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Here is our best bet for the native azalea trip this year. Spring is apparently very early in the south and the heat is on, so we need to head out earlier than usual to catch the bloom. Since some of us have commitments on June 7 and 8, we are not able to push the dates back very far but those of you who are free may want to explore on your own. The schedule is a bit cramped, but it is about the best we can do this year.

June 8, Wednesday - Some people will be on the road, but others may not leave until Thursday. If there is time, it may be possible to see Rhododendron Gap near Mt. Rogers, spending the night in Marion, VA. Others may head out to West Virginia to see Dolly Sods and will join us later. A few of us may be stuck in traffic on I-81 near Staunton, VA, since there is a repaving project in that area from June 3 to June 9 and VDOT says we can expect serious delays:
http://www.virginiadot.org/newsroom/staunton/2011/motorists_should_expect_delays51253.asp

June 9, Thursday - Stay in Mountain City, TN. If there is time, check out Engine Gap in the Roan Highlands in late afternoon.
Americourt Hotel
450 Dotson Lane
Mountain City, TN 37683-2204
(423) 727-7311

June 10, Friday - Roan Mountain Hike. Pack up the car before leaving motel since we will be heading south when we come off the mountain. If we get down by mid afternoon, we should have time to tour some of the Parkway from Spruce Pine down to Asheville. Spend the night in Asheville.
Days Inn - Biltmore East
1435 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
(828) 298-4000

June 11, Saturday - Drive part of Blue Ridge Parkway south of Asheville but head for Robbinsville by early afternoon where we will spend the night. Take a quick trip to Hooper Bald in late afternoon.
Microtel Inn & Suites
11 Rodney Orr Bypass
Robbinsville, NC 28771
(828) 479-6772

June 12, Sunday - Go back to Hooper Bald in the morning. Possibly see Joyce Kilmer Forest, Wayah Bald, or other sights before heading to Valley View Lodge in Townsend, TN (Stay in Townsend 2 nights)
Valley View Lodge
7726 East Lamar Alexander Parkway
Townsend, TN 37882-4039
(865) 448-2237

June 13, Monday - Hike Gregory Bald. Most people will probably return to Townsend for the evening, but others may want to cancel Monday's night there and head to Robbinsville if continuing south to Slaughter Mountain.

June 14, Tuesday - Alternative Gregory Bald hike day - Head home afterwards, or travel south to Blairsville, GA, to hike up Slaughter Mountain, or find something else neat to see.
Best Western Milton Inn
222 Georgia Highway 515
Blairsville, GA 30512-3504
(706) 745-6995

If you think you want to join us on any part of the trip this year, let one of us know so we can keep an eye out for you. Hope you can make it!

Jim Brant - jandpbrant@verizon.net
Home: 804-693-7556
Cell: 804-832-0879
George McLellan - gmclellan38@gmail.com
Home: 804-693-4253
Cell: 804-824-1012
Don Hyatt - Don@donaldhyatt.com
Home: 703-241-5421
Cell: 703-975-0409 (lousy reception... rarely works)