I haven't managed to make any social gatherings work on this trip the past two years, but I figure I might as well mention it.
edit for clarity: I've met gadget which certainly qualifies, but I meant more on the TN/NC leg of the trip.
As with 2023 and 2024, I will be going on a half group/half solo road trip. The group portion of the trip will be focused around the Deals Gap area, and US 129 known as "the dragon" or "the tail of the dragon" on the NC/TN border. As with past years it's a 10-15 car convoy going down, and as with past years I will split from the group to go visit a friend in NJ. No, I don't know how I concluded that it makes sense to combine these trips, but I did, so I do.
In 2023 I took my 1985 Country Squire. In 2024 I took my 1991 Grand Marquis. Barring any significant mechanical problem developments in the coming days, this year, it is my intent to take my 1984 Town Car.
The approximate schedule is as follows:
Unlike the past two years I do not specifically intend to use any part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, it simply adds too much time of an uncertain exact amount, and there is a great deal of uncertainty over sections which were affected by hurricane Helene which may not be reopened yet. And even for the sections which are supposed to be open, the common map apps won't allow plotting your route on them, so it's a mess to plan.
As with past years, the best opportunities to do something social (e.g. a Panther meet, if you will) would be in the vicinity of Tapoco/Robbinsville on Friday, Tapoco/Robbinsville/Bryson City/Asheville on Saturday, or somewhere Philly-ish Tuesday evening/perhaps expand the dinner plan. Then a lunch stop somewhere across PA on Wednesday.
Feel free to speak up if you'll be nearby one of the relevant spots and may want to hang out for a bit.
edit for clarity: I've met gadget which certainly qualifies, but I meant more on the TN/NC leg of the trip.
As with 2023 and 2024, I will be going on a half group/half solo road trip. The group portion of the trip will be focused around the Deals Gap area, and US 129 known as "the dragon" or "the tail of the dragon" on the NC/TN border. As with past years it's a 10-15 car convoy going down, and as with past years I will split from the group to go visit a friend in NJ. No, I don't know how I concluded that it makes sense to combine these trips, but I did, so I do.
In 2023 I took my 1985 Country Squire. In 2024 I took my 1991 Grand Marquis. Barring any significant mechanical problem developments in the coming days, this year, it is my intent to take my 1984 Town Car.
The approximate schedule is as follows:
- Thursday May 15: drive south, late evening hotel check-in in Robbinsville, NC
- Friday May 16: drive the area roads, do activities, roam around
- Saturday May 17: as above. Check out of hotel in Robbinsville. Drive to Asheville, tentatively have dinner with TecNickal, stay in hotel in Asheville for the night.
- Sunday May 18: drive northeast following a different route than that chosen the past two years:
I-40, I-85, US-58, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Lewes-Cape May ferry across Delaware Bay. Check into a hotel for the night most likely in Atlantic City. - Monday May 19: activities with friend there (unconnected to car hobby).
- Tuesday May 20: hotel check-out - more of above - afternoon begin drive west. Tentatively, meet up with gadget and John (86vicky maybe? something like that) for dinner. Continue drive west until tired, find hotel as appropriate.
- Wednesday May 21: hopefully knock out the rest of the drive home, but PA and OH are an obnoxiously long drive paired together.
Unlike the past two years I do not specifically intend to use any part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, it simply adds too much time of an uncertain exact amount, and there is a great deal of uncertainty over sections which were affected by hurricane Helene which may not be reopened yet. And even for the sections which are supposed to be open, the common map apps won't allow plotting your route on them, so it's a mess to plan.
As with past years, the best opportunities to do something social (e.g. a Panther meet, if you will) would be in the vicinity of Tapoco/Robbinsville on Friday, Tapoco/Robbinsville/Bryson City/Asheville on Saturday, or somewhere Philly-ish Tuesday evening/perhaps expand the dinner plan. Then a lunch stop somewhere across PA on Wednesday.
Feel free to speak up if you'll be nearby one of the relevant spots and may want to hang out for a bit.
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