Spring is near! Lets start talking!
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From: Pacific Northwest
Here are drive ideas done in the past... Lets talk!
March:
Lummi Island... Although not a Jag even in the past, it is a simple, and enjoyable day with surprising good food at a local run restaurant.
A run past Lake Crescent and back is a long day, but lunch in Pt Angeles and photo opps at the west end of the lake tops it off as a long and pleasant one.
The 17th offers a free Adams Polish tech session at Park Place Auto Salon... (Wish I could attend that!)
April:
We have had 3 runs in April that met with success.
2 were due to low seasonal snowfall, and early opening of Chinook pass. Not something to be counted on... However we have done Hood canal loops, and 101 to Astoria runs. Both are well received, with Astoria being a very long day.
A simple drive out to the nuclear towers at Satsop via back roads is always a welcome chance to clear the dust off the Jags.
BTW: State Parts are free Access on the 14th, and National Parks are free on the 21st! Perhaps a drive taking advantage of those days would be interesting!
May
A loop of Rainier via Chinook Pass will not be normally possible until Memorial Day weekend (The end of May), however I have found it open a week or two prior to MD weekend, and the privacy has been a unique pleasure
I recomend we follow the opening closely, and coordinate a drive the first weekend it opens... Tall walls of snow, and dry black asphalt have always been a stunning treat...
Another event that has run twice is a run to Mt Baker... Once in pristine weather, the other in smoke filled haze thanks to Canadian fires. Both were enjoyable for all, despite reduced visibility on the latter. This has been a later May, early June drive.
June:
Mt baker (see May above)
Astoria or Longbeach via 101 have again been a long day, but enjoyed by all. Return Via I5 keeps the day somewhat reasonable.
The only real decent run to Johnson observatory in Mt St Helens has been in June as well... The roads are stunning, and worthy of any driving enthusiast.
Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic mountain range will be accessible about this time as well.
June offers three free days to State parks. June 2nd,, and June 9th and 10th.
July
July has seen several Hood Canal loops and a Yakima canyon Run!
Sunrise on Rainier will open about this time as well.
July 21st is the All British Field meet, and if you have never seen it... Put it on your calendar!
August
History shows very little except a Yakima Canyon Loop (great road BTW) run.
But coastal routes are easily open, and the 25-26 is Washington State International Kite Festival, in Longbeach. Traffic can be tough, but the event itself is stunning weather permitting.
The 25th offers yer another free State park access day.
September
Our annual Leavenworth event. This year on Sunday, September 30th
Fort Warden on the Olympic Peninsula, and a loop of Rainier via Paradise (ouch). If the Forest Service has not done road maintenance to the Paradise route, it is best excluded due to bad roads.
October
Drives have included a run to Grand Coulee Dam, St Helen's, and a Hood Canal loop.
Here is a start folks.... Lets keep the conversation rolling!
Vince
March:
Lummi Island... Although not a Jag even in the past, it is a simple, and enjoyable day with surprising good food at a local run restaurant.
A run past Lake Crescent and back is a long day, but lunch in Pt Angeles and photo opps at the west end of the lake tops it off as a long and pleasant one.
The 17th offers a free Adams Polish tech session at Park Place Auto Salon... (Wish I could attend that!)
April:
We have had 3 runs in April that met with success.
2 were due to low seasonal snowfall, and early opening of Chinook pass. Not something to be counted on... However we have done Hood canal loops, and 101 to Astoria runs. Both are well received, with Astoria being a very long day.
A simple drive out to the nuclear towers at Satsop via back roads is always a welcome chance to clear the dust off the Jags.
BTW: State Parts are free Access on the 14th, and National Parks are free on the 21st! Perhaps a drive taking advantage of those days would be interesting!
May
A loop of Rainier via Chinook Pass will not be normally possible until Memorial Day weekend (The end of May), however I have found it open a week or two prior to MD weekend, and the privacy has been a unique pleasure
I recomend we follow the opening closely, and coordinate a drive the first weekend it opens... Tall walls of snow, and dry black asphalt have always been a stunning treat...
Another event that has run twice is a run to Mt Baker... Once in pristine weather, the other in smoke filled haze thanks to Canadian fires. Both were enjoyable for all, despite reduced visibility on the latter. This has been a later May, early June drive.
June:
Mt baker (see May above)
Astoria or Longbeach via 101 have again been a long day, but enjoyed by all. Return Via I5 keeps the day somewhat reasonable.
The only real decent run to Johnson observatory in Mt St Helens has been in June as well... The roads are stunning, and worthy of any driving enthusiast.
Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic mountain range will be accessible about this time as well.
June offers three free days to State parks. June 2nd,, and June 9th and 10th.
July
July has seen several Hood Canal loops and a Yakima canyon Run!
Sunrise on Rainier will open about this time as well.
July 21st is the All British Field meet, and if you have never seen it... Put it on your calendar!
August
History shows very little except a Yakima Canyon Loop (great road BTW) run.
But coastal routes are easily open, and the 25-26 is Washington State International Kite Festival, in Longbeach. Traffic can be tough, but the event itself is stunning weather permitting.
The 25th offers yer another free State park access day.
September
Our annual Leavenworth event. This year on Sunday, September 30th
Fort Warden on the Olympic Peninsula, and a loop of Rainier via Paradise (ouch). If the Forest Service has not done road maintenance to the Paradise route, it is best excluded due to bad roads.
October
Drives have included a run to Grand Coulee Dam, St Helen's, and a Hood Canal loop.
Here is a start folks.... Lets keep the conversation rolling!
Vince
Last edited by CleverName; Mar 1, 2018 at 03:01 PM. Reason: Grammar/spelling errors
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From: Everett, WA
Vince, that is an excellent list and it brings back many great memories. I recall a couple of drives you did not mention. I don't know what month but we had one of our best drives going up the Skagit River Valley on Highway 20 to the incredible turquoise green waters of Diablo Lake. We ate a picnic lunch in the sunshine at a stunning overlook above the lake. I think we also checked out Newhalem and one of the dams and then enjoyed an ice cream break on the way home. There was also a small (just you and me) run through Deception Pass and a Whidbey Island loop.
I am afraid that since my cancer and chemo a few years ago I cannot do the really long one day drives like Astoria or Grand Coulee, but I sure did enjoy those (absolutely nothing could beat the thrill of driving through a still-burning forest fire!).
I would really like to get something set up for April 21st. Several destinations you mentioned sound good. We could do the Hood Canal loop, the Diablo Lake run, the Lummi Island run, The Crescent Lake run, maybe a Birch Bay/Chuckanut Drive run or a Whidbey Island loop. We could even try a meet-up and picnic with our British Columbia Jag brothers at the Peace Arch park in Blaine (nobody from either side would have to go through customs). Please everybody, let's make one of these happen!
I am afraid that since my cancer and chemo a few years ago I cannot do the really long one day drives like Astoria or Grand Coulee, but I sure did enjoy those (absolutely nothing could beat the thrill of driving through a still-burning forest fire!).
I would really like to get something set up for April 21st. Several destinations you mentioned sound good. We could do the Hood Canal loop, the Diablo Lake run, the Lummi Island run, The Crescent Lake run, maybe a Birch Bay/Chuckanut Drive run or a Whidbey Island loop. We could even try a meet-up and picnic with our British Columbia Jag brothers at the Peace Arch park in Blaine (nobody from either side would have to go through customs). Please everybody, let's make one of these happen!
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Thanks Simref, Your right, I missed the North Cascade run to which was the 30th of July 2016, and like you said, it was awesome...
The Whidbey loop was indeed another, and accessible year round. The island itself offers Deception Pass, and Fort Casey State Park. Traffic is slow, making a loop a very long day. I recall you found a nice spot in La Conner along the inlet to eat. A neat town in itself as a destination, just by driving North.
The Peace Park is an excellent idea (never been there), and we should get our friends from the north on board for it! Mostly freeway (yuck) but I'm game!
April 21st is a free National Park day, so Hurricane Ridge, or Sunrise should be tossed into the hat as well.
I'd like to see a drive a month, but am unsure if we can pull it off. Just like now, March is falling through the cracks.... It has happened many times in past years, but if we can put a schedule together ASAP for the season, maybe folks will have the chance to set the day aside for it.
The Whidbey loop was indeed another, and accessible year round. The island itself offers Deception Pass, and Fort Casey State Park. Traffic is slow, making a loop a very long day. I recall you found a nice spot in La Conner along the inlet to eat. A neat town in itself as a destination, just by driving North.
The Peace Park is an excellent idea (never been there), and we should get our friends from the north on board for it! Mostly freeway (yuck) but I'm game!
April 21st is a free National Park day, so Hurricane Ridge, or Sunrise should be tossed into the hat as well.
I'd like to see a drive a month, but am unsure if we can pull it off. Just like now, March is falling through the cracks.... It has happened many times in past years, but if we can put a schedule together ASAP for the season, maybe folks will have the chance to set the day aside for it.
Last edited by CleverName; Mar 1, 2018 at 06:58 PM.
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From: Everett, WA
I'm pretty sure mid April is way too early for Sunrise, and maybe for Hurricane Ridge also. If HR is open I'd love to go there. As I recall our lunch on the Whidbey loop was in Coupeville on the waterfront. Karen and I did find a nice place to eat in La Conner, but I don't believe we have been there on a Jag drive. Speaking of great lunches on our drives, I have still never topped the pizza we found in that little dive in Grand Coulee. Great memories!
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One week out from the tenth folks.... Le's see more interest in Gathering Our Cars and Enjoy a cup of coffee and maybe a flap jack or two!
We could talk out some of the summer drives while we meet, so newcomers should try to attend with choices and ideas!
10th
Clevername
mprinvale
Italia 227
?
?
?
?
We could talk out some of the summer drives while we meet, so newcomers should try to attend with choices and ideas!
10th
Clevername
mprinvale
Italia 227
?
?
?
?
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From: Seattle WA
I propose March 10th, Sun break Cafe (22 A St SW, Auburn, WA 98001-5303) meeting at 10AM, Food looks 'OK', parking looks even better, and location covers north and south with easily access. After breakfast, I think a visit to the falls is a good gathering start to see us on the road and enjoying our cars. Maybe follow 18 (yuck) but easy, none the less. Photo opps at the upper parking lots before parting ways has been a win in the past. (some may choose lunch while there)
Jay & Lori
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I did check, and Hurricane Ridge is open, as they winter ski up there. But at the moment you're required to carry chains, and the parking lot has limited space, as it isn't fully cleared. Skiing normally ends this month, So who knows by the end of April.... With clear skies it would be very beautiful, or if overcast, a waist of time (been there, seen that).
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The 10th in Auburn sounds interesting. I had to look up where exactly that was, but I'd like to come. It will take me a couple of hours to drive over there, but should be fun.
My poor car hasn't seen a whole lot of use this winter, so it will be good to get her out for a run. I'll need to giver her a good wash first, as it hasn't been done since fall.
Are we just doing breakfast and a meet, or planning on driving somewhere?
As far as Hurricane Ridge goes, that is right in my backyard. I'm game anytime the roads are clear.
Also on the Olympic Peninsula, Highway 112 out to Neah Bay and back is a spectacular drive, but probably way too far for anyone coming from the other side of the water, unless spending the night.
My poor car hasn't seen a whole lot of use this winter, so it will be good to get her out for a run. I'll need to giver her a good wash first, as it hasn't been done since fall.
Are we just doing breakfast and a meet, or planning on driving somewhere?
As far as Hurricane Ridge goes, that is right in my backyard. I'm game anytime the roads are clear.
Also on the Olympic Peninsula, Highway 112 out to Neah Bay and back is a spectacular drive, but probably way too far for anyone coming from the other side of the water, unless spending the night.
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MrWhite:
Thanks for joining in in the conversation. I'm on on the Kitsap peninsula, so we must be close! Auburn isn't convenient for those of us on 'this side of the water', but I'm willing to put forth the effort to meet up with fellow enthusiasts! If you're interested, maybe we could make the run together.... Still waiting for input from Muddydog who is also on this side, but I hear life has him buried at the moment (who's isn't) so I'm trying to cut him slack to deal with it myself rather than dragging him into an impromptu gathering...
I've already admitted I'm winging it. What we are doing is still kinda a 'let's deal with it as it gets tossed at us'... kinda affair.
You and I are stuck with covering distance just to get there, but I hope others are wiling to put forth the efforts as well.
It's mprinvale that is looking at a run from Portland that I worry about most. I'd like our numbers to get larger to warrant his efforts.
Anyhow.... If your on-board, lets PM each other, as maybe we can hunt this place down together.
A drive to Snoqualmie Falls from there is not an unreasonable thought.
Peace!
Vince
Thanks for joining in in the conversation. I'm on on the Kitsap peninsula, so we must be close! Auburn isn't convenient for those of us on 'this side of the water', but I'm willing to put forth the effort to meet up with fellow enthusiasts! If you're interested, maybe we could make the run together.... Still waiting for input from Muddydog who is also on this side, but I hear life has him buried at the moment (who's isn't) so I'm trying to cut him slack to deal with it myself rather than dragging him into an impromptu gathering...
I've already admitted I'm winging it. What we are doing is still kinda a 'let's deal with it as it gets tossed at us'... kinda affair.
You and I are stuck with covering distance just to get there, but I hope others are wiling to put forth the efforts as well.
It's mprinvale that is looking at a run from Portland that I worry about most. I'd like our numbers to get larger to warrant his efforts.
Anyhow.... If your on-board, lets PM each other, as maybe we can hunt this place down together.
A drive to Snoqualmie Falls from there is not an unreasonable thought.
Peace!
Vince
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From: Washington State
I just checked the forecast for Saturday the 10th in Auburn, and it says it's going to be mostly sunny and 60°. Wooo hooo
I'm fine with coming over to Auburn as I have a store in Renton that I'd also like to visit that day.
Snoqualmie Falls looks interesting. I've never been there and its only 45 min from Auburn.
I guess Friday is car washing day.
Vince,
Is the plan to meet at 10am and then do breakfast? Or if we want to eat there, do we need to be done with breakfast in time for a 10am departure from the restaurant? (I'm kind hoping the former not the later, but what ever the group wants)
I'm out in Port Angeles. Maybe we can meet somewhere around Poulsbo or Silverdale and drive on from there?
I'm fine with coming over to Auburn as I have a store in Renton that I'd also like to visit that day.
Snoqualmie Falls looks interesting. I've never been there and its only 45 min from Auburn.
I guess Friday is car washing day.
Vince,
Is the plan to meet at 10am and then do breakfast? Or if we want to eat there, do we need to be done with breakfast in time for a 10am departure from the restaurant? (I'm kind hoping the former not the later, but what ever the group wants)
I'm out in Port Angeles. Maybe we can meet somewhere around Poulsbo or Silverdale and drive on from there?
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I just checked the forecast for Saturday the 10th in Auburn, and it says it's going to be mostly sunny and 60°. Wooo hooo
I'm fine with coming over to Auburn as I have a store in Renton that I'd also like to visit that day.
Snoqualmie Falls looks interesting. I've never been there and its only 45 min from Auburn.
I guess Friday is car washing day.
Vince,
Is the plan to meet at 10am and then do breakfast? Or if we want to eat there, do we need to be done with breakfast in time for a 10am departure from the restaurant? (I'm kind hoping the former not the later, but what ever the group wants)
I'm out in Port Angeles. Maybe we can meet somewhere around Poulsbo or Silverdale and drive on from there?
I'm fine with coming over to Auburn as I have a store in Renton that I'd also like to visit that day.
Snoqualmie Falls looks interesting. I've never been there and its only 45 min from Auburn.
I guess Friday is car washing day.
Vince,
Is the plan to meet at 10am and then do breakfast? Or if we want to eat there, do we need to be done with breakfast in time for a 10am departure from the restaurant? (I'm kind hoping the former not the later, but what ever the group wants)
I'm out in Port Angeles. Maybe we can meet somewhere around Poulsbo or Silverdale and drive on from there?
We can chat in the lot while waiting for others, or while waiting for a table to sit at.
Those that have had a breakfast can kick back with some coffee, those wanting to get a bite (like myself) can order up while we chat...
after a bite, I think a drive to the Falls would be a good way to end the meet, but that call can be made around the table
I'll PM you to talk about a meetup point getting off the peninsula.
10th
Clevername
mprinvale
Italia 227
Torque Monster
MrWhite
?
?
?
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From: Seattle WA
Would it be cool to ask two friends to join us? They don't have a Jag, but they are gear-heads, with a Z06, BMW 650i Gran Coupe, restored BMW Isetta (!).
They wouldn't be in any photo shots, but would enjoy the car gathering. Maybe just the coffee/breakfast.
They wouldn't be in any photo shots, but would enjoy the car gathering. Maybe just the coffee/breakfast.
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Ouch! 
10th
Clevername
mprinvale
Italia 227
Torque Monster
- and guests
MrWhite
10th
Clevername
mprinvale
Italia 227
Torque Monster
- and guests
MrWhite
