We spent ten days in Charleston, SC, helping with our granddaughters while our son was away on business and our daughter-in-law had an intense work week. We jumped at the task when offered. I’ll have more about the visit later, so I’ll leave it by saying we had a lot of fun.
Before returning to Knoxville, we spent two nights at our favorite campground in Cherokee, NC. We had two hopes: 1) That the wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be in bloom, and (2) we hoped we would drain Cherokee Casino of its cash reserves. Hope number two didn’t materialize on our first night, but we walked out whole with only minor damage.
We rose early the following day and drove to Deep Creek Campground inside the National Park for a wildflower hike. New Park regulations require that visitors pay for parking. We went to a ticket kiosk, purchased a one-day pass, and then drove to the parking lot nearest the hiking trail. We were in the Park early on a fabulous day for a hike.
Within the first one hundred yards of the trail that runs along Deep Creek, we caught a glimpse of a large bed of Purple Phlox. We immediately felt great that we could conquer hope number one…the wildflowers were in bloom.
We spent about two hours strolling along the trail and photographing wildflowers blooming in abundance. Large beds of Wild Dwarf Iris (my favorite) and Purple Phlox were everywhere, requiring that we walk slowly to take it all in. I’ll take my luck here rather than the Casino anytime.
In addition to the wildflowers, we passed two large groups of Yellow and Pipevine Swallowtail Butterflies. We asked several hikers if they knew what caused them to huddle this way, but no one had an answer. A reader may supply one.
Also on the trail were at least four large dogs walking beside their owners. I noted this because there is a large “NO PETS” sign at the trailhead, and dogs are not allowed in the National Park except for two trails. Deep Creek Trail is not one of them. Helen and I know the pet rule and left Mortimer in our trailer. The dogs passed two Park Rangers who said nothing to the hikers with dogs. I asked the Ranger why she let them pass. She just shrugged, said, “Some people simply cannot follow the rules,” and dropped it. I wouldn’t let the episode ruin a lovely day, but that’s the last time Mortimer is not included on a hike.
Helen and I walked to Indian Creek Falls and back before returning to our vehicle, a distance of about two miles. I have inserted a gallery of many of the flowers I photographed in the space below. There is only one that I cannot identify, but again, I’m counting on a knowledgeable reader to help me here. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did. (Note: A reader identified the unknown wildflower as Henbit and pointed out that I had mistakenly identified Dog Hobble as Solomon’s Seal. Senior moment…Thanks, Janet!)
Please click on any image to enlarge
Joe, we aren’t rule breakers either, so it frosts me when people are exempt. Glad you didn’t let it ruin your walk. I wish I could shed some light on the butterfly gathering, but I have no idea. It is quite beautiful, as are all your photos. Looks like a nice spring outing.
We will be at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi next week – wish me luck!
Suzanne,
I didn’t let the rule breakers affect me, but the rules either need to be enforced or eliminated. I saw no reason why dogs can’t walk on this gentle trail. The Rangers obviously couldn’t care less. We will be in Biloxi from May 12 – 15. Would love to meet up, but it looks like the timing may not work out…save a few wins for the rest of us. Enjoy! Joe
Hi, Joe – I am glad that you will be including Mortimer on your next hike. It boggles my mind why places create ‘rules’ that they do not even attempt to enforce.
Good morning, Donna,
I was blown away when I saw two people and their dogs passing by a Ranger on the trail and she said nothing to them. Oh, well, we had a great time nonetheless. It appears that you and Richard have enjoyed some great hikes as well. Spring is a delightful time of the year. All the best to you both. Joe
Joe, I agree with you – if the rules are that important, they should be enforced. And if you’re not going to enforce them, then eliminate them. I’d much rather law enforcement officers ticket cell phone users weaving all over the road while looking at their phones than worry about the speeders moving fast, but straight and true in the outside lane. But, I digress. Your photos are absolutely lovely, and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy a perfect spring day than wandering in the woods enjoying nature’s artwork. It’s a different kind of payout compared to a casino, but still extremely effective at upping the day’s happiness factor. Hugs to you and Helen – it feels like forever since we’ve seen you!
Hi, Mary,
I’m gonna get off my soapbox about pets in the Park but, I agree, rules are made to be enforced. The wildflowers were incredible and my pictures only capture a small portion of the beauty around us that day. I love walking beside Deep Creek–it’s so calming. You’re right, it’s been a while. We’re spending the summer on the California Coast. If you and Alan are out that way, look us up. Have a wonderful weekend. Joe
Hi Joe,
I love your pictures! The unknown flower might be hen bit. I have a lot of it in my yard as “weeds”. Also, the flower IDed as Solomon’s seal looks like Dogshobble to me.
Good morning, Janet!
You’re correct on both. I knew that someone would know the name of the plant henbit, but I had no idea. I made a mistake on the Dog Hobble. Helen had identified it, but I had a senior moment when putting a caption on the picture. Thanks so much for your help and for stopping by. Please come back. Great to hear from you. Joe
What a wonderful area you explored, Joe! The waterfalls, the flowers, all of it is so lush and green. Sorry to read about the hikers with their dogs. Sadly, many NP Rangers sign on as naturalists rather than enforcement which is still part of their duties. She could have reminded them in any case. We have some no dog trails in our nearby state parks of which these Rangers will fine you if you break the no dog rule. Not that I know this first hand or anything. Happy trails and enjoy your weekend and next adventure!
Terri,
Mortimer was sad that he missed the hike and I dared not let him know that other dogs got to hike. I agree that a reminder to the dog walkers was called for as a minimum. Nevertheless, the wildflowers were fabulous and the weather was perfect for hiking. Thanks for checking in. I loved your posts regarding the Northern Lights.