The Cloudland Tr of Roan Mtn; a Saunter

We are the Sloth Hike Team of WNC: “We will get there when we get there.” We dare to go where the ‘real’ hike groups don’t !!
John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not 'hike' through them.”
I am going to The Cloudland Tr AND Rhododendron Gardens of Roan Mtn; A few of you are welcome to join me.
DETAILS BELOW:
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Masticating will be ‘in motion’.
Weather Check: “Roan Mountain, TN”
Weather cancellations will be posted at 6:30am.
Rain date will be: Tue; Jun 2 or Wed; Jun 3
Drive time: 2 hrs/90 mi (1-way)
Return Not earlier than: 2 pm (=6.5hrs)
Your carpool contribution will be $11.00 (cash)
There is a $3.00/person park fee (cash)
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
I currently have 2 driver. (=8ppl)
We suggest slightly open windows while carpooling. Only you know your own health status so judge accordingly if an event may endanger your health or the health of others.
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver's car at the end of the hike.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair. Obstreperous raucous yawping is discouraged. My attempts to quiet the prattlers has failed. This has become a ‘social networking’ event.
THIS IS A DOG-PARTICIPANT HIKE. Dogs (and Masters) required to be ‘on-leash'. Small (lap)dogs may carpool. Large dogs will drive themselves.
Description:
Remember - hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have challenging surprises.
I will be carrying the ‘Ent-Ward’ that gives us permission to pass thru the forest.
CLOUDLAND Tr details:
Length: 2.5mi; Total ascent: 300ft
Difficulty: well developed trail; natural surface
DESCRIPTION; Blooming Rhododendrons and vast Mountain Overlook (often in clouds)
ROAN MTN RHODODENDRON GARDENS TN details
An easy concrete trail starts at the Bathrooms and winds through rhododendrons to an overlook. You can choose between a short, 0.3-mile loop or continue on a longer, natural-surface figure-eight loop (0.7mi total).
The Rhododendron Gardens are located in a Canadian temperate zone. Each year, thousands of people flock to the mountain at the peak bloom period during late June. In a good year a single bush might boast over 100 clusters of flowers while hundreds of bushes spread out over the mountain. Catawba Rhododendron bushes are so plump and round that they appear to have been pruned by the hand of man to achieve their perfect shape, yet the only sculpture work on Roan Mountain is that of Mother Nature.
All hikes are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: The organizer of this event is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this event. There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, by signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendo Fun Friends, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. The leader(s) also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for recording on website photo collections.
gordie's contact: CurmudgeonHiker@gmail.com
(before day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)
**Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146993931@N05/albums**