PagodaFest went according to plan.
On Thursday afternoon, members started arriving and by early evening into our happy hour (with provided appetizers) most had arrived. New friends were made, old friends re-acquainted. Some immediate issues with some cars were identified and our member and resident technician/engineer/mechanic, Pedro Campuzano, plans were made for repairs.
Friday morning we met in our dedicated conference room for breakfast at 8 AM, and we discussed the drive. But, before that the Blount County mayor came by to welcome us all to Blount County and Eastern Tennessee, a nice touch and welcome. We went over the driving of the day, which in the morning was the Cherohala Skyway from Tellico Plains TN to Robbinsville NC. Outside or Robbinsville we stopped for our barbecue lunch at the Historic Tapoco Tavern. The weather was so nice at this point, many chose to sit outside on the patio. Also at the tavern was the Porsche 914 club. We shortly got on our way to the Tail of the Dragon, a famous stretch of Route 129 with 318 turns in 11 miles, another great drive. On these drives those without their own Pagoda were given a seat in one and many shared driving so that everyone could enjoy the experience.
Most arrived back at the hotel before 5 PM, the start of our happy hour and appetizers once again. One car needed to be towed back, but that was eventually repaired by Pedro. Dinner was at 7 PM in our conference room, and after dinner people hung out around the fire pit outside.
Saturday, breakfast was at 8 AM and tech sessions began. We started with Chuck Taylor discussing very early 230SLs, one of his passions. We moved onto Ray Hays discussing 5-speed options today, getting into good detail with his and other experiences. Chuck came back on and went through the linkage tour, eventually moving outside to look at two cars. One was pretty spot on, the other pretty out of spec but was corrected in the process that everyone could see. Finally, our guest lecturer George Murphy came and provided a presentation on caring for your aging Pagoda. At the conclusion of these presentations, lunch was served and then we went on the Foothills Parkway drive, and that was arguably more spectacular that the day before, without much challenge but rich with beauty. A new member arrived with his new to him Pagoda, not drivable because of an oil leak. Pedro got that fixed and the car drove the Foothills, along with his 11 year old son who soaked it all up!
We returned to the hotel for happy hour and appetizers followed by dinner. Again, after dinner and around the fire, friendships were made and rekindled. Hoods were open, cars repaired, parts and knowledge exchanged. Pagoda group members at their best.
We all met again on Sunday morning for breakfast at 8 AM, but shortly thereafter most began their departure, and as they say, another one in the books.
One idea discussed around the fire, was PagodaFest 2027...and a location in the west was offered. I don't want to jump the gun but we're going to try hard to make it happen. It will be spectacular!
