Summer is here

5/29/2012

What an amazing day to hike back to work. Yesterday's skies were bright blue. Alum Cave trail was hustling and bustling. Who could blame everyone for wanting to get out in the park on such a fine day? The catawba rhododendron around Inspiration point has passed its peak. I did notice the mountain laurel was starting to bloom. If you want to see some rhododendron at its peak, keep hiking past the cave, about three quarters up the trail, it is putting on a show.

The birds are enjoying this amazing weather. I counted 5 Junco nests on my way down the trail last week. I found one chick that had hatched maybe an hour our so before, I found several nests with eggs, and we saw some chicks that were waiting on dinner. I love discovering the nests with new life. I found three more nests on the way back up. I passed several garter snakes in our travels. I got a picture of one we passed yesterday. I am not a big snake fan, so I did not pause to long to get it in great focus.

I believe summer is upon us. The flowers are blooming early, the synchronous fireflies are already peaking, and the temperatures are rising. I suspect our wildflowers will be about a month early on the mountain. I hope you all can get out and enjoy this great park.

Tony Ga

5/29/2012 12:46:36 am

Welcome back!

Michael

5/29/2012 02:34:12 am

We hiked Grotto Falls on Sunday and came upon a 5ft. rattlesnake on the trail. We warned the next group who said they had just also seen a rattlesnake. In my 25 years of visiting the park I had never seen one. Are they becoming more common in the park? By the way I love the blog and read it daily!

High On LeConte

5/30/2012 12:26:50 am

Michael, I don't think they are becoming more common. I know from my personal experience I have hiked by more then I see. I know this because my husband tells me. :)

Pat N.

5/29/2012 02:34:26 am

Welcome back to LeConte and all its beauty. Hope you enjoyed your days off and didn't work too hard at home.

Debi link

5/29/2012 05:46:24 am

Ohhh, snakes give me the willys. I love the bird nest. So many birds around my house too. I do believe they have my 2 bird houses filled. Welcome back!

Scott

5/29/2012 05:56:40 am

Left the mountain Friday after a great night and we were talking about the snake population in the park. What is the highest on the mountain you have heard of a rattlesnake encounter?

5/30/2012 12:28:10 am

Scott,
I have heard of a copperhead around the half way point on Alum. I usually hear of rattle snakes around Rainbow falls.

Jacque J

5/29/2012 09:52:00 am

Beautiful pictures! I was wondering when will peak time be at Gregorys bald for the azaleas? I would love to see them in full bloom!!! What would be the easiest hike to the bald? Have a great day !!!

5/30/2012 12:29:54 am

Jacque J,
It is hard to say when the peak will be. I would google info on the azaleas and see what others are saying. I know it will be sooner then later.

Brian N. bama

5/29/2012 10:44:31 am

SNAKES!!!!!! Me and my boys were thinking about an overnight in the shelter in a few days. I wonder how many snakes will be sleeping with me?

FLAndy

5/29/2012 12:45:08 pm

No snakes... but perhaps the mouse population is now awakened!! My last stay at LeConte shelter I was knocking mice off me all night. After many nights in the shelters I figured out not to sleep next to the wall as that seems to be the main track for the mice.

Brian N bama

5/30/2012 05:25:46 am

you are right. I hug the wall in the winter time but will sleep in the middles in warmer weather.

Juamita foust

5/29/2012 01:00:20 pm

I am planning on hiking the alums cave soon I sure hope I do not see any snakes. I sure do not like snakes

Ron and Mike Wood

5/31/2012 10:49:39 am

My cuz and I was going down bull head summer befor last , I was in front and a big timber was on the trail ,almost step on her, we where about a mile from the lodge . We got it off the trail without harming her.as I like snakes .

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Summer is here

LeConte Lodge

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