Apr 27 Huskey & Cucumber Gaps

Little Brown Jugs

The sun decided to make an appearance today. It was much appreciated by all. Today's hike began with a van ride to the Huskey Gap Trailhead. From here we begin hiking uphill. For most of the morning , we were headed uphill. This is a very rich area with much plant diversity. Our group splits in to 3 smaller groups so we can all hear commentary from one of the 3 botanist leaders. I found myself in what later became known as the "rogue group". So called for the slow pace we moved at. Our leader, Margie Hunter, has such a wonderful way of making the complex world of botany, easy to understand.

Wild Ginger

We crossed magnificently rich seeps on this section, loaded with most all the spring wildflowers being showcased. Below, my favorite fern, walking fern made a cameo appearance today. It was on a rock that sported so many other gems.

Walking Fern

By late morning we reached the high point on the trail and then began heading down in a much different environment. As we made our way down, once again a magnificent seep appeared. This one was loaded with trilliums, as far as you could see up, down and ahead.

The 21 leaf Yellow Trillium

A bit further along, Margie spots the Yellow Trillium anomaly she had know of. This group of 6 individuals has reverted back to being all foliage with no flower.

Near there, we stop for lunch and briefly see the other groups. From here, it is a short distance to the junction with Little River Trail and a short walk alongside the creek. Then we turn away from the creek and hike moderately uphill. 

Cindy surveys the creek crossing

This creek doesn't usually pose an issue but there has been much rain this week and the creek is near capacity. I had carried my water shoes which made this crossing easy but others had a time crossing. Many walked upcreek where a fallen tree made a natural bridge. 

Cucumber Gap Trail is a pleasant hike. There were many others out enjoying this trail today. I thoroughly enjoyed today as well. 

Leaves sprout in the roots of an uprooted tree

Last destination today is the Avent Cabin off Jakes Creek Trail. Built in 1845 and acquired by the Avents in the 1920s, it was used by Mayna Avent as a studio. Her watercolor of the cabin is printed on the looseleaf notebook in the cabin.

Mayna Avent's studio cabin