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Through Cheryl's Eyes Photography

In Search of Gray’s Lily

7/6/2015

8 Comments

 
A real beauty!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 LilyGray'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!!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.)  



The Sign Says It All.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 SunsetView 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!  
Lovely Family
Lovely Family



Pictures are worth so much more than words!
Promise of Things to Come
Promise of Things to Come
Picture
Promise
Picture
Promise Fulfilled
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!!!
8 Comments
valerie cruise
7/6/2015 11:31:59 am

These photos are awesome. Count your blessings that you have the opportunity to drop and go to see these beautiful sites. Green with envy as I would do just what you did if I had the chance.

Reply
Cheryl
12/29/2015 02:17:35 pm

Valerie, you are right about the freedom. I have an understanding husband too! I had wanted these photographs for a very long time.

There are really lovely things to photograph closer to home too.

Reply
Dan Leeper
7/6/2015 12:52:58 pm

Cheryl,

Not only are your photos top notch but so is your prose. Keep it up your blog is a treasure.

Dan

Reply
Cheryl
12/29/2015 02:19:05 pm

Wow! That is praise that I never expected. My head may swell!

Reply
Jane
7/7/2015 09:00:03 pm

Cheryl, I am just in awe of your pictures. You are so dedicated, and you do have so much talent. I am so proud of you!!!

Reply
Cheryl
12/29/2015 02:21:14 pm

Thanks. The blooms were beyond my expectations!

Reply
Jackie Wall
7/18/2015 04:57:48 am

Cheryl
You have an artistic eye and heart. Your flower photos were great.
Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Cheryl
12/29/2015 02:24:33 pm

Jackie, thanks for your kind comments.

Reply

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    I'm Cheryl Garrity and I like, no, I love to photograph.  

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