Fall Colors Bloom

Hey dudes and dudettes! This day began with a pleasant walk into White Oak Sink, coming in from outside the park and the School House Gap. As I enjoyed the relative quiet I took pictures of some of the many colors along the trail that were in the form of blooms and not the usual suspects yet. Though some trees are beginning to show change the "peak" is still a few weeks out. The enjoyment of the often unrecognized fall blooms delights me as I appreciate this season for the beginnings of some things. I hope you can too. Peace

The Spring Around Here

The picture of the Falls is from an overnight excursion the Mysterious One and I took a few weeks ago in north Georgia, Crockford-Pigeon Mtn, I believe. The others are from here and there and in between.

Spring Walks

Recent Blooms along the Ways

These pictures were taken along various trails in the western half of the park ad each day has brought more blooms. It'll be interesting to see when and what will be the final cold spot for this winter. As in below freezing. We are getting hammered by a severe thunderstorm at this time with a tornado warning as well. Come on paddlers! The creeks will be large tomorrow.

A portion of the AT

Dudes! and Dudettes! What a great experience I had w/ some friends along a section of the AT last week (approx. 70 mls. for myself). This was my first backpacking excursion of this length of time and distance though I've probably walked over 400 miles this year and thus as I was in good physical shape as we covered some righteous elevations between Erwin and Hampton.



We stayed at Greasy Creek Friendly one night and were treated to some veggie items by Connie's vegan friends who were grilling out after hiking. The next morning we bought a hot breakfast from Connie which coupled with good company and a hot pot of coffee made for a good start before getting back on the trail and towards Roan Mountain.
The 3rd and 4th day were physically challenging and worth all the sweat and sore muscles with numerous vistas and great spots to tent camp though at this point is where water needed to conserved some. Water was sometimes a concern due to the lack of rainfall in this region as well as some caution about pollutants from former farm lands on the ridges above the water sources on 4th night and this portion of the trail. Which was a bummer because we spent the night in a tent area right on the side of Laurel Fork a stream which was running despite the dry times.

On the last night we stayed at Kincora Hostel, which by the way lived up to it's billing I read on various sites and reviews, Bob told us that that area was over ten inches below average for rainfall this year. Still the flowers were blooming.

Government Canyon State Natural Area/San Antonio

Dudes and dudettes! What a different experience this walk was in central Texas. After visiting with a few friends in the city for several days the "mysterious one" and I were able to make it to the state natural area mentioned in the title of this entry and hike over 7 and a half miles in a drastically different environment from that of the Cumberland Plateau and Southern Appalachia.



The ranger that we spoke with at the entrance to the 8000+ acre area cautioned us of the 300' elevation gain on the trail we inquired about and the rattle snakes. We enjoyed the walk with no sign of snakes, we did see a few lizards and the elevation gain was of little concern as we had plenty of water in this dry zone.



There were puddles in stream beds occasionally along the way and we were able to also enjoy some beautiful blooms still happening in this part of the world. I had noticed in the local paper the day before (7/4/10) that San Antonio was several inches above average in rainfall at this time and with a good breeze the temperature was not extreme.

The Middle Prong on Monday Morning

This walk began just before 8 a.m., on the third of May. As I approached the parking for the trail I saw only one other vehicle which was great considering it had rained until early in the morning. The heavy rains were the last part of the front which has crushed middle and west Tennessee over the last 3 days.





The middle prong was way up, probably class 3, and 4, rapids in some spots.
The trail was well drained and had a few wet spots where water was covering it however nothing extraordinary. There were birds and squirrels moving around a bunch in the misty morning trees with blooms more noticeable for me as I made the return from the Panther Creek turn around.

West Prong Blooms

This afternoon was a wonderful time for walking! As I made my way about a mile into this walk I was overcome with a flood aromas from blooms, new plants and moist soil from yesterdays rain. The flavors that arrested my sense of smell were powerful and caught my attention more than once along this 4.5 ml hike. I guess you'll have to see for yourself if you're in the area in the next few weeks.










A strong wind was diminished by the terrain making it a cooling pleasant breeze full of spring smells on the trail. With it's smooth sound through the trees the wind was also very soothing as my eyes noted the varying shadows and contrast in each view along the route.
The Crested Dwarf Iris was still prominent in places with numerous other blooms occurring or on the verge of doing so. I saw the back end of a bear as it tried to remain unseen by quickly dashing into some cover about a mile out of #18 on my return trip. What a wonderful day!

Mornings

The morning on Rich Mountain trail was quiet to walk on with the frequent recent rains and active w/ creatures such as birds, chipmunks, and squirrels. Here it is late summer and there are orange, purple, yellow and white blooms happening, as well as lots of different mushrooms. Dang! I wish I had a camera. Peace.

Deviations OTG

Today's route was much like yesterdays only that after several Stream crossings I went right instead of left and followed this another mile plus along an old logging road/railway.
Dude! the weather was great w/ temps in the mid 60's, mostly sunny skies, and not a lot of wind where I was walking. I only saw birds and bee's w/ an occasional squirrel scampering up a tree. The undergrowth is still light so the views into the greening plant world is good and the colors grow in intensity and distinction.
Several long stretches along the route were full of various blooms as far as I could see in any direction and I smiled and gave thanks to the powers that be. Peace.

April Flowers

The blooms have begun in the Smokies! I only know the names of a few though the pictures here will give you a very small glimpse of the already awesome beauty that's being enhanced by the spring flowers. These were taken along my walk today OTG. I went back in almost as far as I did the first time; which I did without a clue as to where I was headed (end of July, '07), and I was grateful I made it out of here then, after seeing the route again today. There is still relatively little undergrowth at this time and It was rockin' w/ full streams, blooms everywhere in multitudes, and the only folks I encountered were walking out about a mile into the walk. There were five stream crossings and I turned around at the sixth. Three of these require some agility and balance. This route follows an old railroad path from the logging that took place here before the park was established.
To do my part in protecting an area from too much traffic I will not give the location of this hike on this site. Though I will type this....Join me next time and experience the appreciation. Peace.

Spring into Wild Life!

The weather is taking a step towards the warmer seasons, at least during the day. Small blooms are starting to emerge at different elevations so enjoy the vistas while you got 'em and prepare for the equally wondrous spectrum of colors just beginning. This walk along Rich Mtn. trail (Saturday 3/21), and a short part of Indian Grave Gap trail, over to the site of the former fire tower, was done so in partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 60's. The trail was in good shape and I encountered no one over the 5ml+ route I chose.
On the return trip, after carefully reviewing my maps, I dropped OTG about a quarter mile down from campsite #5, and into a Steep ravine which brought me to the stream shown on the map. I bushwacked fairly easily, keeping the stream close by for reference, out to the Rich mtn. rd, coming out of Cades Cove, where the stream crosses over the road. I went right at the road crossing about a 1/2 ml. to the parking area picking up empty cans and bottles along the way.