Southeast roadtrip

[sheward]

I just returned from a drive through the Great Smokie Mountains National Park. I was not driving either of the 036s but a stock E430. We drove into Gatlinburg on hwy 134 immediately ahead of the front that stretched across the country Friday night. It was a very windy ride through the mountains after dark dodging small limbs along the way. The lack of a GPS signal made me glad to have half a tank of fuel. When we reached Gatlinburg I looked back and saw a large flashing sign stating that the road had just been closed. The following morning the town lost power for about 2 hrs.
On the return trip we drove south down the foothills parkway where I was pleased to come up on a Subaru of some sort who was also enjoying the drive and then took 129 which local folks and motorcyclists may know as "the dragons tail". This is a grand section of switchbacks that anyone who likes spirited driving will enjoy. The car drove wonderfully and really did impress. It drove very smooth while staying surprisingly flat through the switchbacks. I primarily used the transmission since the stock brakes wouldn't have stood up to trying to hustle the car through any quicker. If anyone in the region is looking for a great area for a roadtrip give it a look. I'll be back soon with the 036.

drew

 

[MB V8]

Nothin' like a V8 driving through the Smokies! Nice.

 

[TerryA]

Drew,

Sounds like you had a good time despite the weather. Admittedly it would be a little more fun in one of your 036s in better weather and not worrying about dodging falling branches. At least for you maybe not so much for the wife? I know when I drive to fast with my significant other I get a loud screaming in my right ear!

My only chance at the Smokie Mountain National Park came in 1975 while touring the US in a 1972 Volkswagen Bus but we heard they were covered in fog so we passed. We were on a 15K mile trip around the US. On that leg we left DC and were headed towards New Orleans.

I’ve never done a road trip in my 500E. Just local twisting roads in the SoCal hills. Fun for a short attention span Guy like me. I would like to try Hwy 49 near Yosemite National Park’s South Gate north to Sacramento. I’ve done it several times in other cars but in my 500E it would be a great trip!

 

[kwontumspeed]

I've done several appropriate cars including the 036 and the two-wheeled specimens down the dragon's tail (technically called 'tail of the dragon') and it's something any and all enthusiasts should experience at one point or another. Admittedly, it's nothing like it used to be in the early days - i.e. a lot more popular and crowded today then when I used to frequent it (when I attended UTKnox) - but it's a blast nonetheless. 300+ switchbacks in 10 miles. Although the 036 was a blast, I once owned a 914 2.0 and that had to be the best experience to date.

 

[sheward]

Terry: I'm lucky that my girlfriend likes that sort of driving and trusts mine. I can only imagine all the great parts of the country you saw and the minimal amounts of petrol consumed in the process!... @ what, .30 cents per gallon? Yosemite and the surrounding area is on my bucket list.

Kwontomspeed: I rode the "dragon" years ago on my two wheeler as well. I have too little confidence in other folks to do it again. We came through about 6pm on Sunday. It was completely empty. You must be very familiar with the roads in the smokies. I can see where the Porsche would easily be the most fun. The 914 was a go cart with bodywork.

drew

 

[sheward]

Thanks for moving the thread. I considered putting it here but , no 036 involved. Should have put it in my owners thread.

drew