Nissan 370Z Forum - MAZOC 2012 Caravan to ZDayZ Thread

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I'm writing some summaries of the loops I've made, which, admittedly are turning into novels. I think I'm getting a little excited. I should have some reading material for you all within the next week or two. For now, an unedited excerpt:

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang's ramblings

For the first few miles on the Skyway we encounter tight-to-medium radius corners at lower elevations following the contours of some of Santeetlah Lake’s many branches. After seven or eight miles the water will disappear and the forest will close in as we begin our ascent. Soon we encounter a medium radius left bend which breaks away from the trees and climbs toward ridgeline. Approximately half a mile of straight road lies ahead of us as we race higher into the mountains. Soon we’re at 3,000 feet… then 4,000… then 5,000+ with breathtaking vistas to our right. Be careful… it’s a long way down from here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1679508)

I think you missed your calling as a nature show narrator :icon17:

Quote:

Originally Posted by GM_Traitor3.5 (Post 1679513)

I think you missed your calling as a nature show narrator :icon17:

Exactly what I was thinking. Add a couple of "Crikeys' in there and read it with an Aussie accent and you'd have "The Dragon Hunter".

Hope m4 doesn't get a porcupine quill to the heart LOL :icon18:

Guys, in planning another fun loop I discovered that one of the roads (411) passes Clingman's Dome, which is a pretty interesting structure and is the highest point in Great Smokey Mountains National Park (6,643 feet). This is a pretty big tourist attraction so I am sure there will be some tourist traffic on this road, but I figured it would still be very nice to drive up here and check it out.

Clingmans Dome - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
http://www.sitemason.com/files/fBDpzq/cling.jpg

To get to Clingman's Dome there is a 7 mile long road that branches off of 411 and leads to a parking lot. From there its a .5 mile hike (starting at about 6200ft and climbing to 6600ft). The trail is steep, but paved. On a clear day you can see for 100 miles.

Let me know if you guys would be interested in incorporating this into a driving loop. It would be about 155 miles of driving total and probably a couple hours at the Dome. If there is not enough interest I may just can the stop or do it myself. :)

That looks awesome. I'm in for checking that out :tup:

I might just turn this into lazy driving day with a hike in the middle. Skyway day is fun driving day. :D

Wow Steve, that structure looks pretty darn cool!!

So is there anyone actually interested in making this a stop on a loop, or would everyone rather just drive?

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1682040)

So is there anyone actually interested in making this a stop on a loop, or would everyone rather just drive?

I'd check that out if you wanted to stop. I'll be bringing my nice camera, and that looks like a "hell yeah" place to snap.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad (Post 1682049)

I'd check that out if you wanted to stop. I'll be bringing my nice camera, and that looks like a "hell yeah" place to snap.

May I borrow your "not so nice" camera? ;)

Oh there are a lot of bears near Clingmans Dome. :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 1682065)

Oh there are a lot of bears near Clingmans Dome. :D

Bears? Where?

Over there! :eekdance:

Da bears doncha know. ayah