![A real beauty!](/uploads/1/7/5/8/17581785/9759195.jpg?268)
What an absolutely beautiful site,
Gray’s lily in bloom!!
![Gray's Lily](/uploads/1/7/5/8/17581785/5286410.jpg?304)
At a breakfast meeting a few weeks ago, a friend told me it was in bloom at Roan Mountain. I went home, packed my camera and took off on a four-hour drive in search of the illusive bloom. Arriving at Carver’s Gap, I headed north on the Appalachian Trail. What I found at Engine Gap was amazing. Gray’s lily was in bloom.
![Looking Up!!](/uploads/1/7/5/8/17581785/6466095.jpg?394)
The blooms are best viewed looking up and most often that requires lying prone on the ground. (Funny how things of value require a little extra work.)
![The Sign Says It All.](/uploads/1/7/5/8/17581785/7658443.jpg?366)
After making a huge number of photographs, I hiked up to Jane Bald for a better view of the surrounding area.
![View from Jane Bald at Sunset](/uploads/1/7/5/8/17581785/9367289.jpg?458)
I stayed for a sunset photograph from Jane Bald but clouds prevented a colorful capture.
I arrived home the following morning at 1:30 AM well pleased with my trip.
We hiked to Engine Gap and discovered that there were even more lilies in bloom that day. It was like discovering them all over again. I was so glad I made the second trip, not just for my friend!
My response seeing and capturing these images is unbridled joy! Never mind that a multitude of others had already captured these beautiful blooms. This was the culmination of a personal quest. And the victory was ever so sweet!!
Your input is welcome!!!