier ,great feeling.went into Jasper checked into to the fairmont saw a wolf and big cow elk on the way into the resort. Next day we went on a tram ride to the top of a mountain 3243 ft . Great view of all the mnts. We had dinner in the main dinning room then had birthday cake off Elane . Steve put sparklers on it and lite them ,set off the fire alarm , two wedding parties evacuated . Resort wasn't to happy with us .this morning July 4th ( happy 4th of July everyone ) we left Jasper for Quesnel B.C. In a light rain which got worse and about 45 degree dam cold . Saw 4 big elk with big racks then a big black bear and a smaller one , got some good pictures of them. I was following Richard today and we were going about 80,85 and a Mountie passed us going the other way , must of had radar ,he hit the lights made a uturn and took off after me so I pulled over and Richard took off like a bat out of he'll . The officeer give me a ticket fore 28 k over the limit , gave me a break because I was 40 some over the limit . About 8 or 10 miles later Susan and Richard were waited for us and waved us down to see what happened ,told them an got ready to leave R chard yelled out ,last one to quesnel is a sissy , he got into to traffic and i got to the hotel first . Colin and Callie got stopped and the Mountie asked cal lie where her streering wheel was , they didn't get a ticket just a warning . Tomorrow ( July 5 , day 25 ) we go to barkerville a 1870gold rush town . If we have wifi , I'll let you know what it's like tomorrow . Michael & sherry

Yellowstone to lake louise

I'm back ! We left yellowstone on day 18 6/28 heading to deer lodge mt . Not much happen on the way . Ken miles car sucked part of the carb into the head . He had to have it towed to west yellow to have it shipped home to Vancouver bc . He and pat had to fly home , they are going to meet us at quesnel bc on the 4th or 5th in his other Morgan . Then Finoa got stopped in the park for 17 over the limit , the ranger said he stopped her because he couldn't catch the to blue car . Deerlodge has a nice car collection . Day 19th was a nie stop in kaispell mt. Nothing much there . Went to cranbrook Canada , nice drive through the forest , tired of trees. July 1st is canada's birthday .the drive to lake Louise was real nice with snow capped peaks with ice fields .saw the headwaters of the Columbia river. Lake llouise set in a cayon with high mountains with big glaciers at the top of lake. Beautful views ,the lake is a green color from the melting snow great place to see . Tomorrow we go to Jasper ,Alberta , the people at the hotel say we shoal see a lot of bears and mt sheep deer . I'll let you know tomorrow . Michael & Sherry

Day 7 to day 17

I have to update my posting's e.very one . So here go'es. We left kanab ut to go to page az. I had booked a plane for us to fly over grand canyon and monument valley .we got to page went to the post office to send stuff to the kids nag get rid of shoes and clothes we didn't need .went to the airport for the flight,waited for about 45 mins for the plane they could not get him on the radio ,so I hired a nother one . We left to fly over the canyon . It was great to see it from the air and close up . We hit some updrafts and sherry started to get a little air sick . I told the pilot to head for monument valley and as soon as we got there the winds were worse so then we turned back to the airport ,she just made it . No more small planes for her . It was hot 96 so we went to see robin hood . Next to Mesa verda national with a stop at 4 corners to see where the four states come together . Mesa verda is where the early pueblo Indians lived under cliffs and made villages for about150 to 250 people and then just left . It was about 1276 when they disappeared ,over 600 cliff dwellings . Next was ouray co , we had to go over the 11008 foot red mountain pass . In durango we stopped for lunch in a 1860 hotel . Had a BBQ at the loves house ,looking out a the san Juan mt with over a100 peaks of 13,000 feet breathtaking . Next was Leadville co famous for gold mining and now not much . Left the next morning for fort Collins co. , had a garden party with the rocky mountain English car club and John and Gail joined the trip . Day 13 was to Evansville wy. Don't remember much about that day so wiil pass on to day 14 went to billings mt . June 25th was the 134 anniversary of the battle of the little bighorn ( custer's last stand ) . We took a tour of the park and then went to reenactment of the battle which was 6 or 8 mile out of hard in and 4 miles was a dirt road , the car was full of dust , what a mess . Day 16 we left billings for yellowstone . It rained most of the way to Cody wy. We went to the buffalo bill museum in Cody which was just great . The larges fire ams display in the world , western artwork and the life of buffalo bill . If any of you get closed to Cody see it because it well worth it. Went on to yellowstone and checked into the old faithful lodge built in 1906 , I think that how it got it's name , our room was that to. Today steve and I went to west yellowstone to go on a drift trip on henry fork of the of the yellowstone . On the road out the park I went around a corner and 3 buffalo were standing in the middle of the road , I got stopped about 25 feet from them , they were twice the size of the Morgan , scared the cray out of us . We got on the river started fishing I caught 4 rainbow the best about 16 to 18 inches and 30 to 40 white fish .steve had 3 rainbow and 15 to 20 whitefish . It was a good day of fishing ,and a lot of fun . Tomorrow we go north to deer lodge mt . So I'll up story then . Thing about all of you . Michael & Sherry

Zion national park

We left tonopah on the 14 for spring dale utah . Paul said in 138 mile's his speedo would turnover 100,000 mile's and he had cups and champane so he would be the lead car .we left an had to take a left 6 of took the left and the rest took a right , we thought they were just slow . Paul got to 100000 miles , stopped and got out the champane we waited about 30 min . They did show up so we had to drink the 2 bottles . Took pictures then headed down the road . Stopped for lunch and gas , they started to trickle in . Said they went about 50 miles out of the way .got to the hotel ok
The next morning took a bus the visitors center where had booked a open tour for us . Went all thought the park which is spectacular with deep canyons an high sheer cliffs and the most beautiful waterfalls you will ever see . I wish everyone could come to this park ,it's worth it. Today the 16 th we had to leave sprig dale at 7:30 because the short cut through the had roadwork and would be closed at 9:00 am and it would save about 80 miles.we make it and drove to straight to Bryce national park which had formed to most wonderful colorful and unique formation in the sandstone mountians and cliffs. Some of structures are beyond words . At every turn there is something pretter then the last . The arch's or bridges were great ,the eroding is amazing what it's done over the millions of years that it took to make . I have taken a lot of pictues the I wish I could post on the blog but I don't know how and apple won't tell me how ,if I can ever find a apple store I hope they can help .Att coverage sucks in the small towns and the parks ,I called them to change there adverting . Tomorrow sherry an I have a airplane tour over the grand canyon ,should be fun . Roger and Linda Han to have aoil sump cover feuded to the grage in yosemite and meet us in fort Collins co. I want to thank everyone for all the birthday wishes . Also today in England Margerte Parkes did a wing walk on a bi-plane did looped loops at 140 miles an hour it took a lot of guts to do it . Great pictures . See you all in a few days . Michael & sherry

June 11,12,13

Sorry I haven't posted for 3days . We left s.f.at 8 am on the 11 to drive to yosemite park went the back way throu mariposa , real pretty drive in the mountains .we stayed at the yosemite lodge ,nice rooms with the Merced river raging past are patio .the next.morning ( the 12th my birthday ) we got on abus to go to the park . Then we got on a open wagon thing towed by a truck with a park guide who expined the pie and it's history . El capitan is impressive , straight up and we.could see climbers going up. Then to Yosemite fall, bridal veil everyone should see this national park , it is one of the best I've been to . After all the tour's some went hiking and biking we met at 6 for dinner and my birthday party , great time . Very full day . This morning we left and went over tioga pass over 9000 feet to tonapah Nevada for the nite about 250 miles .we all left hotel and went back into the park to get on the pass road . About 4 or 5 miles I found manu pull off road I stopped and he said he ran over something and his motor quit .I asked if it bounced in the air , he said it did so I opened the hood to check the immobilizer went off ,it did had to reset it car started up . We took off and about 1 mile down the road roger was off to side with a trail of oil following him . I stopped asked what happen he said he went over a rock . It put a hole in the oil sump and all the oil blow out . Ken stopped and went back to the gate to have them to call aaa for tow truck . Then Alan stopped to help and went for oil .we stayed with roger an linda till the truck got there , I had to show the driver how to hook it as he never saw a Morgan before got that taken care of an left abbot noon went over the pass which was beauitful big mts snow all over . Got down the mt and got up with ken and he was having clutch trouble and Linda cannon was having gas problems ,we took slow and babies the cars to tonapah .all the problems got sorted out so were good to go tomorrow. I want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes , i would have called everyone but these no cell or Internet service in the park ,so can call me now . It will be fun to see tomorrows advertures are . Michael & sherry

City tour of san francisco

Today steve ,who lives in the city , lead 9 cars of us on a tour of the city . We went to coit tower golden gate park under the bridge and all the points of interst.around the city . We saw more of s.f. Then all the times I've been here. We ran more red lights and stop signs today then my whole life . With 9 morgans trying to keep together and not get lost was quite a feat . Steve did a great job on the route . The people of s.f. Were so good about stopping and letting stay together, most thought we were part of a parade . Driveing a Morgan is such fun because everyone smile's wave's and takes picture's of all the car's . We went back to the hotel , cleaned up and had limo's take us to Susan and steve beautiful home for dinner . They live a beautiful home like you see in the movies filmed in the city . Dinner and wine was great ! Thank you both very much . The great adventure starts in the morning , 8 am driver's meeting , then leave for yosemite national park . I hope to meet Yosemite Sam . We have to pack now so we'll be ready for tomorrow . Michael& sherry

BBQ at the fisher's

We drove over the the fisher's home in walnut creek while everyone went to Oakland to the cars out of storage at the dock .all the cars arrived in great shape , a little dustie is all . Phillip an elaine Fixed a nice BBQ lunch for everyone ( thanks phil and elrine ) drove back to s.f. Then went for
dinner with Paul ,manu,antic,Marie-Isabelle which was very good then a chillie walk fo the hotel . Tommorrow steve is
Taking all Of on a tour of s.f. Should be fun as he lives in the heart of the city then to his and Susan 's house for dinner . Should be another great day . The drivers in the city have been very nice about slowing down to let us keep together .let you know about the tour tomorrow . Michael & sherry

Trip to san francisco

We made it to san francisco , very easy drive . Left at 6 am arrived at 6 pm . Traffic was light and little construction . The hotel didn't have are reservation so we got a nice room overlooking the dumpster and a handicap bathroom . We hooked up with Fiona Coliin Calli Richard and Susan had a nice dinner and caught up on everything . Richard and Susan's luggage hate's to fly so it stayed in London . Hope it makes it tomorrow . Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings . Everyday is a new day for us . Stay tuned . Michael & sherry

All packed

Were packed and we got everything in car . There isn't room for a tooth pick . I just hope I can remember how it goes into the car every day .were starting in the morning at 6 am , only 629 mile's to the hotel , hope it sunny all the way . Michael & sherry

6/5/10 packing the +8

We have started to pack for the big trip . The bags aren't as big as I thought they were , sherry said we need a wagon . The back shelf is smaller then the aero ( wish I had the 4 seater ) one bag for tools , one for electric things , one for cigars , two for sherry . Looks like we have to start over tomorrow and try to get a little leaner . I do'nt know what sherry will have leave at home , but I'm at the bare bones right now , even took out the golf clubs , joke . Maybe we will have better luck in the morning . It's starting to become an adventure already . Let you know happens . Try to add pictures also . Michael & sherry

iPad camera connection

Great news carl went on eBay and found the camera sd card reader so I can download pictures ! Thanks carl ! Michael

Countdown 14days

Hi everyone , it's getting close to heading for san francisco . We leave in 2 weeks , 7th of June and it's coming to fast to get everything ready so we can leave . Making a list for the gardeners , another one for the gals that help sherry with the house . Make sure Dana has the right checkbook to pay personal bills and laurie to pay my bills . Waiting for a luggage strap from simmonds in england . A center conceal and arm rest and upholder from the guy in Germany . The upholstery shop in Portland finished making a pocket on the seat fronts ( For my cigar cutter and lighter Richard .) also new black floor mats , didn't like the gray . Another oil change to make sure it's clean . The guys coming to house to take off the old wax and wax it and the leather . The car's going to be in better shape then me and sherry . Have to go to AAA to get maps . Then to Rich's for cigars to start the trip . Next to the bank , see if I have any money left .I have to pay Elaine , Ken , Linda . Anybody else? I still need the sd card reader for my new iPad . If anyone see's one grab it . Waiting for the coats and shirts from Elaine to see how bad I messed it up, o well . This it going to be a great adventure with great cars and great friends . See everyone the nite of the 7th. Michael and sherry



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suitcase's

i have been try to attach a photo to the post of sherry and the bags . they look good on the car . michael

suitcases

sherry,s suitcase 2

i took the bags home and put them on the luggage rack ,fit perfectly , i was excited , i knew she would like them . then went inside to get sherry to see them .she said " you want me to live out those little bags for 55 days ! " she looked , walked around them , looked inside , then said were are you going to put your clothes ? she said she could use one for clothes , one for shoes and needed another bag for makeup .she suggested that i ship my clothes to each hotel that were staying at on the trip . we are trying to come to some kind of middle ground , might have to make a trial run to see how they work out . have to keep you posted on the outcome . michael ( p.s. jeremy , keep you phone on in case i need you ! )

sherry,s suitcase

as most of you know sherry sometimes over packs which has resulted in a lot of experiences for us ( ireland going on the ferry , in spain in the mountians ) so we have to pack lite . i pointed out that the plus 8 has't a trunk like the aero or a back seat like the 4 seater . it has a simmons rack on the back .i also said that we could only have a bag each and it had to fit the rack ,with wheels ( i'm not that strong anymore )and waterproof . dennis give me a samsonite which fit the rack , but i couldn't lift it . i went to every luggage store in portland and nothing worked . went on line for waterproof luggage , found big agnes in colorado . they are called stagecoach waterproof rolling duffel, 22 in high 14 in wide ,very well made . two of them will fit perfectly . can't wait till sherry see's them , should be fun to see the look on her face . keep you posted on that . michael

moa5 preplanning

when sherry and i were asked to join moa5 by ken and elaine we commited on the spot . we had been on moa4 in 05 in the aero 8 and made great freinds . we had a 07 4seater in england till last year ( not deq approved ) had great times with it .we were planning on driving the aero agin but i took the family to maui for christmas . and now the story begins . there were 11 of us on the trip , wife ,sister in law ,son ,daughter, future son in law ,best freind of kids ,4 grandkids ( 3-3-4-8 ) 3 rental cars , 5 rooms at the westin . i took my golf clubs in case i needed to get away for a while , which i did . one day i played with a nice couple from denver . she asked me if a had ever been to london , i said i was there in july , she said way , i said for the 100 annervacy of the morgan motor car co ,she said her husband's boss had one , he said he wants to sell it, i gave him my card to call me and e-mail a picture of the car . got home the 23rd and on the e-mail was this plain jane blue plus 8 2003 . i send them to dennis at morgan west to see what he thought of the car . he call and said it was a 35 th anniversary model and not to pay over 65K . i called the guy back and offer 45 to 50k . he said he hated sell it that cheap as it had only had 1600 miles on it . we settled on 47,500 .nice thing it was stored at his house in palm springs . picked it up in jan , drove over to morgan west and had dennis bling it out . he had the car for over 6 weeks and it's beautiful ! so this will be the morgan we will be driving hope everyone like it . we plan on being in san franciso the 7th of june for the start of another great adventure . michael an sherry