Early June is peak time for mountain rhododendron blossoms.  The best place to see these beautiful patches of pink is at Rhododendron Gap within Grayson Highlands State Park in southwestern Virginia.  A hike south along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail from Massie Gap will take you through sections of these blooms along mountain flanks and passes to Rhododendron Gap near Mount Rogers.  Of course, views from peak summits are most worthwhile as well...especially when looking down at this awe inspiring valley as shown below.   Keep in mind that time is limited.

I was finally able to make it to the top of Mount Rogers as well.  As mentioned in a previous entry, the summit is covered in Douglas fir trees.  Therefore, no scenic views from the highest point in Virginia.  Many dead and uprooted trees were noticed along the trail on Mount Rogers.  Acid rain has been an issue to many mountin trees which contributes to this issue.  Other causes include age and various plant diseases.  Being part of the Jefferson National Forest, these trees are left for nature to handle and make great habitats for fungi such as moss and mushrooms.  A reminder to those who hike scenic trails...many areas carry endangered and sensitive wildlife and plant species.  Always stay of the designated paths so as not to harm these valued treasures, especially on alpine summits where many take a long time to grow back.  Insects such as ants, ticks and mosquitoes are a highly sensible exception.

This past weekend, I made a visit to the highest point in North Carolina...not to mention the highest east of the Mississippi River.  A state highway takes visitors from the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway to the top of Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet (2,037 meters) within Mount Mitchell State Park.  Unfortunately, the summit was closed to the public as they are currently constructing a new observation deck to replace the old lookout tower.  It will be similar to the one at Clingman's Dome in Tennessee and handicap accessible, not to mention fully open.  Hmmm...this ought to be fun during windy conditions.  Hold on to your hats!   Mount Mitchell is named after University of North Carolina professor Dr. Elisha Mitchell, who determined its elevation in 1835.  He died after a fall at nearby Mitchell Falls during a return trip in 1857 and is buried at the summit of Mount Mitchell.

Since I couldn't view the surrounding landscapes from Mount Mitchell, I hiked a mile north to the second highest point east of the Mississippi River...Mount Craig at 6,647 feet (2,026 meters).  The Deep Gap Trail passes over many of the North Carolina high peaks on its way to Deep Gap and eventually to Bowlens Creek.  What the park staff didn't mention was that a portion of the trail is under renovations and one has to watch their step.  There were no warning signs either.  A frequent hiker would be used to such conditions from time to time, so it's nothing new.  The trail overall is rough and rocky anyway for the most part.  Watch for the colored blazes to make sure you're going the right way, especially during winter hikes.  Anyways, I was able to get great looks at the Black Mountains from atop Mount Craig, including one back at Mount Mitchell.  Maybe I'll post more photos on my weblog later.  You can see many of these on Foxx Trotter's Cavern.  Oh yeah, there was an ongoing wildfire in nearby Pisgah National Forest.  I didn't see it though from where I was.  The forest covers a wide area, and the incident could have been on the other side of the reservation.

As for my home port, things have been placid here.  The usual boring routine.  Our fundraiser and street event went well last month.  I'm still a busy beaver and work, work, work.   I'll be going to New York State next month.  The planned Adirondack hike it still on.  The goal only depends on the amount of hikers in the area during that time.  More pictures coming soon.  Until then, stay safe.   I'll make my rounds shortly.  Bye y'all!

Foxx (MLD)