Asheville NC --Hooligans and Hiking --Oct 6

**Tartan Hiker** · 10th September 07, 07:12 PM

OK, a plan has finally emerged for a western NC hike weekend.

Saturday morning, October 6th -- Kilted hike (exact location to be determined...somewhere in the Montreat / East Asheville vicinity depending on starting time, weather, and determination. Dog-friendly. Spouses and spouselings too, of course.

Lunch -- 12:30 - 1:30 at East Village grill.

Tour of Highland Brewing Company -- 2:00 - 3:00 PM. They usually do tours on Friday but made a special arrangement for us. The brewery shop (pint glasses, shirts, etc.) will be open.

3:00 - 6:00 -- Open.

6:00 - whenever -- Dinner at Jack of the Wood and then take in the Hooligans concert.

Sunday, October 7th. Anyone who is able is welcome to join me on the Blue Ridge Parkway for some hawk watching. I coordinate the local hawk watch site and will be up there counting away.

Who's up for it? I know that my son (maybe both sons) and Barclay will be with me, so that's four. We need a few more to make a genuine rabble!

If you want to come down early I can point you to convenient motels and campgrounds.

**MacWage** · 10th September 07, 07:23 PM

OH FECES!

THAT is the PRECISE day of the Hartwell Highland Games!
Gotta work on that one. I REALLY want to be at BOTH!
(As Turpin and Cavscout have a table at the games, they couldn't make it either.)

ANY possibility for a redate?

**HeathBar** · 10th September 07, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by MacWage

THAT is the PRECISE day of the Hartwell Highland Games!

As it is also the day of the TN Highland Festival. I'm sure you'll have good turnout. May you have clear skies all day.

And Barclay,

Have fun. We'll miss you in TN. I'll send you a group photo.

**Packhound** · 10th September 07, 09:24 PM

I've been looking for an excuse to finish my current project. (As if I needed an excuse.) But have already made plans for camping with our best friends and seven year old twins. Can't disappoint the kids and they want to stay close to home. (In case the weather turns on them. Their first experience as a family a year ago was a literal wash-out.) What about a few weeks later?

**Tartan Hiker** · 11th September 07, 08:01 AM

Between family doings, bowhunting season, and monitoring the hawk watch my fall weekends are pretty full. The Oct 6th date emerged due to the Hooligans performance at Jack of the Wood.

For those who can't make that date, I'd be happy to work with you on another date for a group hike, perhaps in late October or November when the leaf-peepers leave (we get a big influx of tourists here to see the Fall leaf colors. The season peaks in mid-October. During that time, driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway is nearly impossible and the hotels jack up their rates. By the last week in October, things pretty much return to normal and the weather is consistently cool.)

**Barclay** · 11th September 07, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by HeathBar

And Barclay,

Have fun. We'll miss you in TN. I'll send you a group photo.

Thanks, Heath - I'm sorry, I just can't do all the driving (since I'll be returning from a week in Cincy / Indianapolis on the 5th and leaving on vacation on the 7th). I really want to be there, but the funds and the 6 hour drive make it difficult. What if I promise to make the AGM in 08, regardless of location? I was really looking forward to seeing you and Lisa, too...and to seeing your dad in his brand new kilt!

**Barclay** · 11th September 07, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by Tartan Hiker

By the last week in October, things pretty much return to normal and the weather is consistently cool.)

...and the locals come out from their tourist-free, safe and comfy hidy-holes to face the world again.

Summer went by way too fast this year, but I am so looking forward to a nice Southern Appalachian autumn! (mmm...Jack of the Wood's chili and a Guiness!)

Since it stays moderately warm, Bill, maybe we could do something, if anyone cares to, in conjunction with the Foothills Games the first weekend of November. Just a thought...and throwing John a bone to keep him from uttering "feces" again.

**Tartan Hiker** · 11th September 07, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by Barclay

Since it stays moderately warm, Bill, maybe we could do something, if anyone cares to, in conjunction with the Foothills Games the first weekend of November. Just a thought...and throwing John a bone to keep him from uttering "feces" again.

Sounds like a very good plan to me!

**ccga3359** · 11th September 07, 07:26 PM

Now that's thinking the hike before the brewery. Must make note of this.

**MacWage** · 11th September 07, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by Barclay

Just a thought...and throwing John a bone to keep him from uttering "feces" again.

Just using the MEANING of 2 common versions-> one censored and the other not.

(One reason I don't -usually- curse is that ALL the words have meanings and most "cursing" is simply explicit non-sensical idiocy ramblings. When another meaning for the term is inserted, the oddity of the phrases is painfully obvious.

)

Now, a date around the Foothills game would be rather cool! If not that weekend, then the one after (Foothills closes the Southeastern games for the year).