Dear Math Honors students,

In case you are around this summer, I have planned three excursions for
the students participating in the summer honors research program. I have
given details below. If you are interested in going on any of these
excursions, let me know. For Alum Bluff, I need to know by tomorrow
afternoon in order to plan transportation. For the other trips, e-mail me
by Saturday to let me know if you are interested in going. I'm not asking
for a definite commitment yet; I'll ask for that later when it comes time
to make the (non-refundable!) reservations. Between my minivan and one of
the GTA vehicles there may be enough seats to take everyone who wants to
go. If not, we'll discuss transportation later. Each of the excursions is
an all-day event: morning until late afternoon.

Saturday, July 10 (this coming Saturday): Alum Bluff trail
Saturday, July 24: Virginia Creeper Bike Trail
Sunday, August 1: Ocoee whitewater rafting

Excursion details:

Alum Bluff Trail. 4.4 miles moderate trail in Great Smoky Mountains, 1100
foot elevation gain. Small Rock Arch, great views, old alum mine at the
end. Those who do not wish to hike the entire distance can return early.
Possibly stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and The Sinks for an
(optional) swim.

Virginia Creeper Bike Trail. Take a bike shuttle to White Top Mountain.
Ride 17 mile easy 100% downhill to Damascus, VA for lunch. Another 17
miles of gently rolling trail can be skipped in favor of a shuttle, for
those without the energy to continue. Cost about $25 (bike rental and
shuttle). For those who transport themselves and a bicycle, shuttle alone
is  about $12.

Ocoee Rafting. This is regarded as one of the best whitewater stretches in
the USA that is accessible to beginners. No experience needed, but not for
the faint of heart. It features almost continuous class 3-4 rapids. Some
paddling required. Cost: about $28 assuming we go on a Sunday at 9:30 am
See http://www.questexpeditions.com/welcome.htm for more details.


Conrad Plaut
Professor, Director of UT Math Honors
Math Department
Aconda Ct. 104
1534 Cumberland Ave.
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-0612

Office: Aconda Ct. 401A
Phone: 865-974-4319
http://web.utk.edu/~cplaut