News / Events 2023

Upcoming Chapter Events:

The Weather Saturday, November 4th..

You don’t want to miss this experience….. gasoline is reasonable. I gassed up at Murphy for $2.99/gallon.

You can sit in the LazyBoy or drive your Volvo and have a REAL experience. Not virtual via the screen.

Photo taken Saturday October 28, 2023…

The Kaj Bern Fall colour tour commemorates Kaj’s contribution to Volvo of America and a founder of the Blue Ridge Chapter. 

When: November 4th (Saturday)

Convene at the Pilot Service Center at I-40 and NC 209 (Exit 24) at 10 AM.  Driver’s briefing at 10:15am 

This is the last day of Summer Time. As such it ensures a full day of sunlight. 

The long range weather forecast is for sunny skies and convertible weather. 

Must Haves:  Snacks, a FRS walkie-talkie tuned to Channel 11 to facilitate communication between drivers and myself.  Get one here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=frs+radio&crid=2DH28HWBZO7ED&sprefix=frs%2Caps%2C168&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_3

Route: 

A stop at Ferguson Supply for coffee and swag is included. Ferguson Supply is akin to Wall Drugs, Wall, SD in the Band Lands.

You can stop to photograph the vistas anytime, but stay in communication by FRS radio, channel 11.

The terminus is Hot Springs, NC. The Appalachian Trail cuts through the center of Hot Springs. Hike the trail Hike the trail briefly so you can honestly say, “I’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail.” Bragging rights are important. 

Plan ahead and relax in a hot tub.   https://www.nchotsprings.com/mineral-baths/

The hearty can jump into the ice cool water of the French Broad River to firm the skin and shrink pores.  I’ve done this and fortunately did not suffer a cardiac event. So bring your swimming togs and a robe; the air is chilly. A bottle of wine and/or a thermos of hot coffee/chocolate complements the experience.

Dinner in Hot Springs followed by a retreat to your overnight accommodation.

Sunday, November 5th…. weather dependent, either tour Asheville or drive the Tail of the Dragon.  We’ll decide once we reach Hot Springs.