Thanks to all those that attended. Although there were the usual suspects (Jim, Bob, and Buzz), it was nice to see Gary and company again. It was also a pleasure to meet Charlie and his wife after corresponding so much here, as well as Paul (mach4) with his AWESOME SL Diesel. I know I did not get the prize for most miles driven (it's hard to beat Jim), but I did rack up a total of 504 miles for the complete trip. As always, every time Jim goes on one of these drives, he shows up with a newer/nicer car than the previous one. I wonder what it will be next time?:D
Again, thank you all for joining us, and please don't keep these drives a secret!

Saturday`s GTG Rich and Dennis put together was a great event. wasn`t many coming from the North, so my Wife (Adele) and I decided to drive on down to Santa Monica and figured it would be more fun to go with the group on our way up to Lompoc. More old MB`s the better.

We located the meet up place in the morning and then searched for a motel for the night. HMMM Santa Monica isn`t big on motels, and then with a Bike race and some school graduations. found a room at the Days Inn and might have been the last one. :eek: That`s what I get for not calling ahead.

Sat morning headed down to Norms Restraunt and there were about 4 MB in the lot, dang thought I would beat them there.
Rich, Dennis, Diesel Chatter (buzz), then Ah-kay rolled and Jim B and his lovely friend Nancy, and Mach4 (Paul) with his 83 300SL Diesel Conversion.
Gary and his Wife Leslie and their Golden retriever "Toby" were there with the best looking Petrol Green 300CD I have seen in a long time.

We had Breakfast and chit chat getting to know each other a bit, and to finally put a face to a name, sure makes it more personable when reading through the threads or PMing some one.

then it was out to the parking lot for pictures and get organized for the run up the coast.
Little bit on Hwy 101 but mostly on Hwy 1 along the coast. was a great day, no fog and not too warm, but the wind sure blows down there. the view out on the Ocean seemed to go on for ever.
We had a couple stops on the way to Lompoc, and the final destination was at triple D`s for Lunch. where we met up with Andrew (Shortsguy) and his W124 Wagon.

Lunch was great, and more time together, but before we knew it, it was time to say our good bye`s. most everyone had some driving to do to get home.

By the time we got back home, we logged on 747 miles. we had a great time and would do it again. Plus it was another get away with my Favorite Wife. :D

Thank You Rich and Dennis for your time organizing this event.


Charlie

Thank you for joining us and devoting all those miles to do so. It is really OUR pleasure to do these cruises. It was also a pleasure to meet you and Adele. It is great to see couples enjoy these drives together. Thinking back on the first drive my brother and I went on, it seemed to be poorly planned. He and I decided that we would plan one that would be fun and well organized. Since then, we have had many very enjoyable trips that have happened without any major problems, and were enjoyed by all that attended. Lord willing, more great and fun trips are planned for the future!

This one...
 

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...BMW/dsc018.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r...W/photo087.jpg


Of course it may probably be BANNED from your future driver events !!!

A mere one week after the drive, the '11 e350 Sport got traded in on this brand new car:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/open-discussion/339301-brand-new-car-jim-b-pics.html


But, I'm hanging on to my beloved '91 SEC and '95 e420 though! So maybe I could arrive in one of those....again...