On April 28-29^th, 2001 the MCA hosted a gathering at Tannersville, PA in the area's Pocono region. The event attracted a total of around 20 Merkur owners and family, and it was great to have the opportunity of meeting so many new people and seeing their cars. All too often at the larger events there is not enough time to look over the cars closely and talk to their owners. It was wonderful to see Scott Miller's 3.8L XR6SC and Brad's dual-plug XR4, as well as other less modified cars and to discuss problems and performance with their owners.

The weekend began with a lunchtime meet-up at the Ramada Inn. While the 'boys' discussed their cars, looked over photos and hung out in the hotel lot, the ladies went to the outlet shopping center which was located just across from the hotel. The weather was good and in the late afternoon we drove to the top of Camelback - a local ski resort. From the top we could see for miles in the clear spring air and took the opportunity to take some pictures before the sprint down the hill to the Barley Creek Brew-Pub at the bottom.

Paul-Michael Van Hook who organized the weekend, had arranged with the pub to rope off an area of the parking lot for our cars which worked out very well. The beer, food and service was wonderful and as you can see from the pictures, a good time was had by all. After dinner at the brew-pub, we all returned to the hotel and spread out in a meeting room where the talking continued late into the night.

On Sunday morning, more parking lot bench-racing, outlet shopping and then back to the Barley Creek Brewing Company for a charity make-a wish foundation Chowder-Off competition. A great variety of chowders were tasted including Cajun Creole chowder, alligator chowder and Hot n' Spicy chowder. The event raised money to help finance a train excursion to Disneyland for 9-year-old Ralph Sole, who is suffering from leukemia. It was a nice event and local artist Jim Roberti provided live music.

A wonderful weekend to start the show season and blow the cobwebs out of the motor! Brad Anesi even found time to return to Harry's U-Pull-it in Hazleton where he 'liberated' a few good parts. Thanks to Paul-Michael Van Hook who put so much time and effort into organizing the weekend. We look forward to repeating the experience in the not to distant future.

Steve Park's Red XR with Phil's in the background.	Andrew West doing his homework!	Looking at photos and buying MerkWear outside the hotel.
Leaving for the cruise to the top of Camelback Mountain.	The view from the top of Camelback Mountain (1,250')	Paul West's, Scott Miller's and Phil Dorsey's XRs.
Eve Ziminski, Paul-Michael Van Hook, Brad Anesi and more.	A nice bunch of bonnets!	On top of the world!	The line-up. (After creating havoc in the parking lot with everyone who arrived thinking they had to reverse in and stand next to their car!)
Phil Marshall, Scott Miller, Brad Anesi and Glen Hipszer.	Arriving at the hotel parking lot.	Steve Park, Dave Ziminski & Paul-Michael Van Hook.	A great mug shot! Eve Ziminski with one of the MCA give-away mugs provided for the micro-brewed ale.	Dave Ziminski raises his glass to Paul-Michael.
Dave & Elaine Weiner.	The whole group at dinner	Nick & Laurie Mannarino, Scott Miller, Steve Park, Brad Anesi, Glen Hipszer, Phil Dorsey and Dave Ziminski.		Alex Chaney, Phil Dorsey, Dave Ziminski & Laurie Mannarino.
Phil Dorsey's & Paul West's cars outside the hotel.	Scott Miller's 3.8L XR6SC (Complete with white tail-lights from Phil Dorsey's OPMD and fitted on Saturday.	Phil Dorsey's XR.	Brad Anesi's dual plug XR4 with Euro round-lamp conversion. Man those lights are bright! John & Donna Walko's maroon XR in the background which is for sale.	Paul West's, Scott Miller's, Paul-Michael Van Hook's and John Walko's cars in the Brew-pub parking lot on Sunday morning.
At the Chowder cook-off. What a nice way to spend Sunday lunchtime!			The brewing kettles and fermentation vats at the Barley creek brew-pub.
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