Folks, It looks like spring is making an early start this year - everywhere I go, I see signs of spring much earlier than normal.
I am making a few hikes this weekend looking for the appearance of the rare and elusive Oconee Bell wildflower. They usually make their debut in mid to late March, but I wouldnt be suprised if I find some over the next couple of days. I will have a report when I get back, for those interested. Maybe we should begin our spring "sticky" thread for wildflower and spring updates across the SE.
Posted by Jerry Greer on March 10, 2006 at 8:35 AM
It's "sticky"! This is our official SPRING thread! Man, I can't wait, bring it on!
Yo Bern, you missed a goodin last night at the Downhome!
Just got back from a couple unplanned days in the Smokies. The daffodils were blooming all over Cades Cove. Some mountain laurel along the Ramsey Cascades trail have tiny little buds on top, though I have no idea how long it takes for these to turn into flowers. A few small purple flowers here and there and some dogwoods blooming down in town. Rangers reported some trailing arbatus (sp?) blooming along a few trails, but we didn't see any on our hikes. Water flow seemed pretty high by comparison to many of the photos I've seen of a few of the popular falls. Cades Cove CG was a circus, as was the loop drive.
Jerry: We're headed up there again in 3 or 4 weeks. Wanna meet up?
Posted by Steve Hamley on March 13, 2006 at 4:48 PM
Folks,
I walked the Old Sugarlands Trail today and noted the early yellow halberd leaved violet, some scattered purple violets, and a japonica blooming near one of the old homesites. Along the Little River Road, there were some white flowers that were probably bloodroot that I could'nt get a good look at.
Trillium have buds, but there a way off at this time.
Steve
Posted by Steve Hamley on March 15, 2006 at 7:52 AM
Noted the first redbud blooms today on the way in to work in sunny yards.
BTW there are quite a few trees down in the Smokies from spring storms, so if hiking is in your plans, allow a little extra time for blow downs. A lot havebeen cleared, but there are still some left.
Steve
Posted by Steve Wachtel on March 15, 2006 at 7:15 PM
Alright... I'm a spring noobie here... where should I be going for wildflower displays?
I think I may have a place for mtn laurel along the Dragon's Tail, but I don't know of anything else.
Can anyone make any suggestions and timeframe guesses?
Posted by Steve Hamley on March 16, 2006 at 5:23 AM
Steve,
Send me your e-mail and I'll send you a Word document from my notes that should help.
Steve
Posted by Steve Wachtel on March 16, 2006 at 8:12 AM
Steve... THANKS... you should be able to email me from the link below my post (theoretically). I don't see any way here to email you...
CNP member coming to North Georgia Mtn, Smoky NP area, May 3-8 looking for suggestions. What time off Spring wildflower selections would I expect, any blooming Dogwoods trees still? Have not booked anywhere to stay, open for suggestions.
Jody: Gimme a call when you get into town if you want to meet up.
Posted by Steve Hamley on March 18, 2006 at 5:52 PM
Folks,
I did the Sugarlands again today to shoot something I saw last Monday, then Cades Cove. There are nice red tree buds in the Cove on the East and West ends, and some on the south side, but the middle is mostly bare. Jonquils are blooming in the Cove, and violets are popping up fast.
Steve
Posted by Leann Greene on March 20, 2006 at 12:16 PM
Volunteer daffodils on way to waterfall in West NC.Periwinkles also blooming-not much on BRPW yet.
Posted by Steve Hamley on March 21, 2006 at 7:24 AM
Well, it looks like spring sprang back for a week or so. 29 degrees tonight, and low 50s for the highs for a while. Dang I was looking forward to hiking in short sleeves.
Steve
Posted by Thomas Biggs on March 21, 2006 at 11:11 AM
We had snow here yesterday and maybe more tonight
Posted by Steve Wachtel on March 23, 2006 at 6:46 PM
So... anyone have any thoughts on where to shoot this coming weekend? Trees are blooming (or done) here in Columbia... not sure what any of them are. Most everything I've seen seems to be on someone's lawn. Any ideas on more "wild" or at pseudo-wild places to pull out the toys?
Posted by Steve Hamley on March 23, 2006 at 8:12 PM
Steve,
If it snows much they'll close all the roads in the Smokies. The "usual suspects" are routes 215 and 276 out of Waynesville, NC, US 19 ot of Maggie. All these cross the Blue Ridge Parkway at elevation. Although the Parkway will be closed if it snows much, there are opportunities along 215 and 276 plus you could walk out the Parkway from the 215 or 276 crossings for some good views.
If you're up Jerry's way (Johnson City), there's always Roan Mountain area.
Down South, try the Tellico River road and Bald River Falls, or go on up the Cherohala Skyway for some serious altitude.
Typically, these routes are open but you travel at your own risk. There are some places on these roads that if you went off, you'd wake up in China.
Steve
Posted by Steve Wachtel on March 23, 2006 at 8:23 PM
Hmmm... never faced "going off the road" problems in Colorado!! I hate it when my back end starts sliding toward unfathomable abysses. I hate it in the truck, too.
Thanks for the info, Steve. Any color anywhere yet (i.e. flowers) other than the few daffodils I saw between all the cars at Cades Cove last weekend?
I suppose I could simply stay home and do my taxes...
Posted by Steve Wachtel on March 23, 2006 at 8:24 PM
Calling Mr. Edge. Mr. Bret Edge... are you out there???
Posted by Steve Hamley on March 24, 2006 at 7:43 AM
Steve,
Not much in the Smokies - the cold weather basically slows down the development to a crawl. I would expect you'd have some luck south of here, like Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness, Fiery Gizzard, or Walls of Jericho.
Steve! What's up, dude? Sorry I haven't emailed you yet as things here have been crazy. When are you heading up?
Posted by Lori Kincaid on March 25, 2006 at 6:37 AM
Steve,
The Oconee Bells were blooming last Tuesday (3/21) down in Devil's Fork State Park, SC. Don't know how cold it's gotten down there though or whether it's affected them. If you're looking for snow, we have plenty in the Max Patch area--six to eight inches last night at dark and it's still snowing and socked in. You'll need tire chains or 4WD to get up here.
Anyone know what the conditions are like at GSMNP in the Cosby CG area? We're thinking of heading up there next weekend.
Posted by Steve Wachtel on March 26, 2006 at 9:21 PM
Spring in the Low Country...
Azaleas up the ying-yang; dogwoods; camilias; a couple gators, and some ticks.
Spent the weekend down around Charleston having Bernabe and Greer show a few folks around... thanks, gents! One would suppose that the "flower band" should start marching west rapidly from here on out.
Bret... drop me an email. Gonna be gone to Colorado for the next couple weekends, but after that.......
Posted by Steve Hamley on March 27, 2006 at 8:01 AM
Brett,
I suspect that with the recent cold weather, spring peak will still be a couple of weeks off. However, I'd drive over to Greenbrier and hike a couple of miles up the Porter's Creek trail. We're supposed to have near-70's weather for several days this week, and the section of this trail above the "third bridge" is always one of the best early hikes. Expect bloodroot, dutchman's breeches, spring beauties, and with luck, a lot of phacelia. I'll probably head there one day this weekend.
Thanks for the advice, Steve. We'll definitely do that. Our favorite hike from the last visit was Ramsey Cascades (same general area) and I wanted to explore around there some more. We'll try Porter's Creek up to Campsite 31. Is that far enough to take us past the 3rd bridge?
Also, are any of the trees leafing out yet?
If you make it over there look for my truck. It's a silver Toyota Tacoma w/ Colorado license plates and a CNP sticker on the back. It would be great to meet you, or any other SENP'ers that might happen to be in the area.
Good meeting you over the weekend. When you get a chance, post some of your images. I was completely wiped out when I rolled in at about 11:00 last night.
I might be in Columbia next week, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday - depending on the best weather day - to shoot some there at your favorite place, Congaree!
Bret, I will be in Atlanta tomorrow - getting there around lunchtime or so. We are shooting at Kennesaw at around 3 PM until dark. My cell number is eight-six-four, two-seven-zero, zero-nine-one-nine. Sorry about the short notice.
Posted by Steve Hamley on March 27, 2006 at 11:09 PM
Brett,
Yep, that will do it and more. There's also a falls along this trail between the "third bridge" and Campsite 31 called Fern Falls. You'd think you're in an Oregon rain forest. Well you're half right, it is a rain forest of sorts. Look for brook lettuce blooming in the streams for a foreground. Hard to photograph though.
Along the road to Ramsey Cascades, pull off at every pull off (good advice everywhere in the Smokies) and explore the nearby stream.
Trees should be leafing out soon, but I think peak maple, etc flowers would be expected rather than early leaves. It "greens" at the lower elevations in the third week of April under normal conditions, and it has been cooler than normal. However, that doesn't preclude carpets of white phacelia, spring beauties, and bloodroot.
BTW, there will be a bright, emerald green for a week to ten days each spring. The green will be lighter, brighter, and very photogenic. Try to be in the woods as much as you can when this occurs, approximately during the third/fourth week of April.
Consult the table I sent you all, Even if the times are off, you can key off the first or second "blooms" and figure out where to go from there.
Also, I expect it to be a bit early even for Porter's Creek, but that's where I'd put my money if I were betting.
Safe travels. Unfortunately my truck is in the shop for the day and I won't be able to meet you. Hope the weather provides some interesting photos from the shoot!
Steve:
Thanks for the info! I'll keep an eye out for Fern Falls. The book I have mentions the falls at about 1.8 miles. I'll carry my GPS so I don't miss it. I didn't really get to explore any of the roadside stops along the stream on our last visit as we were always hustling to get to or from a trailhead. I'll make time for it on this visit.
We're planning to be up there for the weekend of the 21st and again the following weekend, both of which will be 4 day trips. Hope we're able to catch the bright greens you mention.
Okay folks, I'm back from the Smokies and want to give you all an update on the conditions.
Mt. Cammerer from Cosby CG
We hiked to Mt. Cammerer on Saturday, which was a beautiful hike, but the conditions are not ripe for photography. Lots of dead stuff, nothing blooming along the trail with the exception of a few (and I do mean a few) little flowers down lower in the first 1/2 mile of the trail. Still very brown and transitional.
Porters Creek Trail
Hiked here on Sunday. Some really nice white trillium blooming before the first bridge, near the moss covered stone walls. Water flow seems good in the creek. Some trees beginning to leaf out but still quite brown...until you get above the third bridge. Loads of fringed phacelia, some little purple flowers, some ferns, much more lush from here to Fern Falls. We didn't go past the falls so can't comment on conditions there. I've got a photo in the ES&S gallery from Porters Creek, if you're interested.
Mouse Creek Falls
Monday's hike. We hustled on this one as the sky was darkening quickly and spitting rain intermittently. Water flow seemed good but a passing kayaker said it was "bony". Some yellow columbine here and there, fringed phacelia in spots but mostly still brown. There were a few flowers blooming that look like yellow trillium, if there is such a thing. Whatever it is, it hasn't peaked and is probably a week or more out.
Overall, still pretty brown, even down low. Many trees starting to leaf out but not enough to make for good photography. The whole river drive is looking pretty bare still. Anxious to see it at the end of the month!
Posted by Steve Hamley on April 4, 2006 at 5:13 PM
Bret,
Thanks for the update!
Just about dead on the "timetable", maybe with 3-4 days delay for the cold spell we had.
Is spring dead and gone in the South east, nothing posted on this thread for a couple of weeks now????
Posted by Steve Hamley on April 17, 2006 at 7:01 PM
Jody,
I went up today and did Cades Cove and part of the Little River road.
The Dogwoods aren't as spectacular as last year but are good in the lowlands and are near peak, saw lots of trillium and columbine along the LRR, but far too windy to shoot. Redbuds good too. Spring is near peak in the lowlands.
Water volumes are typical and the water is clear and photogenic (white water is white).
I'm headed for Greenbrier and Roaring fork tomorrow, I think.
Things tend to get a little silent here in peak times because everyone's out shooting. If you camp in the park, internet access is doubtful as is phone service in most areas. Some motels aren't much better.
Get out there and shoot, and good luck and good light!
Steve
Posted by Steve Wachtel on April 17, 2006 at 7:26 PM
I went around the waterfalls of western NC (Highlands, Franklin, et al) yesterday and was underwhelmed by the (lack of) flowers in those places. Being a Noob, I don't know if I was early or if those areas don't get much. I think Pickens, SC, was in the middle of their azalea festival, but shooting on someone's lawn isn't that exciting to me, I'm afraid...
Lots of dogwoods along the lower elevations of the BRP (Sylva to Asheville), but nothing really even greening out yet along the higher stretches.
Posted by Steve Wachtel on April 17, 2006 at 7:29 PM
BTW...
I was wondering if there's anyone else on here in the Lowlands and Midlands... I am wondering what I should be looking for around these lower elevations - most of our threads have concerned GSMNP. I think I've mostly missed peak blooms down here... or is there just not anywhere particularly useful to go outside of controlled touristy "gardens" and such?
Posted by Steve Hamley on April 22, 2006 at 10:03 PM
Folks,
4/22: Dogwoods in Cosby near peak, no dropped petals, hard to put something together though. Water volumes high as expected. Cosby shootable esp B&W, LRR too high and muddy, Tremont also very high (reported). Didn't go into Big Creek, but I expect water would be too high to shoot the Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls based on the Pigeon River flow at MP 451, and that if it's raining anywhere in the world, it's raining on that stretch of I-40 through the Smokies.
Also made it up the Blue Ridge from the Park to Soco Gap above Maggie. Sarvis and early red tree blooms good, but not quite peak I think. Give it 3-5 more days. This spring color was good up to about 4,500 feet. Dogwoods good on most of this stretch, but again sort of difficult to compose what you want.
IMO, white water won't be shootable in the lowlands for 2 days and probably a day in the higher elevations except maybe for Cosby. Maybe add a day to those times.
Met up with Danny Burk and his workshop folks, had a nice chat.
May 2nd: Nye called last night on his way back from Virginia and reported that the service tree at Graveyard Fields was near peak, and that Linville Falls was good also. He said he doubted Graveyard would be good this weekend if we got strong storms.
Right now it's a light rain in the Clinch River valley at the Lab, so I'm hoping it stays gentle. I may take a half day and go up Wednesday afternoon for late light at Graveyard.
May 3rd: The sarvis and buds at graveyard are at peak. I did some late light here and missed one shot at 7:30 p.m. I'd liked to have had; watched the light go before my eyes. I did the late clear light, but swirling fog and clouds are good too. If you can get there before the rain/storms kill the blooms, go for it. Soco Gap is good too.
No sunset though.
I'll probably try again on Saturday.
Rhodie buds seem good along the Black Balsam area. Anyone else checked?
May 7th: Looks like the sarvis is past peak at graveyard and most other places except perhaps the highest elevations. The spring color will fade rapidly to green, so it looks like spring is on the way out. The pink azalea seems to be a bit past peak and going fast.
There's that early small flame azalea blooming (was on the 3rd!) in the first 1/4 mile of the Parkway on the left. rhododendron buds at elevation look good. They're blooming just outside Waynesville down low, and the one in the parking lot at the Inn is about to bloom. Haven't seen any mountain laurel yet, but many in bud.
Hmmm... I shot some laurel and flame azalea last week (4/28-29) just off the Wear Cove (?) entrance (along with fire pink, iris, and lady slippers)... didn't realize those were supposed to be a little later. The laurel looked like it was just coming in, but the flame azalea was on its way out last week already.
Do the flame azalea usually bloom later? Those were cool and I'd like to get better shots than what I got. The one at the start of the BRP looked like it was on the way out and seemed a little beat up already so I didn't take any shots.
Seems like there were a lot of rhodies blooming in Gatlinburg and Cherokee, if that means anything. I just figured it was due to the civilized care and feeding, as it were.
I have one more weekend before I'm off to Colorado for the last two May weekends... any thoughts on where to look this coming weekend (based on up-to-date observations)?
Discussion
40 repliesI am making a few hikes this weekend looking for the appearance of the rare and elusive Oconee Bell wildflower. They usually make their debut in mid to late March, but I wouldnt be suprised if I find some over the next couple of days. I will have a report when I get back, for those interested. Maybe we should begin our spring "sticky" thread for wildflower and spring updates across the SE.
Yo Bern, you missed a goodin last night at the Downhome!
Jerry: We're headed up there again in 3 or 4 weeks. Wanna meet up?
I walked the Old Sugarlands Trail today and noted the early yellow halberd leaved violet, some scattered purple violets, and a japonica blooming near one of the old homesites. Along the Little River Road, there were some white flowers that were probably bloodroot that I could'nt get a good look at.
Trillium have buds, but there a way off at this time.
Steve
BTW there are quite a few trees down in the Smokies from spring storms, so if hiking is in your plans, allow a little extra time for blow downs. A lot havebeen cleared, but there are still some left.
Steve
I think I may have a place for mtn laurel along the Dragon's Tail, but I don't know of anything else.
Can anyone make any suggestions and timeframe guesses?
Send me your e-mail and I'll send you a Word document from my notes that should help.
Steve
Thanks
Jody
I did the Sugarlands again today to shoot something I saw last Monday, then Cades Cove. There are nice red tree buds in the Cove on the East and West ends, and some on the south side, but the middle is mostly bare. Jonquils are blooming in the Cove, and violets are popping up fast.
Steve
Steve
If it snows much they'll close all the roads in the Smokies. The "usual suspects" are routes 215 and 276 out of Waynesville, NC, US 19 ot of Maggie. All these cross the Blue Ridge Parkway at elevation. Although the Parkway will be closed if it snows much, there are opportunities along 215 and 276 plus you could walk out the Parkway from the 215 or 276 crossings for some good views.
If you're up Jerry's way (Johnson City), there's always Roan Mountain area.
Down South, try the Tellico River road and Bald River Falls, or go on up the Cherohala Skyway for some serious altitude.
Typically, these routes are open but you travel at your own risk. There are some places on these roads that if you went off, you'd wake up in China.
Steve
Thanks for the info, Steve. Any color anywhere yet (i.e. flowers) other than the few daffodils I saw between all the cars at Cades Cove last weekend?
I suppose I could simply stay home and do my taxes...
Not much in the Smokies - the cold weather basically slows down the development to a crawl. I would expect you'd have some luck south of here, like Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness, Fiery Gizzard, or Walls of Jericho.
Steve
The Oconee Bells were blooming last Tuesday (3/21) down in Devil's Fork State Park, SC. Don't know how cold it's gotten down there though or whether it's affected them. If you're looking for snow, we have plenty in the Max Patch area--six to eight inches last night at dark and it's still snowing and socked in. You'll need tire chains or 4WD to get up here.
Lori
Azaleas up the ying-yang; dogwoods; camilias; a couple gators, and some ticks.
Spent the weekend down around Charleston having Bernabe and Greer show a few folks around... thanks, gents! One would suppose that the "flower band" should start marching west rapidly from here on out.
Bret... drop me an email. Gonna be gone to Colorado for the next couple weekends, but after that.......
I suspect that with the recent cold weather, spring peak will still be a couple of weeks off. However, I'd drive over to Greenbrier and hike a couple of miles up the Porter's Creek trail. We're supposed to have near-70's weather for several days this week, and the section of this trail above the "third bridge" is always one of the best early hikes. Expect bloodroot, dutchman's breeches, spring beauties, and with luck, a lot of phacelia. I'll probably head there one day this weekend.
Steve
Also, are any of the trees leafing out yet?
If you make it over there look for my truck. It's a silver Toyota Tacoma w/ Colorado license plates and a CNP sticker on the back. It would be great to meet you, or any other SENP'ers that might happen to be in the area.
Good meeting you over the weekend. When you get a chance, post some of your images. I was completely wiped out when I rolled in at about 11:00 last night.
I might be in Columbia next week, Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday - depending on the best weather day - to shoot some there at your favorite place, Congaree!
Bret, I will be in Atlanta tomorrow - getting there around lunchtime or so. We are shooting at Kennesaw at around 3 PM until dark. My cell number is eight-six-four, two-seven-zero, zero-nine-one-nine. Sorry about the short notice.
Yep, that will do it and more. There's also a falls along this trail between the "third bridge" and Campsite 31 called Fern Falls. You'd think you're in an Oregon rain forest. Well you're half right, it is a rain forest of sorts. Look for brook lettuce blooming in the streams for a foreground. Hard to photograph though.
Along the road to Ramsey Cascades, pull off at every pull off (good advice everywhere in the Smokies) and explore the nearby stream.
Trees should be leafing out soon, but I think peak maple, etc flowers would be expected rather than early leaves. It "greens" at the lower elevations in the third week of April under normal conditions, and it has been cooler than normal. However, that doesn't preclude carpets of white phacelia, spring beauties, and bloodroot.
BTW, there will be a bright, emerald green for a week to ten days each spring. The green will be lighter, brighter, and very photogenic. Try to be in the woods as much as you can when this occurs, approximately during the third/fourth week of April.
Consult the table I sent you all, Even if the times are off, you can key off the first or second "blooms" and figure out where to go from there.
Also, I expect it to be a bit early even for Porter's Creek, but that's where I'd put my money if I were betting.
Steve
Safe travels. Unfortunately my truck is in the shop for the day and I won't be able to meet you. Hope the weather provides some interesting photos from the shoot!
Steve:
Thanks for the info! I'll keep an eye out for Fern Falls. The book I have mentions the falls at about 1.8 miles. I'll carry my GPS so I don't miss it. I didn't really get to explore any of the roadside stops along the stream on our last visit as we were always hustling to get to or from a trailhead. I'll make time for it on this visit.
We're planning to be up there for the weekend of the 21st and again the following weekend, both of which will be 4 day trips. Hope we're able to catch the bright greens you mention.
Thanks again for all the great information.
Mt. Cammerer from Cosby CG
We hiked to Mt. Cammerer on Saturday, which was a beautiful hike, but the conditions are not ripe for photography. Lots of dead stuff, nothing blooming along the trail with the exception of a few (and I do mean a few) little flowers down lower in the first 1/2 mile of the trail. Still very brown and transitional.
Porters Creek Trail
Hiked here on Sunday. Some really nice white trillium blooming before the first bridge, near the moss covered stone walls. Water flow seems good in the creek. Some trees beginning to leaf out but still quite brown...until you get above the third bridge. Loads of fringed phacelia, some little purple flowers, some ferns, much more lush from here to Fern Falls. We didn't go past the falls so can't comment on conditions there. I've got a photo in the ES&S gallery from Porters Creek, if you're interested.
Mouse Creek Falls
Monday's hike. We hustled on this one as the sky was darkening quickly and spitting rain intermittently. Water flow seemed good but a passing kayaker said it was "bony". Some yellow columbine here and there, fringed phacelia in spots but mostly still brown. There were a few flowers blooming that look like yellow trillium, if there is such a thing. Whatever it is, it hasn't peaked and is probably a week or more out.
Overall, still pretty brown, even down low. Many trees starting to leaf out but not enough to make for good photography. The whole river drive is looking pretty bare still. Anxious to see it at the end of the month!
Thanks for the update!
Just about dead on the "timetable", maybe with 3-4 days delay for the cold spell we had.
Steve
I went up today and did Cades Cove and part of the Little River road.
The Dogwoods aren't as spectacular as last year but are good in the lowlands and are near peak, saw lots of trillium and columbine along the LRR, but far too windy to shoot. Redbuds good too. Spring is near peak in the lowlands.
Water volumes are typical and the water is clear and photogenic (white water is white).
I'm headed for Greenbrier and Roaring fork tomorrow, I think.
Things tend to get a little silent here in peak times because everyone's out shooting. If you camp in the park, internet access is doubtful as is phone service in most areas. Some motels aren't much better.
Get out there and shoot, and good luck and good light!
Steve
Lots of dogwoods along the lower elevations of the BRP (Sylva to Asheville), but nothing really even greening out yet along the higher stretches.
I was wondering if there's anyone else on here in the Lowlands and Midlands... I am wondering what I should be looking for around these lower elevations - most of our threads have concerned GSMNP. I think I've mostly missed peak blooms down here... or is there just not anywhere particularly useful to go outside of controlled touristy "gardens" and such?
4/22: Dogwoods in Cosby near peak, no dropped petals, hard to put something together though. Water volumes high as expected. Cosby shootable esp B&W, LRR too high and muddy, Tremont also very high (reported). Didn't go into Big Creek, but I expect water would be too high to shoot the Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls based on the Pigeon River flow at MP 451, and that if it's raining anywhere in the world, it's raining on that stretch of I-40 through the Smokies.
Also made it up the Blue Ridge from the Park to Soco Gap above Maggie. Sarvis and early red tree blooms good, but not quite peak I think. Give it 3-5 more days. This spring color was good up to about 4,500 feet. Dogwoods good on most of this stretch, but again sort of difficult to compose what you want.
IMO, white water won't be shootable in the lowlands for 2 days and probably a day in the higher elevations except maybe for Cosby. Maybe add a day to those times.
Met up with Danny Burk and his workshop folks, had a nice chat.
Steve
Right now it's a light rain in the Clinch River valley at the Lab, so I'm hoping it stays gentle. I may take a half day and go up Wednesday afternoon for late light at Graveyard.
Steve
No sunset though.
I'll probably try again on Saturday.
Rhodie buds seem good along the Black Balsam area. Anyone else checked?
Steve
There's that early small flame azalea blooming (was on the 3rd!) in the first 1/4 mile of the Parkway on the left. rhododendron buds at elevation look good. They're blooming just outside Waynesville down low, and the one in the parking lot at the Inn is about to bloom. Haven't seen any mountain laurel yet, but many in bud.
Steve
Do the flame azalea usually bloom later? Those were cool and I'd like to get better shots than what I got. The one at the start of the BRP looked like it was on the way out and seemed a little beat up already so I didn't take any shots.
Seems like there were a lot of rhodies blooming in Gatlinburg and Cherokee, if that means anything. I just figured it was due to the civilized care and feeding, as it were.
I have one more weekend before I'm off to Colorado for the last two May weekends... any thoughts on where to look this coming weekend (based on up-to-date observations)?
The rhododendron and flame azalea are like everything else; early at low elevations and later at high.
I'm probably going to make a trip to Craggy Gardens above Asheville this coming weekend and check out how things are coming along in the high country.
If you've found places that look promising, I'd probably revisit those with 1 weekend left.
Steve H