I've some relatives that live just outside Burnsville, and my family toured the area during a visit when I was a wee lad. I have fond memories of the place back then. Later, in '04, I rode my motorcycle from Mass to Florida following the Ridge and then down into the Smokies. I sure look forward to seeing your region again, with my most current version of tree appreciation.
TCI is coming up in Charlotte, and I'll be visiting some great folks in Tennessee, too.
I read about a couple record setting trees down there...an Elm and a Tulip (tallest hardwood on the Eastern seaboard?). Sweet!