June 8, 2020

Good Afternoon,

It happened! We finally surpassed the 70° mark for the first time this year. Without any cloud cover to obstruct the sun in the morning, we seemed destined to have a full day of radiant sunshine. It could become a pattern, although today is shaping up to be mostly cloudy keeping temps in the 60s. Still fantastic weather for exploring and enjoying the outdoors and upper elevations. Much of the week’s weather looks promising as well, so hopefully that forecast holds and all of our visitors are spoiled with sensational scenes and relaxing moments.

Sunday turned out to be not only a great day to get some work done outside, but for peaceful rambles through the woods. The light during the sun’s waning hours meant there wasn’t a bad spot anywhere on the mountain to bid farewell to the day. If you went to view sunset, you just couldn’t have walked away dissatisfied. The hot summer haze of the Tennessee Valley gave the impression of a muted sunset early on, but the eventual array of colors did not disappoint.

As summer marches on, the plants seem to be getting happier as well. The purple Catawba Rhododendron that are in bloom are quickly approaching 5,000’. And there are plenty of smaller plants looking to impress as well. Numerous Yellow Bead Lilies, a handful of Umbrella Leaf, and even a Rose Twisted Stalk were found along Bull Head Trail yesterday. Several Turk’s Cap Lilies seem to be coming in strong as well. Remember, don’t pick the wildflowers, or else they’ll cease to be what so many of us enjoy in a national park created for the enjoyment of all.

Have a great start to the week.