St Marys Wilderness - May 28, 2011

28 May St. Marys Wilderness

Rhododendron taken by Don Davis

The traditional June rhododendron hike, except it was May, following suggestions that rhododendrons were blooming earlier than normal, so two hikes were swapped. Perhaps others were off holidaying so only nine people showed on a pleasant day, but the parking area at the trailhead had several vehicles.

Crossing St Marys River

During the descent on Minebank Trail, we saw some rhododendrons, rather than walls of flowers as we see sometimes. Despite a wet month, streams were normal level so we did not have to wade. There were a few drops of light rain, not enough to get out rain protection. The pre-lunch hike was cooler than last year, so no long stops were needed, but I was accused of holding things up by removing legs from my pants.

Green Pond had so much water we could not get to the normal edge but looked at it through the bushes. Our lunch included orange pecan cranberry substance, a health food in our book. Then on the fire road, we still saw only a light showing of flowers, and some buds, suggesting we were early, and that the traditional first week of June might have a better show. Also on the road, bigger puddles than normal, a large gathering of cyclists, and excitement for some at seeing the old bus left on the side of the road.

on the Forest Service Road

The last leg, along Bald Mountain Trail, started with three hikers, engrossed in conversation, heading towards Blue Ridge Parkway, but they listened to the suggestion of taking the trail, where we stopped to enjoy the smell of flowering Lily of the Valley. The group today was leader John Shannon, Don Davis, Brad Young, Liz Lyons, Lindsay Brown, Neil McKinney, Dan Funkhouser, Marian Styles, Debra Fisher.

Submitted by John Shannon