Monarch observers have reported on Journey North some huge numbers crossing the southernmost Blue Ridge Ridge Parkway yesterday, October 14, and the day before. As many as 2000 or so an hour at Cherry Cove Gap and perhaps that many at Haywood Gap. Edie and I stopped at the latter today and witnessed a short flurry of heavy traffic. Though we didn't count, we saw dozens flying right over our heads in a few minutes. This is the heaviest flow I have ever seen. It's possible tomorrow will be quite heavy. Haywood Gap is at Milepost 426.5. This is not an official overlook, but you can find a bit of parking on gravel and there is some space in the grass. Sit on the guardrail along the south side of the road.
UPDATE for 10/16, 8:00 am: The high temperature today in Asheville is expected to be 55 degrees F. Monarchs can only fly when their muscles reach 54 degrees, and it will be cooler than Asheville at higher elevation, so the flow might not begin again until Tuesday or later.
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