Bah, humbug!!

[NC Steve]

Had been planning for 2 months to ride up into VA to Willville this weekend, for the annual "Boo Stew" Halloween to-do and season closing of the camp.

But, after 3-4 months of severe drought, the heavens decided to open and let out 5 solid days of rain this week. Coupled with my usual Fall cold/sinus whatever, the thought of lying in a soggy wet field, quite probably in a wet tent, and 35 degree F nights just didn't sound all that appealing. And, plans for my daughter to stay with the dogs fell thru, as she was much more interested in attending a jillion college Halloween parties than coming home for the weekend.
Dammit. [smiley=furious3.gif]

I sincerely hope thems that went (Aida??) will give a full report, hopefully accompanied by many pictures, telling us all of your monumental pain and suffering.

If you had a GREAT TIME and it was the BEST EVER, well, try to play that down just a little bit, ok?

[SCJJR65]

Yeah, Aida, hope you and Graham went at least, and had a grand old time!  Hope you took some pics.... Old farts like me and Steve have to live vicariously through you and Graham!!  

[Ed Miller]

I can live with riding in the rain, but I hate camping in it.  I'll take snow any day.

[msbuck]

Yep, we went and had a beautiful weekend...once Saturday arrived.  Kept looking for you Steve!  We had asked Will about staying in the cabin last time we were up, but it was already reserved that far in advance.  I was actually hoping that it was John and PattiMarie that might have decided to come up and stay in the cabin...(hint,hint).  So we drove up (in the car) in the pouring rain.  We kept thinking we would drive out of it, but no luck.   We camped up at the Blue Ridge Hotel (I know we're wimps!!! but at least we went!!!)

We awoke Saturday am to a beautiful sunshiny day!  The turn out was not what was hoped for, probably because of the rain, but there were a 2 or 3 brave souls that tent camped and another handful that camped out in their vans in the driveway.  The colors were ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!  Probably the best we've seen in quite a while.  We took the car out on Saturday to go preview a few potential property sales.  No luck for us, but we got to see some great views and found lots of new roads in the area.  

The stew was as good as usual - maybe even better since there was a little nip in the air, but I didn't have to pull out the polar tech at all.  We did start up the fire a little early to warm up and had the usual great conversation.  

I sure didn't want to pack up and head home on Sunday.  I did ride the Laverda down to the campground, but not much more than that.  We headed back home early afternoon after we went by the storage unit and gathered up all our camping equipment and loaded up the bikes to take back home.    

Another season come and gone.  I forgot the camera, so nothing to share there.  You guys just have to get off your buts and come up if you want to see it all!!!

(I told Will to let us know if they have a big snow this winter and we'll come up for a visit.  I LOVE the snow, too!)

[NC Steve]

Glad you guys went and had a good time. The Blue Ridge Hotel, is that the little place right up the street from Willville? I debated riding up and trying to stay there, but wasn't sure of the name or how to call ahead. What's the name of the joint over in Tuggles Gap?

Unrelated but important question: Are you able to trailer & tow both bikes and your gear okay with your Suburu? No problems with the 4 cylinder? Any overheating , and how's she do going up the hills?

Thanks, and see ya.  

[msbuck]

Yep, the Blue Ridge Motel is the place right off the parkway there in Meadows of Dan.  I may have their contact info around here somewhere, but we usually just show up and take our chances.  Haven't had any trouble getting a room yet.  The place up at Tuggles Gap is called Tuggles Gap  .  I would not really recommend them for their accommodations.  We stayed there once and if all you want is a roof over your head, then it'll do.  

The Subaru does a great job.  It actually is a little better than the Jeep Cherokee V6 we had.  Of course, the load with the trailer and 2 bikes is only about 1300 lbs, and the Subuaru is rated to pull up to 2700 lbs.   We do have to downshift into third to make it up the hill, but it doesn't miss a lick.  We're very pleased with the performance.  

Sorry you didn't make it up last weekend, but you should go ahead and plan now to go the 1st of April for opening weekend next year!