HANDLAN NEWSLETTER

July 2009

The mid-summer meeting of the Handlan Chapter of the Brooks Bird Club is this Monday, July 20th, at the home of Doren Burrell on Crestwood Road, near Mink Shoals (directions below).  Bring your stories of bird observations, nature adventures, and/or summer travels that you've experienced since our May meeting.  We'll share those during the meeting and also discuss the Breeding Bird Atlas project.  Plan to be there by 7:00, and, weather permitting, we should have plenty of daylight to enjoy an outside get-together.  Doren will provide some light refreshments, watermelon, and drinks.  Since we'll be outside at least part of the time, bring a lawn chair or lightweight folding chair or two if you have them.
 
Here's how to get there.  Since most people will be coming from or through Charleston, those directions are first, followed by directions for those coming from the north (Pinch, Quick, Elkview, etc.).  For assistance, Doren's home # is 304-343-5873.
 
From Charleston, take I-77 North to I-79 North and travel the short distance to the first I-79 exit, which is Mink Shoals.  At the end of the exit ramp, turn right, onto US 119, going toward Elkview.  After one mile, you'll see a sign for Elk Hills.  Then begin to look for green road signs on the left side of the road.  The third green sign marks Crestwood Road, which leaves the highway at a steep angle to the left.  Make this left turn onto Crestwood and note your mileage.  Drive two miles on Crestwood.  The road is narrow and winding and uneven in a couple of places, so just take your time.  (Note:  the house numbers on this road are NOT in order, so don't be surprised if you see 417 after 510, etc.)  You'll know you are getting close when you pass an enormous red barn on your right.  You'll first see Doren's house (524 Crestwood) as a small white house immediately below the road, on the right.  Just past that, you'll reach a three-way intersection, and the gate for Doren's gravel driveway is right at the intersection.
 
From north of Charleston:  Go to Big Chimney and head toward the I-79 interchange for Big Chimney.  Go under the interstate and follow the road as it bends to the right.  This is Mile Fork Road.  Follow Mile Fork Road to where Mink Shoals Branch Road turns off to the left.  Take Mink Shoals Branch Road up the hill until you come to a very wide spot where several roads and driveways intersect.  Doren's house - 524 Crestwood - is immediately on your left.  (This will be the first available left after getting on Mink Shoals Branch Road.)
 
See you Monday!
 
Jim