Yeah, I don't know how I got mentally stuck on the 31st rather than the 30th. But like Clever says, we'll just go with it and see where it falls out. I'm up for either.

 

Either one sounds great to me I've got a DCCV failure (and probably climate-control board short) to cope with between now and then, and a teeny-tiny leak in the right intercooler radiator line - both of which I should have fixed by then...

 

If my work schedule permits, I'm in for that weekend of May 30th/31st. Might be a tad early in the season for Artist Point, which will still be chilly for us vert owners at 3,000 feet and up. There was snow at 6,000 last August.

I live in old downtown Arlington, so meeting everyone at the rest stop is fine by me. The next exit is 208 for SR 530 east, the best way to go the 4 miles to turn left and head north on SR 9.

Does Van Zandt even still exist?

 

I have to fix #6 misfiring and a major coolant week first.

Hopefully this week.

 

It sounds like everyone is flexible for either the 30th or 31st. I think Muddy mentioned watching the weather five or six days out and choosing whichever day is the sunniest. That makes sense to me. I'll leave both days open for sure and go with whatever Muddy decides.

 

Growler said he's in, too.

 

Hey guys, I guess I got the jump on you - just did a 1000km run from Vancouver Island to the Okanagan and back this last weekend in my 21 year old XJ40, Alison Pass on the Crowsnest hwy was at 4400ft and there was snow on the roadside but none on the road itself.


Allison Pass - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Good fast run, lotsa fun! Didn't see any other Jags on the whole trip ...still in their cocoons yet I guess!!

cheers

Larry

 

Was poking about looking at Artist point conditions, and saw these on the DOT site...

https://flic.kr/s/aHsk6XvkHC

Vince

 

Pictures were taken April 20th when they first began work on it. By now it should be clear, and by the 31st no problem, as long as no more heavy snows.

 

The full road to Artist Point opened Thursday May 14th...

Just an FYI!

 

2 weeks out. How's the weather looking?


I'll come up with an informational printout with directions and specifics in the next couple of days.

 

Can't even call weather as of yet, Best left for the 24th at the earliest.
I suspect those that live up there in the convergence zone will have a better feel, but I have always seen that area as volatile even when we have calm skies here in Kitsap.

Gettin excited to say the least!

We have a promising group so far, but lets hope for a few more owners bringing their cats out to prowl with some of their own kind!


1.) Muddydog
2.) Swimref
3.) XJDanny
4.) Nookieman
5.) Clevername
6.) arttomlin (fingers grossed)
7.) KenAdamson (fingers crossed)
8.) Growler05
9.) ?
10.) ?

 

I believe that XKRRR (my friend Steve with a 2011 XKR convertable that joined us on the Hood Canal drive) will be coming with us.

 

The drive should be whichever day has the best weather. However, a friend of mine who's never been to Seattle just announced a visit that weekend. So I'll now only be able to do the drive if it's on Saturday. On Sunday I'll be showing my buddy the sights of Seattle. :-/ But at least he'll see the sights of Seattle in a convertible Jag.

 

Calling the date may well be better for all, as it certainly helps those wanting to attend to commit.
Everyone knows I am overly cautious when planning high altitude drives, as I always prefer nice weather for any place scenic and dread snow or ice while on foot wide summer tires. We are close to a 10 day forecast for trending soon as it is.

But the truth is.... that 80% of what makes a drive worthy is the people that attend. A scenic destination is just a bonus. So maximum people is also key to a great day.

Muddy is our fearless leader for this one, and I'm in regardless of the date chosen.

V

 

Well it seems to me that XJDanny is the only one who has expressed a preference up to this point, so with all other things being equal:

Saturday is the new proposed day!!!

So speak up if that doesn't work for you.

Meet at the rest stop at 9:30. It's the Northbound I-5 "Smokey Point" rest stop just south of the Hwy 530 intersection. We'll join up there. Free coffee! Not good coffee, but…

I'm betting Vince will have donuts… Hint, hint

I've attached a preliminary route for you gents to peruse at your leisure. Review it. Let me know what you think. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

.

 

Anyone besides me and Vince coming up from Seattle way wanting to meet at Jaguar in Lynnwood and caravan up to the rest stop?

 

I'm fine with the route and OK with the change to Saturday, but I don't get the unprecedented late start. Why would we meet so much later than ever before? Smokey Point is no more "out of town" than Monroe, and much less so than Enumclaw. Just like these other starting points, it is where the urban area ends and the rural area begins (except Enumclaw which is already well into the rural). I understand that some are coming via ferry, but Edmonds to Smokey Point on a weekend morning will take no longer than Edmonds to Monroe, at least if the needless stop in Lynnwood is eliminated.

Please reconsider the start time. An hour earlier would be more in line with our usual practice, and get us to breakfast and to the scenic areas much sooner and with more time to enjoy them.

 

The route looks great! Thank you, Muddy, for all the planning.

As I said, Saturday is best for me but I do think whichever has the best weather should be the day. It's too soon to tell yet, but Saturday is forecast to be 76 degrees woohoo!

I'm fine to start earlier too or whenever.

 

I gave Muddy a quasi-functional timeline from point to point to point including estimated stand around and talking times, just to help him see the "big drive" picture.
Dining past Sedro becomes an unknown variable unless one of you northern folk wanna drive 9 and scout out open restaurants for him? Sedro, in my mind is a meeting point for our friends north of the border joining in, and maybe a lunch before the 2 hour trek back into the high wilderness. With time in, and vista stops and time out (4-5 hours?), Sedro may well be a good dinner spot as well...
Unless we brown bag it (Which oddly enough I'm fine with as well! Mmmm PB&J on a scenic mountain top does not get much better in my book).

Just tossin thoughts... (I'm sure Muddy already has it handled...)
V