Friday, February 6 thru Sunday, February 8, 2004

Wednesday, February 4th: Duncan and Bryan left Austin with the little Teardrop trailer in tow behind Lil Schmutzi, our 2003 Mini Cooper S. It was a little hard for Debbie to see her sporty little car go…when you are used to motoring, it's hard to give it up! But the car is in good hands, and on a good mission, so off they go.

The boys drove west across Texas, forever and forever. It rained some, then started to
snow on the mountains. A few flakes followed Schmutzi into New Mexico, and even though
they had put in a full day, the boys drove on to a little past Tucson for the night. Actually, they had to, as a Gem & Mineral show had hotels completely booked for miles. A long, hard motoring, but a satisfying day.

Thursday, February 5th: So Dunc and Bry drove some more, north toward Phoenix and across the Arizona deserts toward the Hoover Dam. Because of security measures, thecar and trailer were searched to make sure no MINI-terrorists were on board at the dam.
     Don't tell anyone, but the guard seemed more interested in what was under Lil Schmutzie's hood than what was stowed in the trailer (smart man). They had no time for the Dam tour, so moved on along.

    Into Las Vegas just in time for the rush hour! Bryan says it was shock and awe---having never been to the electrifying place before, he and Dunc were stunned by the excesses EVERYWHERE!! Lights, water, people, more lights, sinking ships, what a place. The Stardust Hotel—home of Wayne Newton—was the host for the MINI event.

    And finally…they saw their first MINI (parked at a liquor store!) Ah, vacations in Vegas indeed. Saw 3 more that evening, so they knew MINIs were swarming in their direction.

    Registration opened at 5pm, but there were still only a handful of folks arriving. They had dinner at the Coconut Palms Café, and then drove around to see the sights.

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