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Summer Mountain Drive
By Mary Ann Kretz

   Clouds and threatening rain were not enough to deter 16 intrepid drivers on July 14 for the 2007 Summer Mountain Drive.  The “southern” group met at a restaurant off Georgia 400 and made their way to a parking lot in Cleveland Georgia to meet up with the rest of the group.  The brave drivers lowered tops on roadsters and prepared for the scenic drive.  Roy Cleveland handed out maps and directions to lunch and the drive was on.  The Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway beckoned even though the sky was darkening and the mountains were sheathed in mist and haze.

   There were rumblings among the drivers of shopping at “Alexander’s”, the place for “everything under the sun”.  Alas, it was not to be as drivers stoically stuck to the road and the plan for lunch.  Could it be that the stomach is actually stronger than the wallet?

   We arrived at the luxurious Brasstown Valley Golf Club in Young Harris, Georgia just after noon to find our tables already reserved on the veranda overlooking the golf course.  As the weather was cool from the elevation and the cloud cover, the temperature was perfect for outside dining.  The buffet was excellent and the setting peaceful and serene.

   The long uphill driveway to the Golf Club claimed the first victim of the drive as Bob and Linda Ray’s beautiful XK120 roadster decided she was going no farther.  The Rays were able to join the group for lunch but ended their trip with a ride back home in the tow truck!  Now they will have another story of a great Jaguar adventure.

   The remaining drivers set out for the northern loop of the trip passing the Georgia Mountain Fair and many happy tubers on the Hiawassee River.  We made our turn back to the wilderness area and the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center heading for the highest point in Georgia.  The parking lot was relatively empty so we staked out a section and filled it with Jaguars.