May 24, 2005
| HIKERS – John Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, John Hires, Jack Jacobi, Dick Metzgar, Wayne Miller, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, Bill Taylor, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker and Geri Whitaker.
TRAIL INFO. – Today’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail starting at Winding Stair Gap up to Siler Bald and back. Total round trip hiking distance – approx. 8.6 miles This portion of the Appalachian Trail is in excellent condition and it features a gradual climb from 3820 ft. up to a little more than 5,200 ft. at the summit.. Trail difficult rating: Moderate due to the elevation change. Directions: From Franklin, travel west on US 64 for about 10 miles to the Appalachian Trail crossing (there are signs) parking lot on left side of highway. Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy and windy with temperatures ranging from the low to the upper 60’s. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Yellow Ladyslipper, Showy Orchis, White Erect Trilium, Purple Erect ‘s Trilium, Large-flowered Trillium, Bloodroot, Wood Anemone, Sweet Cicely, Hooked Buttercup, White Baneberry, Blue Cohosh, Umbrella Leaf, Yellow Star Grass, Daisy Fleabane, Robin’s Plaintain, Solomon’s Seal, False Solomon’s Seal, Foam Flower, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Yellow Mandarin, Purple Violet, White Heart-leafed Violet, White Clintonia, Heart-leafed Alexander, Golden Alexander, Wood Betony, Bluet, Meadow Rue, Wild Geranium, Indian Cucumber Root, Striped Maple, Oil Nut, Wild Strawberry.
BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Tufted Titmouse, Red-eyed Vireo, Oven bird, Cat bird, Black and White Warbler, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Towhee, Pileated woodpecker, Wood thrush, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Red Start, White Eyed Vireo, Peewee, Veery, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Grouse, Scarlet Tanager, Junco, Yellow=throated Warbler. |
 Our parking spot for the day. |
 The view from the starting point at Winding Stair Gap. |
 Early into the hike, we pass by this nice waterfall! |
 The hike is a gradual climb of 1,400 feet. |
 There are some very nice views along the trail. |
 At this elevation, the leaves have just begun to emerge. |
 From Siler Bald looking over to Wayah Bald. |
 Lunchtime at the Siler Bald Shelter. |
 A few of today’s wildflower finds. (top left – clockwise) Wild Geranium, Yellow Lady Slippers, Blue Cohosh, and Large Flowered Trillium. |
 Yellow Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus)! |
 Today’s marvel of nature. Large-flowered Trillium with Four petals! |
 The OFHC Gang for today’s hike. (front l-r) Doug Russell, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Donna Presley. (back l-r) Dan Ross, Phil Brownrigg, John Bellamy, Bob Thompson, John Hires, Wayne Miller, Dick Metzgar, Bill Taylor, Jack Jacobi, and Tony Presley. |