Fall Cruise, The Green~Eyed Snake
October 14-16, 2016
Friday, October 14th was an early morning for a lot of Allante’s and one BIG Cadillac from our friends of the Cadillac LaSalle Peach State Region. Initially three other Big Caddies were scheduled to join our “Driving the Green-Eyed Snake Cruise” but due to mechanical, last minute schedule changes, etc., could not make the trip. We gathered at McDonalds for a quick coffee, our drivers’ meeting with maps, route discussion and first rest stop.
Off we went, traveling through Clayton, GA to Asheville, NC where we picked up the Blue Ridge Parkway for 100 miles of twisty, steep inclines, BEAUTIFUL scenery and surprisingly little traffic. At our mid-point drive, we stopped at our favorite place in the mountains, the Switzerland Inn and Restaurant for a very hearty luncheon and two-hour rest and picture-taking from the top of a mountain. We were joined by three other Allante’s from SC and FL. So, off the twelve Allante’s and one BIG Cadillac headed for Boone, NC and the “Green-Eyed Snake”.
Friday evening, we gathered in our hospitality room at the Fairfield Inn and Suites for beverages (cosmos), wine and some other liquid refreshments and a fun pizza party delivered hot and tasty with large and delicious salads. We had a few more libations after pizza then had some serious discussions about the Allante’, our clubs, events and future. But that summary is for another later article.
Saturday, October 15th dawned sunny and just the right temperature of 62 degrees for the Allante’s to start the drive to the Green-Eyed Snake route. After our drivers meeting, map discussion and detailed route, we departed for NC 105 and NC 194 to VA 58 and Damascus, VA. We experienced three lost drivers (due to turning right instead of left and following someone else) but we all made the drive safely and ended up at the correct restaurant for lunch and refreshment. The drive at times was a little hairy and frustrating due to the very twisty and not well-marked rural roads (two turnarounds and no GPS). Must remember to bring our Garmin’s, or load up our phone with Google Maps or Waze next time! Overall the 107-mile day drive was fun; the scenery beautiful; the Allante’s performed flawlessly; and our friends stayed in good spirits. But no more curves until the next cruise!!!
As an end to our Fall Cruise, we enjoyed a delicious dinner with some folks using the “tipsy taxi” for their driver. It was a spectacular weekend filled with gorgeous fall colors, breathtaking scenery, great friends and Allante’s.
Our event schedule for 2017 includes more fun-packed Allante’ cruises: participating in the Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Atlanta Motorama (the BIG caddy’s will join us again) in April, a day cruise to the National Prisoner of War Museum (honoring all our veterans) in May, the Cadillac LaSalle National Meet in Washington, DC in August, possible hosting of the National Cadillac Allante’ / XLR Meet in Savannah, GA in October and Christmas at Stone Mountain in early December 2017.
The invitation to our events and others still stands. Any Allante’, XLR, Cadillac owner is always welcome to join our cruises, our fun and our fellowship. For the remainder of 2016, our next cruise is in December to Johnson City, TN and the Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway. We will be staying at the phenomenal Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City enjoying the luxury and the beauty of The Carnegie. If you would like to join us, email us via our contact page.
Enjoy your Allante’ and XLR! They are great driving vehicles meant for exciting roads, beautiful backdrops and meeting new friends.
Our President Norman Penfield and myself wish you a safe and joyous Holiday Season. And lastly, “Thank you”. It is through your ongoing support and sponsorship that we can continue to grow and expand our club to the enjoyment of yourself and new members alike.
See you soon!
Paula Vopelak - Vice President
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