May 29 The Tennessee Waltz    -- Sponsored by the Williams, The Fairmans, the Matisaks & the Forresters     Every Summer for the past few years, the Music City Miata Club has had a water event on Old Hickory Lake called the Miata Armada. This year, thanks to the Williams, the Matisaks and two new friends, the Forresters, we are sliding the event up a notch or two on our "fun" scale. The sponsors will be serving as Captains and First Mates on a riverboat excursion from Nickajack Landing, approximately 30 miles, through the beautiful Tennessee River Gorge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_River_Gorge to Chattanooga.   This canyon formed by the Tennessee River, as it cuts through the Cumberland Plateau into Alabama on it's way to the Ohio River, is the fourth largest river gorge in the eastern United States. The trip will take us past Raccoon Mountain, Signal Mountain, many beautiful homes, side canyons and through the Moccasin Bend area, plus much more.   And our Captains are issuing an invitation for MCMC members to join them for this "Waltz" down the Tennessee River on Saturday, May 29. They will be making their three pontoon boats available for use on this day-long expedition through God's country. For your pleasure there will be coolers of ice on each boat to chill your favorite imported beverage. Chips, crackers, nuts, etc. will be provided by our hosts. Port-a-Potties with privacy enclosures are on each boat for any "have to" cases.   The meeting place will be at the Murfreesboro Cracker Barrel located at I-24, Exit 81-B. Those of you having breakfast should arrive at 7 a.m. We will be departing at 8 a.m., with a full belly, a full tank and an empty bladder, as we do not plan on a rest stop along the way. Gray Sands will be leading the group down I-24 to Nickajack Landing where we will begin boarding for departure around 9:30 a.m.  There is ample parking in the adjacent picnic area, with restrooms for use before departing and upon returning. Jackets & and a "throw" are recommended as the water temperatures are cooler, which makes the air cooler, as well.    The hosts are requesting a $10 per person contribution as we board the vessels to help defray the cost of petrol. The trip down river to Chattanooga will take approximately 3 hours, and once we dock we will walk the four blocks to Sticky Finger'shttp://www.stickyfingers.com/default.aspx for lunch (optional....ride the Electric shuttle's, which are free).  Sticky Finger's menu https://www.stickyfingers.com/WebpageFaderSecure.aspx?WebpageId=144&CategoryId=49 leaves nothing to the imagination. They have wonderful bar-b-cue, wings, ribs, salads & more.  They also serve alcoholic beverages for those so desiring. Hopefully there will be time for anyone wanting to do a little shopping to do so before heading back on the boats for a nice return float to Nickajack.   We should arrive back at Nickajack Landing between 6-7 p.m. for the return trip to Nashville. It's going to be an outstanding adventure. So make your plans to join the MCMC Armada for our Waltz on the beautiful Tennessee River.   ATTENTION: We know that there will be a large turnout for this event. And the capacity of each of the pontoon boats is 8 passengers, plus the Captains & First Mates, for a total of 24 passengers. So, the participation will be limited. In order to provide all members with an equal opportunity and a fair chance of joining the fun on the 29th, we will be issuing an Email on Sunday, April 25 between 4-5 p.m. as the event's "Final Announcement" requesting RSVP's from club members wishing to participate.    NOTE: Your RSVP cannot precede the date/time of the "Final Announcement" Email. Don't forget to include your spouse's name or any single companion. Only RSVP's sent by Email will be accepted. No verbal or phone calls will be accepted. Your RSVP must be sent to the Williams at bkwms48@localnet.com. Barbara Williams will respond to each RSVP received, so you know she got it. Once the boats are full, we will still accept RSVP's, but they will be placed on a waiting list, should someone drop out along the way.   Key cell phone numbers's include Barbara: 347-4988 , David: 347-2838 , Phil: 476-0934  and Gray: 419-3943 . For anyone wishing to drive directly to Nickajack Landing on the 29th, take I-24, Exit 158 at Powell's Crossing (Hwy 27); turn right at bottom of ramp and go 2 miles, just past blue TVA sign on left; turn left at Shellmound Recreation sign, then take a left into the Picnic Parking area. In case of inclement weather, we will do our best to reschedule the event later in the summer.   FLOAT, FLOAT, FLOAT YOUR BOAT !