Friday we'll go have lunch at the best little Italian restaurant you've ever seen attached to a gas station! Seriously. It's called Cafe Rel and the food is excellent! They only accept cash, so plan accordingly.

The group will meet up in front of the Wildwood Grill in Fontana Friday morning. We will have a maximum of 10 cars per group. The first group will leave right at 10am if we've got two groups. If we don't have enough for two groups, then we'll leave once we get back from the Friday morning introductory drive. Either way, if you're planning on participating in the intro drive, you'll also be able to participate in this one if you would like.

We'll head off and either take 28 or Wayah Rd to Franklin. After lunch, we can stop by Dry Falls before stopping for ice cream and chocolates in the picturesque town of Highlands NC. We'll regroup at Bridal Veil Falls and take opposite route (28 or Wayah Rd) back to Fontana. That'll put us back in Fontana around 4 or 5pm and the pace is tame. The official sign up is below!

1: either SkyladyZ (Tim) or Vortamock (John)
2: 2000@53
3: Revjohn
4: Taylorade
5: You?

 

I'm in for this one since I missed Cafe Rel in the spring!
Tim

 

I will be there!

 

I'll probably run Happy Valley again this year assuming that they're still messing with the Parkway. Guess I'll find out on Wednesday when I go to Benton's for my usual 10lbs of bacon.

 

Last time I tried Foothills the southern portion was open, but paving was incomplete. There were LONG delays waiting for the pilot car. Happy Valley, however, was much better than the last time I tried it. For my money, just take Happy Valley and don't waste time on Foothills. It will be great when finished if they don't increase enforcement activity, but for this year I suspect it is a PITA.

Wish I could give a more recent report, but life has me pretty well tied down. Looking forward to Friday!

 

Google maps is showing southern half open and no delays. I would approach it with caution. They had a lot left to do when we were there!

 

Thanks John, that's invaluable information. See you next Friday.

 

Sign me up for this one good sir! Caffe Rel was a pretty neat place last time. Looking forward to more tasty foods.