BloomIN' Tour Report

On our Friday afternoon drive to Indiana, Chris and I agreed that there was no hope for any top-down time during the BloomIN Tour. No matter which weather service you checked, there was no possibility that we’d avoid the downpours. The storm system was too large and too slow-moving. No hope at all.

Ah… but we’d still have fun, no matter what the weather. So, Saturday morning – put on those shorts, keep your chin up, and have a smile in place to greet our companions for the weekend!

What are you expecting to read next? That we had sunny skies and all came back sunburned? Only Ailsa & Chris, our members across the Atlantic, might be thinking that. From the West coast to the Gulf coast, from snow in Michigan’s UP to deluges in Kansas, this was a big storm system!

Yet, it wasn’t raining when our 19 Miatas, Mini Cooper and Acura headed south from Lebanon, IN, in search of twisties to break off the winter rust from driver’s skills. So, tops were down,  … and then tops were up,  …  and tops were down again!

With mostly dry road conditions, “Newt” and company managed to carry speed on some of the best Miata roads in the Midwest. (IN-450! What fun!) Overcast skies with dry road surfaces are ideal touring conditions. No threat of sunburn or heat exhaustion on this tour!

The Four Winds Resort, our Saturday lodging choice, provided comfortable accommodations, a lovely setting, the fun and friendly Tiki Lounge, and a delicious dinner. Chris and I were disappointed that the weather didn’t permit us to rent a pontoon boat for a pre-dinner cruise. But maybe next time!

I wholehearted recommend the Four Winds Resort, on Lake Monroe in Bloomington, to anyone seeking over-night accommodations in south-central Indiana.

Sunday truly was a “no hope” day. Only one Miata started out top-down, with that top back up within 10 miles of the resort. (sigh). Yet, IN-43 was mostly dry, allowing for spirited driving on this 24-mile favorite.

The Blooms? Redbuds and dogwoods, lilacs and irises – South-central Indiana is lovely in the spring. Navigators, if not drivers, enjoyed ridge-top vistas and lush forests, all in bloom.

To all who joined us, thank you for your friendship and excellent touring skills. Chris and I had a wonderful time traveling with you, on this BloomIN Tour!

Judy Ringlein-Dunn