Collins Chew reporting
We had ideal weather for our 4.8-mile hike from Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge and return and then another 0.5 mile (about) hike through the Rhododendron Gardens. Along the AT, the rhododendrons were upstaged by a nearly continuous, beautiful display of flame azalea with many colors showing. The rhododendrons were also very nice, particularly near the top of Grassy Ridge and in the Gardens. There were many other wildflowers, including American Mountain Ash, Grays Lily, bluets, ragwort, and more. Many others shared our enjoyment of the day. There was the usual stop for peaches as well. Hikers were: Olin Babb, Lee Bockman, Anne Cosby, Carol and Dave Dunham, Judith Foster, Bob Harvey, Jerry Sluder, Judy and Bill Tindall, Lowell Toof, first timers Rikki Rhoton and Sharon Trumley, and Collins Chew.