Many bought the radios in pairs ( like me ).
Richard, I'll loan you one when I see you there if you don't want to buy one.

 

Crossfire Enthusiasts: Fall 2016 Crossfire Event Fontana Dam Planned Multiple Stop Winery Run Information

In past years, a few of us independents have ventured out on our own routes and runs with three or so cars & couples. During the last Crossfire event at Fontana in the Spring of 2016, I assembled and led a last minute formed group through East Tennessee to several wineries. A great time was had by all. I think we have 5 or 6 in our group. We had tried to visit four different wineries and take a break for lunch. Lunch became a time consuming event where we stopped, so we will plan a little better for this Fall’s run and provide the restaurant advanced notice so that they can be prepared for our group. We also became bogged down in traffic in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg creeping traffic that consumed a lot of our time as well. This Fall the run will be completely avoiding Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas due to tourist traffic congestion.

Our October 1st, Saturday run will take us South from the Fontana Lodge to Hayesville, NC then to Young Harris, GA, then to Blairsville GA and then to Murphy, NC before we return to the Fontana Lodge. This is going to be about a 7 to 8 hour total time run, with 4 to 5 stops to include a lunch stop in Hayesville, NC. We are planning our route to arrive back at the lodge no later than 6:00 pm.

Depending upon the number of cars participating for this run, we may need a Co-Leader that will run in the middle of the pack and lead the portion of the group with them should the entire group become separated. The larger the number of cars, the easier it is to get other non-Crossfire traffic in between us and we can become separated. Should this occur the front group will eventually find a location to pull off the road and wait for the lagging group to catch up, then we will resume our group run as best as we can. Everyone is encouraged to bring two-way radios to maintain communication between the cars in the group.

This run will be led at or near the posted speed limits or slightly faster when the roads travel permit.
This run will not be an aggressive, high speed, or driving challenging route for any driver.

We travel an established route, visiting several wineries with vineyards and excluding the tasting room only retail type stores. Most locations have a beautiful winery view with country scenery and outdoor seating areas to enjoy while visiting the winery and sampling their wines. Many decide to purchase wines individually. Usually with a group we can get a multi-bottle purchasing discount. There are wine related gifts and decorations for your home. Many of us wind up acquiring those as well.

Planned Winery Route

1. Fontana Lodge Start: Leave lodge no later than 10 AM, Saturday. Earlier would be better if possible.

2. First winery stop is Eagle Fork Vineyards & Winery, 8 Cedar Cliff Rd. Young Harris, GA . Phone 828.389.8466. This winery is located just East of Hayesville, NC. Arrive +/- 11:30 AM. Travel distance from lodge is about 73 miles and about an 1 hour 30 minute drive from Fontana Lodge to winery. 45 minutes is allocated on our schedule for this visit. Depart for Hayesville NC Lunch stop and Eagle Fork Vineyards & Winery +/- 12:15 pm.

3. Next stop is for lunch in Hayesville, NC. This is about a 10 minute drive West of the winery. There are several restaurants we can choose from to include BBQ, Subway, Pizza and a Hamburger place. We will take a vote and determine which one before we leave the lodge so we can give them some advance notice of our arrival and number of guests to expect. Our schedule allows for a 45 minute lunch stop then we will resume our route. We will depart Hayesville at +/- 1:00 pm for the Crane Creek winery.

4. Our second winery stop is Crane Creek Vineyards, 916 Crane Creek Rd, Young Harris, GA 30582, Phone 706.379.1236. From Hayesville, NC lunch stop this is about 10 miles and a 15 minute run. Arrive about 1:10 PM, allow a 45 minute visit and depart around 2:15 PM.

5. Our third winery stop is Odom Springs Winery & Vineyard, 637 Odom Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512 Phone 706.745.3094. This run is about 21 miles & 30 minute run from Crane Creek Vineyards. Arrive about 2:45 PM, allow a 45 minute visit and depart around 3:30 PM. (Note: If anyone elects to exclude the fourth winery stop at Nottley River Valley Winery, the run back to lodge is about the same distance as if you make the fourth winery stop. If you exclude the stop at Nottley River valley, you should arrive back at the lodge about 45 minutes sooner than if you make the fourth winery stop either individually or as the group. Opting out of the Nottley River Valley stop should put you back at the lodge shortly after 5:00 pm. We plan to take a group vote regarding the fourth stop and is also dependent upon our time schedule late in the day.

6. Our fourth winery stop will be Nottley River Valley Winery & Vineyards, 1150 Old Culberson Rd, Murphy, NC 28906, Phone (828)837-7822. About 13 miles & 25 minutes from Odom Springs Winery & Vineyard. This stop can become optional due to our time schedule late in the day should anyone want to get back to the lodge earlier than the planned 4 stop route will allow. The return route to the lodge from Odom Springs Winery goes very close to the Nottley River Winery. Arrive winery about 4:00 PM, allow a 45 minute visit and depart around 4:45 PM.

7. The last run is back to the Fontana Lodge from which ever winery is the last stop for you individually or the entire group. This is about 67 miles and 1 hour 15 minutes back to the lodge from Nottley River Winery. Arrive back at Lodge around 6:00 PM.


Regards,

Your Winery Run Group Leaders

Lars & Joyce Keller
2005 SRT6 SSB Roadster
License Plate: CRUZN42

Lawrence W. (Larry/Lars) Keller, Cell: 404.245.5481
Email: Larskeller@comcast.net

 

Lars,
I copied your post and put it in the FIRST post in the sign-up thread - just to make it flow better over there.

With you, James and SRQ doing new runs this year, we are in REALLY good shape! I think maybe some of the leaders I recruited would make good "tails' for you guys - or for, as you say, mid-line secondary leads in case a big group gets broken up.

 

Good morning from Fontana Village. Forecast today is cooler weather with chance for rain this afternoon - 30-80% as the day progresses. Leaves are falling with some slight coloration in the higher elevations.

 

 

DAMN DAMN DAMN! GOOD WEATHER!

And I see that *someone* opted for a cabin.

 

Of course he did. He's got a damn cute chick there with him and I'm sure he wants the cozy privacy.

 

Well I know it's last minute but put me down for coming! Just got off the phone with Lisa and Gary and they have talked me into coming down. If anyone would like to share a room it would be great if not I'll sleep in my car (just kidding). My wife has ok'd staying in Lisa room as a last resort. Look forward to seeing you!

 

Rained most of the afternoon yesterday (26th) and all night. We finally headed out taking the back route out of Fontana Village. Nice drive but leaves were on the road and matted in places. Headed to Robinsonville. Rest of the week should be good if we don't get more spot showers.

 

Great to hear, FranK!

I think the weather will be good to us. I'm hopeful, anyway!

 

I'm bring the kit to repair, per Chrysler Service Bulletin, the condensation inside our headlights. If you want the kit contact me at the Dragon and I will exchange for a $20. I have the service bulletin instructions and the original receipt for $27.

 

I'll take it Steve!

James

 

Will I know a few have hit the highway today to get to the Dragon Meet in a few Days , and hope all have Safe travel on the roads Down to Fontana , Just remember we all have are own speed and stay on your side of double yellow line at all times while your in the Mtn. This time of the year it is Bear season in the Mtn. and yes they do hunt them , So hunting Dogs and Hunters will be out and around on the Roads ,For me and Susan is kind of Happy Sad time with out one of our main stay people PaceMaker not going to be with us anymore kind like a piece of puzzle is missing it not going to be the same , but with all new people coming I know you just open a door to great fun and new Friends for life , also would like to thank the group of people that have put there time into making this great weekend and you know who you are , and when you get minute tell Valk thanks for never giving up on this meet many years ago because of that I'm not sure we would be here today , Thanks Gary for all that you have done my Friend , now on with a great weekend , Wing Up my Crossfire Friends see ya at the Dragon for 10th annual Dragon Meet !

 

10-4 James. It is yours.

 

Gary my Daughter (Sabrina) and I will be there Friday afternoon. It's been too long since I've done the Dragon.

 

Glad to hear that Mike. Now I will have someone to talk to on the radio!

James

 

Mike glad hear your coming, look forward to seeing you again. It's been awhile.

 

Fall foliage prediction for Smokies.

 

For those attending this fall's ToD event, remember that roadways covered in leaves with mountain dew creates a slippery surface. Don't want to hear of anyone having an unfortunate incident over the weekend.

Everyone be safe and enjoy the weekend. Looking forward to posts the next several days.

 

Your Crossfire makes that cabin look good!!!!