OK, I'm a Dragon Virgin. So tell me old timers, what did you forget to bring the first year that you put on the list for the next year?

 

make sure you bring a 2 way radio..

also i know there's a thread on this from last year but i can't find it

 

Snacks and drinks especially if you're staying at Fontana or Topoco. Stores aren't close by. Though there is a store at Fontana which is good especially if you need milk which can sometimes not make the trip.

If bugs bother you, you may want to include bug spray.

Fill up the gas tank nearest the dragon as you can. This will save you at least one emergency run for gas.

If you have a 35mm camera. Plenty of film. If you have digital. Bring extra storage or something to dump the cards to.

 

Here ya go

It's something that can eveolve though I'm sure there are new lessons learned every year, but it sure does make a good starting point. Of course if you're a virgin you could just go witht he flow get into things and enjoy every las tbit of it without worrying about having it all planned out

 

• Vomit bags in case you/passenger gets sick.
• Bug spray is a good thing.
• Make sure you get a radio that has subchannels.
• CASH!!!!

 

haha, thanks for reminding me.. that was a problem i had last year. i almost forgot.

 

Here is a thread I found on our side of NAM

 

Beer, and/or diet coke

Mark

 

Here is a summary from last years thread:
FRS Radios (Family Radio Service)set to Channel 7 Subchannel 21
Camera and Film
Digital Camera
First Aid Kit
GPS System (very optional)
Clean Underwear for Passenger on Dragon
Booze (Graham County is a Dry County)
Anti-nausea medicine for Passenger on Dragon
Umbrella or Poncho
Good Attitude
Flashlight
Folding Chair
Patience
Detailing Supplies (you guys know who you are)
Window Cleaner and Rags
Snacks
Batteries for: Camera, Flashlight, Etc.

 

Rain gear/umbrella- it does typically rain this weekend
camp chairs is really good, so you can sit and look at all the cars (also a
good way to save your parking space)
Car wash stuff (we forgot that last year)
bug spray
Your laptop (they did have wifi at the lodge last year and I hear this year
as well) also good place to dump the THOUSANDS of pictures you will take
Batteries/ charger for batteries/radios
A flashlight is a MUST (there aren't any street lights out there, and it is
pretty dark without someone's rallye lights on!)
Cash (the vendors area did take credit cards, but cash is always the best)
If you got it, a map of the area (the free welcome stuff is REALLY good)
Sunscreen (so your forhead/scalp/driving arm doesn't get burned when the
sunroof is open)
Of course extra clothes- Sometimes it is cold, some times it is warm (and
lots of MINI/Mini shirts!)
Food (if you are staying in the cabins at Fontanna, you do have a kitchen
with plates etc, so you can actually make lunch/breakfast)
A frying pan (if you are going to cook, you would be better bringing your
own. I myself am bringing a griddle because I will be making breakfast for
our club...gots to cook the bacon!!!)
That's all I can think of at the moment.

 

I don't know if I should put this here or in the camping thread...does anyone know if they sell firewood at the Fontana store? I am not sure if I should lug my own or not worry about it. I didn't camp last year so I really have no idea.

 

I have heard rumor that all the cabins at Fontana Village have external water sources for car washing. Is this true?

Also, do I need to bring a hose or are those there as well?

Thanks!!

 

most cabins do not have external faucets, at least I haven't seen any. There will be a central car washing area at Fontana Village that will have a hose. BYO washing stuff including a bucket....and patience. There's only one hose (or there has been in past years), so everyone shares.

as far as firewood goes, can't help ya there..sorry.

 

You can bring an adaptor to go on the kitchen faucet to run a hose outside. We did this last year at koolmini's.

Mark

 

Also, keep your MINI well fed. Gas stations are not the most plentiful thing up there and most of them close very early. Especially if you go for a long, wandering drive aside from the actual Dragon.

 

Oh lotsie. . . . . our little secrets don't stay secrets if you tell everyone!

 

When breakfast Stace?

 

The potential problem with that is there really isn't much of a parking pad infront of the cabins, and we had to park on the grass last year, so be careful of the MUD!!!!! (and for your neighbors too!) I would hate to see lots of MINIs stuck in the mud in front of their cabins!

 

Typically breakfast is in the morning.

 

And along with all the fore mentioned great suggested goodies, if you drink coffee in the early AM, bring your coffee mug as I am bringing my coffee maker, coffee, and condiments to the "Retirement Home" cabin.
Anything else you can think of, we will get here before our journey begins to the Dragon

Sam

 

SAM! You got a GP? Cool!! can't wait to see you guys

 

Oh yeah. I forgot COFFEE..We had to use Will's instant last year. I will bring some good coffee this year as well!

 

I believe they have free coffee in the lobby in the mornings at Fontana

 

That means i can't make breakfast. And I have to scrape out of bed and get in the car and drive up there. I can't function before coffee!

 

WHAT!!!! You don't drink no stinkin' coffee.