After watching the weather all week, there was some concern that our tour might encounter some challenges from Mother Nature.  As it turned out the sun came out and warmed our path for an enjoyable drive for the first club tour of the year. 

It was a chilly start that morning when we met at the Tamarack Junction Casino.  We had 21 cars ranging in all colors and models with 36 participants who were looking forward to our scenic drive through the Eastern Sierra.  We were joined by many veteran members as well as several new members including, Liz Irvine, John and Kendall Matina and Lonnie and Jan Lee. A few brave souls even had their tops down but they took precautions and were dressed warmly for the occasion. 

The tour headed up and over Geiger Grade to Virginia City and then down 6 Mile Canyon to US 50. We hung a right and ended up on US 95 Alt and then motored on to Yerington for a stretch break.  While this route is pretty familiar for many members, some folks mentioned that they did not know that the 6 Mile Canyon Road even existed and they really enjoyed that stretch of the drive.

Once we left Yerington we headed south and west through the Mason Valley and then turned south for Bridgeport, CA, where we were able to take some less traveled back roads and let the cars breathe a bit.  One fellow we encountered on a twisty portion of the road in his Toyota pickup pulled over to allow our caravan to pass.  Just before reaching the town of Bridgeport we stopped at Bridgeport Reservoir to again stretch and enjoy the beautiful scenery.  The fellow in the Toyota pickup stopped to visit with some of our members and took the time to look at all the cars.  He had owned a Porsche and told us that he really enjoyed hearing the sound of the engines as we passed him and was thrilled at the opportunity to see our beautiful cars.  He said that this chance meeting had spurred his interest into looking into owning another Porsche.  Perhaps he will become a future new member!

From Bridgeport we turned right and jumped on US 395 North, driving along the West Walker River, through the beautiful Walker River Canyon and past Topaz Lake back into Nevada and on to our lunch destination, Rancho Grande in Gardnerville, NV.  The parking lot was full of P-cars as some late arrivals made their way in. The food and service at the restaurant was excellent (and did we mention the great Margueritas?). Everyone enjoyed a great Mexican lunch and as always the camaraderie of all our Porsche attendees.

We all enjoyed our day and this was a great beginning for the Porsche driving season in our region.  It was also gratifying to have the largest Dust Off Tour turn out yet.  I especially want to thank David and Leslie Bentley for assisting us on this tour and our course my husband Harry for putting together a great driving route. Ironically, as I prepared this write up, the snow flurries and wind have returned. It was good of Mother Nature to allow one great day to enjoy getting out and doing what we love best, driving our cars and visiting with our Porsche friends.