November 3, 2007 Mountain Run

Saturday, November 3, 2007 began as all Triad Corvette Club trips... the sun was shining, plans for lunch were being made and last minute discussions were being held as to exactly where we were going.  A small group of us showed up at the Exxon on Hwy 66 in Kernersville for the trip.  The weather was perfect for a day in the mountains.  We pulled out promptly at 9:15.  Mickie was leading the way with our first scheduled stop to be in Galax, Virginia at McAdoo's for lunch.  That's when it happened... As we were rolling down Hwy 52, I looked to the south and saw what I thought was an old war bird just kind of hanging in the air.  I radioed Mickie so he could enlighten me as to what the plane was.  The radio went silent for a few moments then a reply came back, "Margaret says that is the old Piedmont plane, do you want to see if we can get some pictures of our cars with it?"

Mickie didn't really need to ask that question but I gave him a resounding, "YES!"  Margaret (ex-Piedmont employee) phoned ahead to make sure the plane would be there for a while.  We headed on up 52 North and exited at Liberty Street.  Within moments, we were transported back in time 30 years.  The old Piedmont terminal building hasn't changed one bit since I last flew out of there over 30 years ago.  The fully restored DC3 sat gleaming on the tarmac.  Margaret had a quick reunion with some of her old friends then we proceeded out to take a look at the plane.  It was really something to see.  The plane was headed to Tri-Cities Airport.

This old DC3 was 1940's vintage.  My, my how things have changed in the last 60 years!  Entering the plane, you ascend up a 15 degree aisle to your seat.  There is not a/c or heat!  There are only two small fans in the front to circulate the air.

There were no fancy jet ways back then.  You walked across the asphalt and climbed the steps built into the back side of the door.

Here is an opportunity you don't get every day!

Oh yeah, we did finally get to the mountains.....

We stumbled across Fox Creek Leather right outside Independance, VA.  They are home of some of the finest motorcycle leather garments around.  After lightening our wallets a little at Fox Creek, we proceded back to Galax to visit Harmons, home of the biggest collection of Carrhart clothing around. 

We capped off the day with a beautiful ride home.  The fall colors were just spectacular!