June 20 Gregory Bald

Cades Cove in morning mist

Its bloom time on top of Gregory Bald again. This year, Parsons Branch Road is closed so everyone is hiking up the Gregory Ridge Trail to visit the bald. I counted 48 cars in the parking area and along the road when I left. So that likely translated into over 100 people on the bald today. Its Monday and the bloom is a couple days past peak. There is no telling how many folks made the trek on Saturday and Sunday. 

After spending the night in nearby Townsend, I began the day early, making the 40 minute drive to the parking area. At 7:09am I am on the trail. There are several groups in front of me. After 30 minutes I overtook the first group. They were a group of three American Rhododendron Society members making the pilgrimage. They were so interesting, I decided to hike with them to the campsite at the 2 mile mark. I heard tales of a long procession of visits to azalea and rhododendron haunts in the southeast. They had been to Blood Mountain, Roan Mountain, Hoopers Bald, Andrews Bald and more chasing the blooms over the past few weeks.

After the campsite, I moved ahead until I ran into another couple ARS guys. I hiked with them for a while hearing similar stories. Their pace slowed and I needed to maintain a brisk pace to make the return drive home. The trail seemed relentless until you have almost attained Rich Gap. Just before the gap, the ascent softens. Here, I caught a cool breeze which seemed to breathe new energy into me. Once at Rich Gap, I moderated the pace to arrive at the bald refreshed.

It is always exciting upon entering the bald. the show is about to begin. I had to force myself to stop and put on some gaiters. I'd heard tales of rattlesnakes and someone mentioned a copperhead. Somehow, the thin gaiters made me feel more protected from those creatures. The bald had been mowed recently. Thanks to the ARS for providing the mower and to NPS volunteers who carry up the fuel and ride the mowers through the bald, exposing those snakes in the grass. No snakes for me today. No bears. I did hear a Veery which always delights me.

My seat with a view was waiting for me. The view was Cades Cove below and Maryville and environs beyond. You can't make a lunch reservation for a better seat. 

Azalea lovers of all ages were on the bald today. I saw a few who looked to be in their 80s. I hope that will be me in 20 years, making the 12 mile hike.

After close to an hour, I headed down. For the next hour and a half, I met many folks headed up. Some looked energetic but most looked tired. I saw a few that I thought were not enjoying the climb. 

It had taken me 3 hours and 40 minutes to hike up but only 2 hours for the descent. 

Here she is, "Covergirl"!

See you next year!

June 8 On the American Tobacco Trail

These guys are at the new trailhead on New Hope Church Road. There is parking space for over 90 cars here. I'll bet it is a crowded section of trail on the weekends.

Looks like Southern Blue Flag

June 7 Uwharrie Chanterelles

The chanterelle season began in early June this year. We had a nice rain about a week ago. The little buttons remained dormant in the leaf litter until we had some rain. Just enough rain to push them through the leaf litter. I was able to forage for about 4 days before the mushrooms just dried out. 

Hopefully, we'll get another opportunity this year. 

June 4 Celebration at Pilot Mountain

Today was Pilot Mountain State Park's turn to have its centennial celebration events. To kick off the day at 8am, a local Moravian brass band played Moravian favorites to a small group atop Little Pinnacle.

A short program on local Moravian history followed. In the 1750s Lord Granville sold the church 100,000 acres of land. The Moravians called the tract Wachovia. In 1753 the first group of 15 arrived and began a settlement at Bethabara to scout the area for a more permanent location. Later when Salem was built, Bethabara became less important and eventually was abandoned. The Moravians used the Pilot Mountain area as a quarry. The term "grindstone" is still used by the park as a hiking trail name.

Throughout the day, other events took place in the state park. The annual fishing derby took place in a newly acquired section of the park referred to as "Pilot Creek". Bicyclists visited all day on the way between the park, Hanging Rock State Park and Sauratown Mountain. Unfortunately, evening events were cut short by threatening weather and overcast skies.