2012 Northeast Caravan
 

I do not yet see a NE caravan thread, so here we go.

I figure since I ended up leading a bunch of folks from Harrisburg on South last year, I'd volunteer to help get things going this year.

I currently plan on leaving Thursday morning between 6 and 9 AM depending on who needs to meet where from Harrisburg, PA. I will be taking 81 to 77 to Asheville, and then hopping 40 to 74 into Bryson City and into the Nantahala Village. If you can't go 40 minutes out of the way to see the incredible view from 77, then we'll have to part with you there. At the very least, we will be meeting up with folks in MD like last year.

Anyone whose eyes want to learn just how much fuel can be thrown out my exhaust while still getting 30mpg, you are welcome to follow me down. I know my way there, and my way around there. I can provide information on cheap, safe (for you and your car) lodging around the Harrisburg area for people making the long haul from up north (hope you canada folk are comin' back!).

I can also house a rotard or two at my apartment on the main drag in Hbg the night before (has off street parking), but you have to pass 2 tests. You must 1) be more broke than other travelers, and 2) not be a total toolbag.

Anyone involved, let me know how I may be able to assist in the planning and operation.

Thanks guys, this year is going to be the best yet!

-Whoopie

Im in maryland I was planning on leaving that Wednesday

I'm in Elkton, MD, but I'll be hitting the road early on Thurs. AM.

I was planning on leaving that Friday after work. Might want to see if taking 81 all the way down to Knoxville is faster.

Hey Pete... we're planning on getting a caravan together again. Same plan as last year except there's no reason (as of yet anyway) When we're you planning on leaving? We're hoping to be pulling out of H-burg around 9 again and getting to the villiage by 8pm. We've got myself and the GF in the Official RX7 Support Vehicle (my XJ) someone will be driving the turbo 'vert down, Kyle is driving his fathers phord p/u towing his FC down, and his brother, our master engine builder will be taking some for of transportation as well.

Last year I hit the road before ~0700, which was early enough to beat most of the B-more traffic on the beltway headed to I-70 on my way to I-81. My goal is to make it to Nantahalla by dinner time

That is a little too far west for me. I am down in Southeastern Virginia Hampton Roads area.

Oh snap well after looking at the lodging and the prices leaving Wednesday dont sound to cool now, So your in Elkton Pete Im in Catonsville I can meet up with you.

Sounds like we'll be able to link up somewhere along the way. Last year, I met up with a bunch of folks right off of I-81 in VA. Since I left early to ensure a painless pass thru B-more beltway traffic, I had to wait a while for the folks from PA, south MD/DC/NoVA & the Canadian crew to show up, but we had a great time driving down.

BTW, I can vouch for this route being well worth it. Last year we had to take this little detour on I-77 via Ashville to avoid the tornado carnage that closed down I-81 further south. According to Mapquest, it only added about 15~20 minutes and less than 20 or so miles to my end-to-end run from northern MD.

There will be 5-6 of us leaving from Wilmington, DE sometime early Thursday morning. We typically take the same route down so we can probably join the group at some point.

Id love to get that caravan going again...

Yeah... we didn't bother because we left a day late..... figuring the traffic was gone... killed us by a few HOURS

This sounds interesting. Right now the plan is to leave Speed1 @ 8am Thurs morning.

The detour we took to Asheville was a highlight of the trip. That view was amazing.

Afraid it will be a late decision for us this year. Would really like to make it 3 years in a row, but, the budget is a little battered from going to the 24 Hours of Daytona last month and needing to put a bit of money into most of the cars in the fleet, but, we may pull it off yet.
If push comes to shove, and we can only scare up a partial budget, we might fly in, just to see if we can make the rental company regret renting me a car when I flog it on the 129..

Would love to have you guys again... 3rd time is the charm for me making the caravan.... mainly becuase I'll be in the Jeep or the Mazda6 if I end up buying it.

I'm in for the caravan again. Let me know the details Brian, hopefully you'll actually make it this time ;)