I'm planning a drive on Saturday, July 30. Meet at Tulalip Casino around 8 AM for an out-and-back drive to Ross Lake. If that destination doesn't work out we could go to Artist Point instead, but we did that last year. Both are about 2 hours from that point according to Google maps. I think the drive to the lake should be beautiful and I've never driven that stretch of road before, but I haven't had a chance to research it yet to be sure it's not a bad idea.

Any suggestions from interested fellow Grand Tourers?

 

That sounds awesome. I'd be up for either!

 

I'm in!

Drivers might want to consider crossing the pass to the lookout of Liberty Bell Mountain, only 30 minutes further up the road. Restrooms are available there as well.
Recommended stops: Park Visitors Center outside Newhalem.
Driving across Diablo Dam.

530 takes you by Oso and the landslide area. Rockport Cascade Rd. is a sweet diversion that reconnects to NCH at Marblemount.

This time of year, the park will be very busy so lead footers like myself should be set to the rear of the pack and the pace kept strictly scenic.

 

This sounds like fun and I believe I can make it and still get home before afternoon ends. Diablo Lake (above that dam) is the most other-worldly shade of turquoise green and rather than stopping for very long at the dam itself there is a breathtaking viewpoint a few miles further on as you climb toward Ross Dam (where unfortunately there is nothing at all to be seen from the road). The viewpoint may be the best choice as an end destination. In either direction Newhalem makes a good break stop with restrooms and great ice cream.

 

Awesome! Great ideas. Any more takers?

 

Dang, really would like to go but booked. Post photos after!

 

Diablo Lake
Love to do the drive, but I'd be coming from the east

 

Great invite, however I will not be able to attend that weekend.

 

There is a very good chance I can make it. Little trouble with my DCCV - like every S-Type - but I'll have it mitigated by then, I'm sure

 

So Vince told me to get my butt in gear and plan this thing already! Depending on the number of people who sign up we can be flexible on the plans, but here's my idea from all the suggestions so far:


Meet at the Smokey Point Rest Stop (Northbound) at 8:15 AM for an 8:30 departure (allows me to take the 7:05 ferry out of Kingston, but we still get an early start. We might not get on the road by 8:30, but c'est la vie). I'll bring better coffee than what they have there and "Somebody" can bring maple bars and assorted pastries. The restrooms are available. Come gassed up and bring a picnic lunch.




Drive straight to Darrington via 530 (50 minutes) where we stop at the Shell station for that one person who didn't come with a full tank, and for the IGA around the corner for that other person who forgot he/she needed a picnic lunch! Don't worry, we won't judge. Restroom break.


Second leg to the North Cascades Visitor's Center (52 minutes) where we stop for bathrooms and general browsing.


3rd leg straight to the Diablo Lake Vista (21 minutes) for picnic lunch, scenery and general shenanigans.


RETURN TRIP


Those who are out for a short day can drive straight back via HWY 20 and I5. Others can return to examine the dam, check out this ice cream I'm so curious about, and see other picturesque stops, including the Rockport cutoff, we flew by earlier. Some may choose to go further instead, and explore the rest of the road.

***edit: he didn't actually tell me to "get my butt in gear." I told myself that. He was actually very nice and helped a lot

 

Hi All,

I am 90% in.

I am staying in Winthrop tomorrow night as I will be on the last leg of an awesome 5 day trip driving the Columbia River from Trail BC to Astoria OR.
I can give you a heads up as to the route conditions over Washington pass on Friday.
I catch the Anacortes Ferry on Friday afternoon as I will be finishing my trip by heading over to the JOTI - Jags on the Island event is on in Victoria this Saturday.
Chances are I will see you there.
Be great to see you all again

Allan.

 

Another option back is to take the South Skagit Highway that runs along the south side of the Skagit River from Concrete to Sedro Woolley.
If you have never taken this route, this would be the time to do it. Not much longer but very picturesque.

Growler

 

I would never.... (cough)....push anyone outside their comfort zone, but Muddy got a bit worried when I took him for a spin (as in lots of tire smoke) in the new toy.
I think he got the hint I needed to drive... and badly....
But Muddy, honestly, you gotta keep me off of point with this beast or someones gonna get hurt! I like the view of Jags in front of me from any spot in the pack equally as much as i like scouting the corners.

Growler! Great to hear you may make it! Its been a while my friend, we'll all cross our fingers that you and your beauty show for the day!

You too Ken! Your cars begging you for this run, and you know it! Get yer baby purrin' and we'll see ya there!

For any that have not had the pleasure of knowing and driving with this group, now is the time to dust off Kitty regardless of condition, and join in. We're just a bunch of fellow Jag enthusiasts, that enjoy the camaraderie and company and of other Cats cruising the scenic byways.

WooHoo!

So we got so far:
1.) Muddydog
2.) Clevername
3.) Swimref
4.) XJDanny
5.) KenAdamson
6.) Growler05 (tentative)
7.)
8.)
9.)
10.)

Join Us! (You know Kitty wants to....)
Vince

Don't forget FRS radios and a full set of batteries!

 

As always, if you allow a German mouse, I'll be joining! ;-)

 

I've got friends getting married that day, so I'm out this time. Luck all!

 

Awesome group! Are we good with 8:15 Saturday Morning at

?

If so it's a go. Don't forget your radios and a pack-lunch for the overlook, maybe a power-bar and some bottled water for the trip. Grab a breakfast ahead of time unless you want to fill up on donuts and coffee, which is exactly what I intend to do.

How's the weather look?

 

Also, I have NOT pre-driven this route, but many of you have knowledge of these roads, and we all seem to be experienced GT-ers who can expect the unexpected, so I'm not going to be too stressed out about this one.

 

Are we there yet?

 

Something has come up at work Saturday, which makes me have to be there. I won't be able to make the drive. So bummed... :-(

Have a great time everyone! I'm looking forward to seeing some cool pics.

 

XJD.... Your not the only one bummed. Muddy and I were just sayin how great it was having you join us for another drive! Your beautiful XJR would have loved this one with its casual cruse and scenic intent. Just its style for a sunny day in a National Park!

Keep us in mind if you can wiggle out of, or around things Saturday. If you joined us to the top then turned around, Muddys schedule could still have you home by 3ish!

You'll be missed.

Vince