Ghost Pipe

8/25/2014

I finally found some ghost pipe flowers. The ones that I normally see in the flat section at the top of Alum Cave trail are finally out. I know some of you said you have seen them there over the past couple of weeks. That is pretty late for them. This mountain is ever changing. What is true for one year will change the next. Chris and I were discussing the lack of butterflies this year. We have seen a few, but not near the numbers we are used to seeing. I have not seen any swallowtails or monarchs this season. It makes you wonder what conditions have changed that make them go somewhere else. If you pay attention to the small things around the mountain, you are forever learning.

We are currently socked in. The high yesterday was 66º with a low of 53º. The day started out beautiful and later turned to dense fog.

Paul B

8/25/2014 01:47:47 am

Sorry to hear the butterflies have been scarce. Last August we came up Boulevard and just before the connection with the trail to Myrtle Point there was an area of flowers with what seemed like a hundred of them. It was lightly raining, (imagine that from last year), so panoramic views were not to be seen, however this scene near the end of our hike was quite a highlight.

Jarrett Morgan link

8/25/2014 07:49:02 am

Butterflies are one of the insects I do love seeing in the outdoors. Its a shame there haven't been as many this year. In addition, ghost pipe flowers are amazing. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it.

Bridgette

8/25/2014 12:33:36 pm

There were quite a few ghost pipe (glad to know what they are) on Boulevard when we came up the week of the 11th. I just couldn't get a good picture. I might have to swipe yours.

Richard from MA

8/26/2014 08:55:55 am

Nice pic of the ghost pipes. Saw some just last weekend on a hike in a hemlock forest in Massachusetts. They are ethereal.

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Ghost Pipe

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