Trip Report - Merrimack Valley Cruise - June 28, 2003

We all waited patiently for winter to give way to spring for some good top down driving weather. Spring came but there were few opportunities to really enjoy our cars. Finally summer rolled in officially on June 21st. A week later we were able to get together and have a day not watching the sky for rain clouds or reaching for a sweatshirt.

On Saturday June 28th there was a great day planned for MassMaita Club members to enjoy the company of other members, with a mix of nature, good top down weather, some classic cars and classic “Car-Hop” food to go with it.

The day started around noon at the Butterfly Place in Westford. After everyone enjoyed a little chat, picnic lunches and snacks in the picnic area, there was plenty of time to wander in the atrium area. We were able to walk among and view hundreds of different butterflies. The verity of colors was beautiful, only rivaled by the colors of our cars outside! There was a mix of tropical plants and pools of water that filled the area. Anyone that was really interested could find plenty of information to read and describe the different verities of butterflies. There was knowledgeable staff in the area to answer any questions. It was a pleasant experience to be able to get into a different environment, and enjoy the peaceful existence of the butterflies, in their world.

About 20 cars lined up after our tour at the Butterfly Place. The weather was perfect, all the tops down, and off we went. We headed east to find the Merrimack River in Tyngsboro. After regrouping we all wound our way along the river. There was a mix of road, areas with a canopy of tree cover that were wooded and open stretches of road to view the river. We made our first stop in Boxford at a country store for refreshments and a chance to stretch our legs.

The second half of our 54-mile cruise was mix of nice open country roads winding past some farms and scenic ponds. We made our way, now late in the afternoon, to Skip’s Restaurant in Merrimack Mass. We grouped at the entrance and paraded onto the field to be a part of the planned cruise night car show. We were given center stage in the field. We had a complete row dedicated to our Miatas, and were surrounded by lots of chrome on the classic cars around us. As the evening went on the field filled with about 250 Cars. The variety of cars that evening was great. There were very old antiques, muscle cars, and some modern Mustangs and Vets. The Miatas made a great centerpiece for the evening.

I’d like to speak for everyone who enjoyed the day to say, thank you to Sheila Grenon and Al Meola. They did a great job to plan and organize the trip. Everyone had a great time.

Rachel & Rob Smelstor