There have been a couple of recent travel changes that should help reassure parents regarding safety for your child on the trip. The most important of these is that we are now planning to take two travel days both directions. Since I am the primary driver (there will be another adult with me) and will likely do most of the driving, we are scheduling a motel stop about the half-way point to NC as well as on the return trip.
The second change is related to this. We will no longer need to depart so early in the morning on Saturday, rather we are leaving Friday at 1 p.m. Students are to be dropped off at the school no later than 12:30 for this 1 p.m. departure. Everyone should have eaten lunch, but I will assume responsibility for supper. Remember that your tuition includes two meals/day while on these trips, although for the Ft. Davis trip the school provided all three meals every day. We will also be able to do this while in NC as we are grocery shopping and cooking in the condo. However, while on the road and while in D.C. we are responsible for only two meals daily. Please send enough cash with your student to accommodate additional meals/snacks as necessary.
We will now plan on arriving in NC earlier in the day on Saturday, but will still have a day to recuperate (Sunday) prior to leaving Monday for D.C. Instead of waiting until early Tuesday morning the 20th for our return we will depart from NC around noon on Monday, drive about half-way, and make the remainder of the journey on Tuesday.
**********
I have been planning all along to give the students Friday off. The only difference now is that we are actually going to depart at midday on Friday. Additionally, primarily to assist me with all the preparation I must do between now and that departure, school will be dismissed early everyday this week. Please make arrangements to pick up your student at 3:45 p.m. daily (Mon-Thu). If unable to pick up your teen at 3:45 please email me that you are aware he or she may be left unattended on campus after that time while I run into town for important errands (and that your child has your permission to wait for you unsupervised). There are a number of matters I must attend to that must be done prior to 5 p.m. I do appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
**********
Please be sure to adapt your packing to this particular trip. You will not require any camping gear, nor do you need to bring a towel, washcloth, etc. All overnight accommodations are in rooms with actual beds, linens, and towels provided! For ease of access, please keep your toiletry bag at the top of your luggage or with you in the van. When we stop at the motels going and coming we will not be unloading the van. Students may bring into the rooms only the clothes they are wearing and their toiletry bag with items needed to prepare for sleep. Contact lens wearers should remember to pack their necessary solutions and case in that bag! Also, don't forget to bring a pair of glasses in the event those are needed. Clothing-wise, be prepared for cool and/or wet weather. Everyone should have a travel umbrella (small, compact, carried with them in the van). Flip flops will not be needed. A pair of hiking boots in addition to tennis shoes might be good (but only if you already have them -- don't purchase!). Again, a small pillow for the trip will be allowed, but nothing large. Bring a couple of pair of jeans, a couple of long-sleeved t-shirts, a sweater/sweatshirt or medium weight jacket. Plan on washing clothes (we will have access to washer and dryer) rather than wearing a new outfit every day!!! Absolutely no luggage taller than the 21" maximum allowed as overhead luggage on airlines. That plus a small backpack for a book to read, steno pad and pencil (for museum notes), snacks, etc.
If in doubt, LEAVE IT BEHIND! If you have any questions about what to bring just ask. Also, a great weather site for Beech Mtn info is Raysweather.com. Click on "Avery County" on the left on his homepage, then click on "Beech Mtn" for an extended forecast. Ray gives the best forecast in the area. A contact number for the condo (cell phone reception is iffy) is 828.387.3052. The D.C. hotel is Wingate Wydham at Stafford, VA (ask for number if you feel you'll need it; D.C. cell reception should not be a problem).
