Spring tour 2016

                     2016 Spring Tour to Gilmore Car Museum

   Our Spring Tour started out with sun and cool weather.  A total of 34 anxious T-Birders gathered at the Lincoln Oasis on Friday morning.  Our tour leaders  Joel and Annie handed out route guides  to our caravan of 17 cars.  There were 11 baby birds, 4 retro birds and 2 modern cars bringing up the rear.

   Our first stop was at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum in Indiana.  A great place to see lots of antiques, 14 "period rooms", plus 30 antique vehicles.  One interesting exhibit was about the famous Indiana Murderess-Belle Gunness.  She corresponded with foreigners, encouraged them to come over to the US.  She then took their money, murdered them and buried them in her backyard. All of these exhibits were spread out on 3 floors in the museum.

   Lunch was in New Carlisle, Indiana at Kate O'Connor's Irish pub.  One of our little birds driven by Ed Levin and Rose experienced some car trouble.  They were assisted at a repair shop by 2 knowledgeable mechanics, who worked on their wheel and had  them back on the road again.

 

   Following lunch we were treated to some wine tasting at the St. Julian Winery in Paw Paw, Michigan.  We were also given a tour of the family owned winery.  Some purchases were made and we continued on to our final destination, the "hotel" in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Everyone settled in and met in the hospitality room for pizza, salad, drinks and socializing.

   Saturday morning brought more "cool" weather, giving the baby birds no chance of ever overheating. Rain was even added to the mix of weather.  After a complimentary breakfast the group headed out to the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners,  Michigan.  This is truly a great museum spread out over a 90 acre campus.  It contained  1 large building and smaller barns, all with fabulous displays.  There are over 400 extraordinary vehicles that date from the birth of the automobile to present day.  Included also, was a re-creation of a 1930's Shell gas station and a 1940's restored historic roadside diner.  We could not buy gas for 18 cents a gallon at the station, but we could eat at the diner.  It was open for business.  This museum housed cars that were restored to excellence.  It was a car lover's dream and of course, there was a baby bird on display. 

   Saturday evening  brought the group together for a short drive to dinner.  The Mission Point Restaurant was our destination.  Everyone enjoyed a great dinner, plus very good service.  The hospitality room was once again open for spirits and socializing. 

   On Sunday morning it was time to pack up and check out of the hotel.  Next on our tour was the W.K.Kellogg  Manor House.  This elegant 1920's home is situated on 32 acres on Gull Lake in Hickory Corners, Michigan.  Our tour guide was very informative about the life of the cereal magnate and his lucky seven times seven theory.

 

   We were now working our way home.  Lunch was enjoyed by everyone at the Featherbone Restaurant located in Three Oaks, Michigan.  With the sun shining, smaller groups  gathered together for the final ride home.

   We want to say thank you again to Joel  Greenberg  and Annie Luginbill for a great tour.  They spent a lot of time coordinating this fun and interesting  tour of Indiana and Michigan for us.

   The T-Birders who joined us on this Spring Tour were:   Mike & Laura Cielenski,  Gordon Gluff & Mary, Joel Greenberg & Annie Luginbill,  Larry & Karen Kelly,  Len & Mary Keil,  Ed Levin & Rose,  Jerry & Doreen Michna,  Ron Pavlak & Ray,  Jerry & Pat Peterson,  Dan & Melinda Pritchett,  Lloyd & Joan Schellin,  Ken & Kathy Smizinski,  Len & Irene Vinyard,  Bob & Sue Wenderski,  Bill & Liz Werth,  Jim & Jane Wilson and  Madeine Zambon & Carol.                          

                                                                                             

  Submitted by  Madeline Zambon