A Real Beauty What an absolutely beautiful site,
Gray’s lily in bloom!!
Gray’s lily (lilium grayi) is a lovey rare gift that makes its summer appearance in high elevations of NC, TN and VA. Asa Gray discovered it in 1840. It is classified as threatened in NC and endangered in TN. I first saw it five years ago near the summit in Elk Knob State Park in NC. Returning to the area consecutive years, I was unable to find it again.
Gray's Lily 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! 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.)
Jane Bald 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 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.
I made enough photographs that day to fill anyone’s desire, but two days later I found myself driving to Roan Mountain once again. I told myself that I wanted my hiking buddy, who was with me on this second trip, to see the rare beauties.
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!
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!
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My pilgrimages to Roan Mountain were so fulfilling. The blooms were beyond lovely. These are my favorites. The simplicity of the images seems to me to be examples of classic beauty.
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!!!
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!!!
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