[hestersu]

It's actually called an FRS radio. Almost everyone involved with Roswell has at least one of the radios. I have 3 myself. A lot of us have the Motorola brand. 2 of mine are FRS-60 models. I've had them for 10 years or so. These are good for about a mile or a little better if we are out in the open, flat ground of the south western US. For a more mountainous, tree-lined area, they may not have that much coverage. I noticed during the Route 66 trip that we had more communications issues in Missouri where there were more mountains. It doesn't matter since you just relay communications if we have a lot of separation.

My other one is supposed to be good for 3 to 5 miles. I don't think it is.

Get what you can afford and buy extra batteries or have a car charger.

The standard channel is Channel 6. The Motorolas have the ability to use sub channels within a channel. Non-motorolas may or may not have that ability. We generally only used the standard channel and nothing fancy.

These can be bought at Radio Shack, Best Buy, Target and the like. I have no idea what they cost. They usually come in two packs. If you have a co-pilot, buy 2 so your co-pilot can join in on the fun. If you are solo, bring 2 in case someone loses one, doesn't have one or yours dies.

Please remember to bring a current insurance card and emergency cash to cover a tow if something happens.

Remember to bring your camera or two, chargers, batteries, laptops, probably a jacket and maybe a ball cap. Sunglasses, comfortable clothing, money and a good attitude. It looks like we will have some challenges with the rock slide. The current info looks like US129 is closed at the Foothills Parkway at the TN state line. I don't know what route we were planning on using to get to Bryson City but we will probably need to look at it before we leave Murfreesboro.

We will get to drive at least some of the Dragon for sure. The good news is we will get to do it twice - once up and then back to the south because we can't go around the slide. I realize TDOT is letting a contract this week but I would bet they don't get it cleaned up before we get there. I suspect it will be more towards the end of May or even June. Apparently there is some unstable rock still above the road that will need to be stabilized and/or removed. Even if the road itself is cleaned up, the situation up above the road will keep the road closed at the TN line until it is safe.

It's still going to be a great trip.