Excellent Tom, if you get there later than everyone, give me a call, we will be rolling in around 8:30 or 9

765-491-242 2

 

Thanks John!!

 

Well, I'm here. Had a great trip. Slowed down on the Tail by a motorcycle. Only good thing about that is that I was going 15 mph pass the cops. I waved at them.

Pat I'm a Fink is here also. Haven't seen the future newlyweds yet.

Just a bit of advice for the novices coming to the Tail. WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER WRECK. So, be in control of your car. Drive your own speed, not someone elses. Secure all belongings in your car. Both hands on the wheel with thumbs up. Stay to the Right of the yellow at ALL times and if you see a crotch rocket, get all the way over as their heads are usually across the yellow. Always brake in a straight line, not in the turn. You accelerate in the turn if you so desire, but no braking.

There are cops out everywhere, so take your time getting here. Use radar dectectors if you have them.

Looking forward to a great weekend and meeting so many new people. Remember, when you introduce yourself to me, I'll hand you a momento of the weekend.

Jane

 

We are on our way up to the lodge..

 

Jane,

you are the voice of reason, as always. Great advice!

And everyone else:

listen to her, she knows what she is talkin' about.

 

Best of luck! Hopefully I can get up and going in the morning to catch everybody around Maryville TN.

 

Ugh. I feel like a yo-yo. I'm going today... I'm not going today... I'm going today... I'm not going today.

Well, it's final. I'm not going until morning. My SRT spent the day at the local tire shop. Make a long story short, four new tires, four new wheels, all new lugs. Some of that was planned. Most of it was not. Two of the tires and the wheels were planned.

Oh well. Thankfully the shop manager was a great guy. He even drove 2 hours round trip to get me two new front tires when they damaged one of mine. He also scored the shortest Mercedes lugs he could get for me. They were still too long for the back, so I had them grind off about two threads. I've still got about 9 threads left. So I'm safe.

I'll drive it around town tonight, to be sure everything is OK for the trip and leave early tomorrow.

See y'all at the Dragon!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

 

Just started raining here in Simpsonville, about 100 miles (as the crow flies) SE of Fontana Dam. How's the weather up there?

 

Leaving out of Orlando now to meet up with the southern group tomorrow! I am so excited to meet you guys!! I was so useless at work today, but don't worry - I blamed it on you guys and the dragon!!!

 

Weather here is sprinkling, but not too bad. Just got a call from Franc as they had really bad, bad weather around Nashville. He hit something in the road and punctured a tire which he was able to plug. He will be arriving late. He and Cathy are OK.
Wedding plans are done and the wedding will take place in the balcony, just outside from the lobby/fireplace.
Groom and Bride are a very lovely couple and I'm looking forward to the wedding.
Be safe everyone. Take you time.

Jane

 

Looks like it's going to be stormy tonight; here's the Knoxville radar pic:
http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?r...101111&loop=no

Current Nashville weather looks nasty:
http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?r...101111&loop=no
As does Memphis:
http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?r...101111&loop=no

Saturday forecast look good, though.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick...2=-83.8192&e=0

 

You haven't driven in her pack have you? J/K Jane, you are a great leader.

 

Well, it just started pouring here. I guess the interior is going to get cleaned, but I think Rain-X is about all the outside is going to get. Hopefully I can clean it up once I get there.

I just bought a few things that I think we may need. Last fall, there were a few party accessories that were lacking. Namely, Ash Trays for us Cigar smokers, Cups for Booze, and Church Keys for the case of wine in the trunk... We are gonna have fun!

 

Thanks for the info on Franc & Cathy...glad to hear they are ok. Rained almost the whole way to Metropolis IL and more expected tomorrow, so things may go slow. Tell Kell that wedding better not go on until I get there...unless of course Deb says otherwise....

 

Hey Guys,

Just got home from the Florence KY dinner at O'Charlies. Had a great time meeting up with the gang again. We had a great dinner time outside on the patio. Just as most everyone finished up their meal, it began to rain.

I hit some serious rain and lightning on the way home. Maybe it will move out before morning when we all leave.

Looks like about a dozen Crossfires leaving in the morning... unless ANN decides to sleep in!

James

 

I have printed hand out for everyone and will give them out at the lodge at the 9:00 drivers meeting in the hotel lobby.

 

As James said a great time at dinner just a short walk from the hotel here in Florence, KY.
It looks as if this will also become an annual part of the meet for us coming from the north and west.
Here are a few pics from our group enjoying drinks and good food out on the patio
Back on the road at 8 am to arrive i Fontana Dam at around 1:00

See ya there with the bears

Gary

 

Made it to Louisville. It's pushing 11:00 PM local time. Partly cloudy in Louisville is actually screaming, honking, blazing rain. The martini at Maggies made everything OK. Should make it into Fontana around 6 ish. Please hold all of the festivities until my arrival.

 

It has been a long two days of driving over 1200 miles, but it was great to meet up with the group here in Florence. It will be great driving down with everyone tomorrow!

 

OK, she talked me into it...

I'm not right in the head. It's pouring rain, and I just cleaned, waxed, rain-Xed, Armoraled and vacuumed the beast. I guess a clean car is easier to keep clean. She sure does look pretty all shiny in the garage! I'm going to bed. Pulling out of the garage in 6 hours... I'll be seeing some of you at 1:30 and the rest around 3:30...