As some of you know there has been some devastating flooding in western NC in the wake of Hurricane Helen. My heart goes out to the many that have lost everything and those that are working around the clock to hold things together. This is a very unfortunate set of events and I am personally looking for ways to help this community as they continue to rescue, sure up, and rebuild all that they have lost. John Gilmore and I have been keeping tabs on the road conditions and talking to Fontana to try and make a decision on whether to continue with DFR this coming weekend. So far what we are hearing is that Fontana is okay and the surrounding roads seem to be clear of trouble. However, I am not there seeing it for myself and I am continuing to reach out to Fontana and others in the area for clarity. Based on the information that we have to go on right now, we are inclined to keep DFR on for this weekend but we are still seeking further advice to be sure. Our fall event is smaller in numbers and at the moment we think it will be okay. The local roads in and around the Dragon seem to be clear and that may end up being what we are confined to. Keep and eye out here for further updates as we sort things out. Either way there is going to be some routes that are closed. You will want to double check your route getting to Fontana to make sure that it is clear. Currently my usual route from Raleigh NC is closed and I will have to take an alternate route.

Feel free to make your own decisions as you see fit and I will do my best to keep you all up to date with current conditions. If you are local to the area and have any insights on conditions please message me and let me know what you know.

 

Things are mostly unaffected here at the Dragon. Ingles is a little short on supplies, so I'd recommend bringing food from elsewhere if needed. The Shell in Robbinsville was cash only as of yesterday. The biggest difference is a lot of 18-wheelers.

 

As everyone to whom it matters is already aware, the newbie run and Franklin drive were cancelled. The cookout is also cancelled. Everyone is trying to meet up at Tapoco for dinner so hopefully we can get some good photos in the parking lot. There is no specific time set, so just generally around dinner time if you want to come try to join. As of now the Saturday drives haven't been cancelled. We will plan to line up as usual and see what happens.

 

Due to traffic conditions the past several days, tomorrow's rollout will be to the bottom of the dam for a group photo. Afterwards will be no scheduled group drive, so feel free to group up as desired and choose your own adventure. The driver's meeting will still be at 9:45 with the rollout starting at 10.