I am tonight!

 

Just a few additions/clarifications to what has already been a fairly comprehensive list...

If you want to build a fire, you'll want to lug your own firewood up there. Fontana's General Store may have a little firewood available, but not much.

If you are a breakfast eater, remember that a lot of events start early in the morning. Usually not enough time to go driving to Robbinsville (30 minutes each way... could be less, depending on who drives) to get morning chow. I usually bring an assortment of Pop Tarts & granola bars, plus individual bottles of OJ- stuff you can grab & go with for breakfast.

And no... the cabins do not have external hose connections. Need to use the car wash near the Adventure Center. Instead of a bucket & a bottle of suds, the Mr. Clean car wash system works nicely, being all self-contained & what-not. Just remember to do only quick washes there, as lines do form... save the detail work for the front of your cabin.

Remember, there's nearlly zero cell phone reception for miles around Fontana & 129. Be prepared to be out of touch with the folks back home.

This part should go without saying, but because this is a remote area, it bears repeating... remember any & all safety equipment. Road flares, reflective triangles, tire plugging kit and/or fix-a-flat/slime & 12v compressor, basic first aid kit, flashlight, etc.

Oh, and don't forget the chargers for all of your electronic toys, of course.

 

Nope!! No GP Didn't realize that the siggy was a GP until you mentioned it , Duh However, I like the pic and siggy!!

Sam

 

My harnesses are my favorite Dragon accessory!

(A must for anyone tiny like me!! Click the picture for more information!)

 

This is great, keep em' coming.

Sam - You scared me with the GP!

Tori - I don't do harnesses well.

 

yer silly


Another thing newbies need to bring to the Dragon, are your best driving skills. As a group, MOTD has never had an accident on the Dragon itself. Between the wildlife crossing the road, nutjob bikers, and other car drivers, the road can be extremely dangerous. If it's rainy or foggy, the danger factor goes through the roof. There's no such thing as a small accident on this road. People die on this road on a regular basis.
I know the subject of safety has been flogged to the nth degree, but in my estimation, it can't be brought up enough. This will be my 5th Dragon, and every year I worry, because the number of newbies grows. So, please..be careful!

 

I'll bring my trauma kit and pack the longboard like a surfboard on the roofrack .

Ok, maybe I won't bring the longboard.

 

seriously, a first aid kit isn't a bad idea. People who are injured up on the Dragon have to be air lifted out generally, so keeping them stable is key.

Oh, another thing...the Dragon is a public road with a 35mph speed limit. If the cops are out, keep your eyes peeled.

 

In addition to the post about injured people being airlifted out, I have read that help can be as much as 30 minutes away if someone is involved in an accident.

My wife is an EMT (I used to be) and we will have our kit with us also. Can't bring a board since Gromit is a cabrio.

 

for food, I did well with:

1. Coffee and my french press (essentials). I had a cabin and boiled water on the stove.
2. 1 loaf of bread. 1 large bag of chips. 1 jar of Peanut Butter. 1 jar of Jelly.
3. Beer
4. Nice Irish Wiskey for sipping on the porch with a good cigar.
5. Lots of bottled water

I registered for all of the offered meals at Fontana (welcome dinner, brew-swap-bbq, farewell dinner) and picked up a few meals out on drives. I've heard that the fontana restaurant isn't bad either. The PBJ sandwitches filled in the gaps and I never felt deprived or like I was living on PBJ.

I'm also a big fan of Sea-Bands (anti-seasickness elastic bands that trigger accupressure points on your wrists - sailors swear by 'em) for any passengers on the Dragon.

Need: A ball cap and a good hoodie/fuzzy/polartec type thing.

Helpful: A folding camp chair

 

Here's a link to my emergency kit that always rides in the back of the MINI when I'm on the road. Yeah... I'm a bit crazy about it, but it's made my life much easier and I've helped others with it more often that I've needed things from it myself.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=59410

 

agranger, don't forget tow straps I am sorry, I couldn't help it. I know, old joke.

 

Fontana's General Store does sell firewood, but we usually buy the Stone Mountain instant logs (they don't smell waxy like Presto logs) at Ingles in Robbinsville. They're very nice in the fireplace, but I think that the bundles of firewood at Fontana are more appropriate for the outdoor firepits.

 

I sold the GP

Sam

 

like I said...yer silly

 

• Bring some coffee filters, splendid etc
• portable dvd (if your cabin lacks a tv) for late night or rainy days.
• Extra key - just in case...
• Italian job dvd.
• Extra towels
• $$$, MC, amex
• There was wireless access in the lodge lobby - so bring the laptop/dvd player.

 

I haven't seen on one's list a spare wheel w/ tire. And torq wrench if had to change a tire. Just my two cents!

woop! 52 days and counting!

 

Are there coffee makers in the cabins?

 

Someone did assure UJ was bringing himself right? And to make sure he left room in the car for him to fit too?

 

hey john,,,,,since you are sharing a cabin with the former pres and newpres of Mid-South MINIacs i'd say you need to bring whatever we demand! sam and i will compile a list!
lookin forward to meeting you.
alan

 

Yes, the cabins come equipped with coffee makers, dishwashers, stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, pots, pans, utensils, flatware, dishes, cups, saucers, bowls. There is more than enough gear to function well. I usually end up buying something in town for the kitchen, like a colander or newer spatula, or aluminum foil, and leave it as a little present to the cabin for the next guests.

 

I was actually thinking about bringing a case of those logs. They are about $12 bucks a case at Costco. They are much less of a mess and easier to deal with - no lighter fluid needed, etc. I figured I could always burn them at home if I don't use them at Fontana.

 

Hey, Alan. Oh no, not that "indentured servitude" thing again. I hate when that happens. Thank you Sir, may I have another?

And Drew, I will leave enought room for me, but I might fold the rear seats down. If not, it's going to be hard to pack the piano.

 

- Corkscrew
- Football
- KY Jelly

 

UJ!!!

You don't have a clue as to what you have gotten yourself into

Sam