Trip Report - Ultimate Wine Trip 2 - September 20th, 2003

“Just say it was Fantastic!”

September 20, 9:12 a.m. The last couple of cars pulled into the parking lot. Most people were chatting in small groups just as the drivers’ meeting was called. Directions were passed out; a few “convoy rules” were given for the new members, along with instructions for the correct settings for the CBs and the Two-Ways. As part of this trip, those with Two-Way radios were anxious to see what value, if any, they would have compared to the CBs that most drivers have for the road trips. With 21 cars in the group there were many occasions to try both units. However, the 21 cars got so far apart and with the varying landscapes, it was quickly determined that the CBs ruled.

As planned the convoy stopped first at Berry’s Farm to see the magnificent Clydesdales. After a short visit we were back on the road. Our route took us through small towns and some very picturesque countryside, with a drive-by the ocean to see what kind of remnants there were from Isabel. For the day after the storm it was reasonably quiet. Some people were not daunted by the storm and were out in their sailboats and on surfboards, and others in sheltered harbors were swimming off their boats, proof of the terrific weather we were all enjoying!

Newport Vineyards was a new winery for our group; and a delightful experience. We had a short tour, a quick but thorough description of the process of making wine and plenty of time for tasting. Most everyone found at least one type of wine to their liking. After the purchases and a short ride and with a few additional cars added to the group, we turned in and almost filled up the parking lot at the Sakonnet Fish Company. This scene would have made the Mazda public relations department happy. But what was even better was that this restaurant was very happy to have us! They had prepared a special menu for us, complete with an entree called “Miata Chicken”. Since this place specialized in fish, most of us ordered either the cod or the scallops. And what a delicious and ample meal we all had. This restaurant gets rave reviews from MMCC.

We traveled over more scenic roads to another coastal viewpoint, to stretch our legs and let lunch settle before retracing our tracks to the Sakonnet Vineyards. As in the past we parked on the grass lining up for another Kodak moment complete with a Splash Green and an Evolution Orange and a car that just eased in line with us on the way. There were lots of Miatas out on the road that day; and since we were obviously having so much fun, it was just too much of a temptation!

After the presentation, the tasting and a few purchases at Sakonnet Vineyards we were off again to see more of the countryside while the wine settled, then guess where we stopped. You got it! Ice Cream!! Of course, we visited the shop that had been voted the best ice cream in all of Rhode Island in 2003, nothing but the best will do! And was it ever! We said good-bye to most of the group at this point while seven cars ventured off to Providence to see WaterFire. We were very fortunate to be able to park in a corporate parking lot just blocks from the festivities, and were given a personal guided tour of the area, for which we were all very grateful. WaterFire is a wonderful experience, a real must see. At about 9 p.m. even after a quick snack, the energy level was slipping below normal. We returned to the lot, dropped the tops—even then it was 73 degrees! And with terrific directions found our way out of Providence and on the way home.

As I was told, this report would be very easy to write. All I had to say was that the Ultimate Wine Trip II was Fantastic! And believe me it was. Any excuse to get out with the top down is wonderful, add to it marvelous destinations, well planned and executed, and what you have is a large group of Very Happy Campers! Thank you Les! And thanks for bringing Mom along with you. She is such a delight. We truly enjoyed her company, and sharing her birthday. We hope she had enough fun to want to join us again.