Thanks oh great hirsute one. I could let my hair grow out and we could really compare, but then I might expose the gray hair that I don't have 
I'll see if I can get our dachshunds to shed enough to knit us both some toupes.
Just got back from a quick trip up to Asheville to do some elder-care stuff, and even though it was hot, the lower humidity made the area sooooooo much nicer. Now I'm reeeeeeeally looking forward to September.
Reminder we have the reservations held until August 7, so if you are planning on attending you need to get your reservations made.... See page 2 for details.
Clint
Bump!
Just keepin' it alive. You have 3 more weeks to make your reservations at the rate Clint arranged. Can we get a count of who has committed so far?
Only 3 have registerd:
Blankenship
Crosby
Owings
We need to get more involvement or I am going to need to cancel the rooms.
Blankinship
I'll be there, but I'm not staying at the hotel.
Clint---I'll make my res right now. I believe my son Russ ghas already registered.
Jack
I'm working on a Speedsterless friend of mine in this area who I met at Cars & Coffee. He has a nice BMW similar to mine and knows Tom Blankinship as well. Tom, that would be Frank Vestal. I'm trying to convince him to join us.
Im still sorting dates out but love the Mountains and want to come.
Cool Lane
Re: Hilton reservation, I hope to participate certainly on Saturday,but with my schedule right now, I may simply drive over for the day. I am 65 miles due north of Asheville.
OK--I just made the Hilton reservation for arrival Thursday Sept 20.
I learned that the best number to use to make reservations is 828/209-2700 which is the Hilton's number in Asheville rather than the national reservation desk. This way you will get a person who knows our special rate and save a little time.
We ae looking forward to this event---it's always a lot of fun !
Let's see some more sign ups!
Clint and Lane,
The Hilton just told me that they have only 4 reservations; Tom Blankenship, Me, Russ and Clint = 4. I believe that by the time we arrive we'll have 12-15 like last year but the special Hilton rate expires 4 weeks from today.
Maybe if we could post a day-by day schedule of events ; Dinners, cruises, sights, etc.? Plus some encouragement on going ahead and getting reservations.
The temp today will be just 80 degrees which compares to out 107 yesterday so we are looking forward to this event---and it will be even nicer in Sept.
What is the schedule--maybe I missed it?
We don't really have a schedule. I'm not as involved this year as my personal calendar is kinda full with Pam's shoulder surgery and our foundation repair - both this week, among other things. I'll try and come up with something unless you're interested. Does anybody closer want to come up with something?
Blankinship, no "e" :-)
I'm beginning to think you're fighting a losing battle, Tom.
I'm sorry that we don't have a specific activity to point to, and that might have attracted more attendees. I was hoping for a more relaxed, trip this year with cruises in the mountains done in a sort of stream-of-consciousness manner. The reason for this is that most of the Speedster folks in the area won't be able to make it, and I am too far to easily figure out cruises in advance. I'll do some research and see what I can come up with.
Re. the Hilton - Last year (and the year before) I got antsy because were taking their time about making reservations. You can usually count on a few late folks.
Lane---looking grim so far.
OK, to all you wimps and weenies: I will be there, at least on Saturday. We will have a great ride and a great time. I will reserve that fabulous restaurant across from the Hilton. If we can't decideon a route for Saturday, I will see to it that we at least get lost.................that will certainly make it interesting ! If one speedie shows up, we have a parade. If two or more come, we have an event.
Who is Freshair1?
That's Tom Raymond.
Jack, I'm in nursemaid mode this weekend as Pam had surgery Thursday. When things are more sane I will work on some cruises. Remember, our first year was only 6 cars and it was a lot of fun. There's still time.
Lane---here's Pam will have a perfect recovery! We are looking forward to the Smokies and the cooler temps there!
Thanks Jack. She's doing pretty well, although the pain pump comes out today, and that'll be a major reduction in meds. We'll see how that goes.
I was thinking that a trip up to Boone on the Blue Ridge would be nice on one day. Tom, do you have any ideas of what to see and where to stop along the way? Boone is a neat little college town and home of Appalachian State University, and we should have no trouble finding a good place to eat.
As an alternative, we could do the Mount Mitchell thing again. I enjoyed that cruise. Or we could do both.
Lane-take care of your wife. Tell her she doesn't have to take out the trash cans this week. That will put a smile on her face (or a boot up your ass)...
Seriously good wishes for a healthy recovery....Scott S.
Oh, the weather you ask?...let's see...
Lane,
Hope Pam is soon on her way to a speedy recovery. There are numerous places to eat & shop in Boone / Blowing Rock. Great lunch spots, etc. We can simply run the parkway from Asheville to Boone (get off at Linville/Grandfather Mountain).
I am attending a Ferrari gathering in Little Switzerland on August 10-12. I will have much more to offer after that.
Tom
Just remembered, The Daniel Boone Inn in Boone, NC. I assure you you will need to adjust your seatbelts after a lunch there. Capt Teele surely remembers last year.
That sounds like we have one day partially planned. Some folks who haven't been down before may want to do the Biltmore, and I can provide info - or just go to their website.
Who's arriving on Thursday or Friday?
Who's going back on Sunday, and who's staying over 'til Monday?
Oh I remember Tom! (burp). Good eating!!
Wish I could make it, but alas... the sea calls.
Today: (we are the blue hull on the end of the lineup on the maindock)
NICE!
Lane, I plan to arrive by dinner Thursday evening and depart first thing Sunday morning. No interest in the Biltmore, been there, done that. Just looking forward to seeing folks and driving on some awesome roads.
Lane, Alice and I get to Asheville Thurs afternoon. That Italian restaurant accross and up from the hotel was really good, we thought.
You live a very tough life, Cap'n.
Reservation made for Asheville Hilton, Sat, 9/22 @ $159.
FYI: rack rate is now $259 !
Travinia Italian restaurant (across from Hilton) reserved for Saturday 9/22 at 7:30 PM. I had to put $100 hold charge on my CC for this reservation. I can cancel 48 hrs prior.
Sweet! Thanks for reserving Travinia's, Tom. Sounds like we have Saturday planned out with the Boone cruise and dinner. Now for Friday...
Tom---great spot---sure looking forward to seeing you.
Signed up for a DE at Road Atlanta the following week, so I’ll just miss you guys. I plan to arrive a day early and drive some of the mountain roads in in Northern GA. If anyone knows any good driving routes in that area, I’d appreciate the info.
fbirch, here's a cruise (assuming you're heading north from Atlanta)
575N...pickup scenic 5(515) at Ball Ground / Nelson then it's beautiful crusing through East Ellijay and onto Cherrylog in the Chattahoochee Natl. Forest.
Thanks Carl!