Early thoughts for Fall run in the Smokies

OK, Guys

Yesterday's temperature in the shade on the front porch was a mere 95 degrees. Way too HOT! My grass has turned golden as if I was still living in the desert of Los Angles, California.

Merlot needs a good clean-up, but afraid of the water spots caused by drying while washing.

BUT, maybe up to 6600 feet at Mt. Mitchell to cool off! Anyone want to join me?

Yeah, but that 4 hour drive to get there is a bitch!

OK, Becky and I have gotten our reservations, will get there Thursday so we have time to ride around on Friday will have to leave Sunday for the return trip home but do look foreword to seeing everyone. The People on the desk indicated that the block may be sold out but I was able to make reservations thru the web site.

Richard

Excellent!! Did you get the $179.00 rate?

UPDATE: Richard, Lacey at the Hilton has probably called you by the time you read this, but she will book the "shoulder dates" directly for you. I just checked and we have 3 rooms remaining, but someone was having a problem booking one of those. When that's resolved, will will be down to 2. If we have some folks who want to join us after the block is sold out, they can get the rate if the act soon enough. Just book at the normal rate and then call Lacey to get the group rate "forced" into the system. Her direct number is 828-209-2709.

Gents,

Please note my new events topic. A new name has been added to North Carolina's drives . The DIAMONDBACK!

Lacy was great she had no problem with the rate. Now I have to finish the tow system and lights. 20 min and $20.00. Smokies here we come.........

Aaron I am looking foreword to the routes you mention on the other post. Always did like Diamondbacks

Richard & Becky

Lane, we are in and we are reserved at the Hilton.

Sweet!

So Marty, you gonna share what you're cookin' up, or do we have to wait until October?

Gents and I use the term loosely!

Have we not heard from Mr. Leon Chupp and Gordon Nichols? Just a thought...I'll open Linne `Ardan to Speedy/Spyder owners attending if the Hilton rooms are over run. We'll drive the Small Intestine to Asheville in the early morn.

"...run the Small Intestine over to Asheville..." Now THAT'S a pleasant visualization ;-)

Leon is a strong "maybe" depending on a minor health issue. I haven't heard a peep from Gordon, although I've asked a time or two.

We've got two weddings in October that we're juggling (one is in Portugal) along with an ancient mom-in-law (and once-upon-a-time Rocket Engine Scientist) who is living day-to-day in Florida so I doubt very much that we're gonna make this one.

Thanks for thinking of us.
Gordon
The Speedstah guy from Beaufort

Beth & I would love to make the run with you this year - all depends on the car being ready. SL is working on S. Teele's and mine follows his. It being July I might have to wait for next years run, but it is all worth the wait.

I live about 30 miles from the Hilton, we might just ride over and do one of the days with you in an old US SUV.

Clint

Clint---com on over and join us for the whole event. You are most welcome!

Com-on Up Clint!

Hey, your less than an hour away from me in Lake Lure!

I'll let you drive my MP Lafer! This vehicle (known as The Azul One in Brazil)is the centerfold for a magazine...The James Bond Car Collection. A white MP Lafer was used in Moonraker. Ain't a car to be ashamed to drive. The Azul One has been personally autographed by Mr. Percival Lafer; designer and manufacturer of the MP and the TI. There is a video on u-tube about her. Only 4000 were made. We have been able to find about 25 in the States. Hey, it's got real glass side windows which may feel good at Mt. Mitchell around 6600 feet!

Absolutely! The sooner the better too, because rooms are going fast.

Marion, err Marilyn, err Margaret (yeah, that's it) and I are officially booked in........Waiting for cooler weather.........See you all there.

Sweeeeeeet!!! Wouldn't have been the same without you.

Gents,

If anyone has need for a unit to drive, I'll be glad to make my MP Lafer available. The Azul One will only be available on a first come, first serve bases. So, contact me via email as shown on my profile.
Note this machine is more comfortable than the Speedies. High back seats with headrest and real side windows. Google The Azul One for the Brazilian movies.

Spent this AM shooting on the Blue Ridge Parkway, in and out of rain showers. The pulloff at Wilson Creek on the south side of the Lynn Cove Viaduct can be a good assembly area to create a photo op of our cars in aprocession on this short but very famous outcropping of road.

I'll shoot this if I can get a second seater to drive my Vintage

I'm sure we can get someone to do that.

I'll be driving the route very soon. The entrance off highway 74A has been closed for repair. I plan to go North to the Linn Cove viaduct and then South to the Diamondback Route (the long way by Lake James) at or near Little Switzerland. Return via old 70 and have BBQ at Okey Dokey or The Fiddlin' Pig.

Anyone want to accompany me?

Hell, I'd love to. There's just this little matter of a 4-hour drive up there (damn it!).

Yea, and let's not forget that it's hotter than H>>>L here ,too! You would cook on the way up!

Aaron,

would love to, but I am off to DC this coming week & then to Monterey the next. FYI: I will be in Asheville next Saturday 8/7

Tom,

Let know were and time. I currently don't have paying guest until the 8 August.

Do we have a schedule or rough draft of one in the making for this event?

Any plans in meeting somewhere along the way or just at the hotel?

I don't have a schedule yet, because this was "so far off" - but it isn't any more. I don't intend for it to be a "fully scripted" gathering, although certain things will require some scheduling. I'll wotk on it over the next day or so.

Nolan, I will be in Asheville visiting my inlaws the day or two before, so I will just met y'all at the hotel. I think everybody else is coming from different directions that you. Given that, the hotel is probably the best meeting place.

Wow, just over two months off.

Jan just twisted my ear over the "Fiddle'n Pig" and suggested we have a dinner there to watch the clogging and bluegrass show. Reservations are highly suggested. Any hopes on an evening there?

That's one of the choices Aaron has recommended. We can put it on the schedule.

Fiddlin' Pig, OK with me. We'll need a head count and RESERVATIONS are a MUST!

Lane we should get this done ASAP, or we might be seated on the porch...outside, looking in.

Just a thought! Link for all to see the BBQ cafe!

http://www.thefiddlinpig.com/

Nolan,
Come by my place on the way up. We're off I-26 in Lake Lure. Also, ALL you drivers coming up I-26 are invited , too! Leon, you've been here so bring more from the Deep South.

Ok, so that we have a good head count, everyone who has made reservations please chime in (one more time).

I'll propose a rough agenda tomorrow. Right now I have to take care of the puppies.

DING!!!!!

Ding Ding! Chiming in for the F'n Pig.

Aaron, I'll contact you as the time grows nearer.

Ding-Ding-Ding!

Do the "dings" indicate the number of folks, i.e., 1 for Leon, 2 for Nolan, and 3 for Marty?

I think Marty meant to say 'Ding A Ling'. 8-)

Well Lane ....... You KNOW I'll be with Marilyn, Marian or Margaret, whoever.......

I was the third so three dings. No just Sandy and my Ding-a-Ling!

Ok, Lane I'll make it easy. Jan and I (two people or as they say down here in South Florida, dos hombres) will be raring to eat at the F'n Pig.