Lets stick with the 22nd, Laguna Seca could be a trip unto itself. Regarding the possible route(s) I came across the following, understanding Hwy 1 can get a bit congested on a Saturday, take a look and please let me know your thoughts. Scenic Drives through Monterey County | Coastal Highways and Scenic Routes

 

@MarcB

I've done 17 mile drive.... it's pretty nice. There are a few really good photo ops along they way. That followed by lunch in Carmel would probably work out nicely. At some point on one of our adventures I'd like to try and get a Jaguar dealer involved...... ie they give us some space in their lot/car park to stage up. (The old cars would probably draw attention) and we get to at least view and sit in some of the new ones. Heck, they may even let some of us drive a few.......

Anyway, just confirming again we will be there..... in the car currently known as "Jaguar Number 3" :-) Don't want to give too much away...... all I can say is it's a proper Jaaaaagggggg :-)

 

Well it turns out I'm going in for eye surgery on the 21st and I won't be able to drive for a week. Mary could drive with me looking like a pirate but I'll also be on heavy pain killers and I could become addicted to using them when she drives. Actually for the first week I'm not supposed to move much so will catch the next one sorry.

 

Going to miss you guys on the run. Sitting here in Riyadh for the week. I'm going to try to stop at the Jaguar dealer here and see if I see anything interesting.

Dave

 

I'm in if you'll have me

 

Sounds great, I love the area.

Post the time and location to meet on Sat. the 22nd.

**Please see if we can get this communicated to all central coast forum members! More the better!

 

Starting to really think about this now that it is getting closer. I know we are staying Saturday night in Monterey but haven't picked a spot yet. We haven't been to Monterey in years. Anyone else spending the night?
Dave & Jill

 

My lovely wife Joyce and I will probably spend the night.

 

Does that mean we're going to see both of your Jags?

 

Nope, we'll just be driving in one car, but you will see "the other one" my Blue Zircon XJ8.


And....the WaterDragon threw a rod on Saturday. This was the result of a leaking injector (cracked when sent out to be cleaned) that caused a hydrolock a few months ago which I think messed up the rod/berring a bit. We were thinking if anything was damaged it would likely show up within 1000 miles, and it did...

So I think I'm going to take the easy route of buying a good used low mileage replacement engine and dropping it in. It looks like it will only cost about $2000, so not so bad.

The good news/opportunity is now I'll have lots of extra parts to consider building a much stronger bottom end that I could swap in later, one that could handle much more boost.

 

I have the following "cars" confirmed but would like to know how many individuals are attending per confirmation. I took a stab at it based on past trips, but please let me know what I need to revise or if anything has changed.

Confirmed:

• MarcB +1
• Dave C +1
• Smgdata
• Tirefriar
• Sarc+1
• Vmv
• Captmal777
• Rocam81+1
• Waterdragon+1

TBD

• Enderle +1 (eye surgery?)
• Tberg

I am also working on route information. Half the fun is getting there so personally I like to take 152 West from the 101 to the 1 when heading to the Monterey Peninsula. It is a nice twisty road from Gilroy to Watsonville but it could get a little congested if it is too late in the morning. My preliminary thought is meeting early 7:30ish and head down to a secondary rally point @ 9:00ish, closer to Monterey, for those that want to skip the drive down. I am struggling with the rest of the drive but think the 17 Mile drive (toll road) followed by a drive through Carmel Valley or down to Big Sur may be the best. I am open to all thoughts, suggestions and help.


TireFriar:Can you please reach out to your SoCal/Central Cal contacts. The more the merrier!

 

Yep, we're in. We were thinking about staying on the Friday night, but I guess Saturday night would work also

 

With a 7:30 start and about an 1-3/4 hour drive we will probably be staying in Morgan Hill on Friday night and would probably drive back on Saturday night.

Dave & Jill

 

MarcB.:

I'm new to the list (and Jaguar ownership) and am interested in trying to make this event. It sounds like fun and would be nice to meet some fellow Jaguar owners.

If you can give me a better idea on how long of a drive (time wise) and what sorts of roads people in the group would be interested in, I'd be happy to suggest some routes.

I really thought of the XK8 as a grand touring car but I have been amazed at how much fun it is on very tight, twisty back roads. However, I'm not sure how many other people share that same opinion!

I've done a lot of motorcycle riding in that area and there are all sorts of fun roads! In a car, I'd say stay away from Hwy 1 on the weekends, unless you like driving in a slow-motion parade behinds RV's!

 

Mark:

Welcome, it would be great to have you join us. As far as drive times go we haven't done a lot of drives but the last one in Napa started off in Fairfield and stopped @ Markham Vineyards for a tasting (About one hour of driving), then it was on to lunch (20 minutes of drive) then Silverado winery (5 minute drive) for a photo op. From there the group kind of splintered off, some went on to Andretti winery while others, like myself, started the trek home.

I agree about Hwy 1, that is why an early start is essential just to get to the Monterey peninsula.

 

We'll be overnighting in Monterey on the Friday night, mainly because I hate getting up early in the morning :-)

 

Joyce and I will be staying the night on Friday as well.

 

Thanks for the info about the last meet - it gives me a better idea of what to expect. Unfortunately, most of the roads I had in mind probably aren't going to work very well.

While it is on Hwy 1 Nepenthe's (Big Sur) has a great view and makes for a nice coffee or lunch stop.

I won't know my schedule for sure until closer to that time but I'm still hoping to make it.

Mark

 

Nice of you could make it. If not, there will be other opportunities.

 

Any ideas on where to stay on Friday night? It may depend on where the drive starts and where it goes.

Dave