August 12, 2014
|
This week’s hike was on the Appalachian Trail near Franklin, NC from Wayah Gap to 5,216 ft. Siler Bald and the Siler Bald Shelter loop. HIKERS: Geri Barrios, Wayne Barrios, John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Cup Gales, Stephen Gales, Bill Hunt, Dick Metzgar, Trushna Nadig, Sandy Robson, Vic Robson and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. – This portion of the Appalachian Trail offers fabulous mountain views especially from the summit of Siler Bald. However, today turned out to be cloudy and the mountain was completely fogged in. Today was nice for late summer wildflowers and mushrooms. Total hiking distance today – Including the shelter loop, a little over 6 miles. Directions: From Franklin, travel west on US 64 for 3 miles to Old Murphy Road where there is a Wayah Bald sign. Turn right and drive .2 mile to Wayah Road (SR 1310). Turn left and continue for 9 miles to Wayah Gap and FR 69. There is an Appalachian Trail crossing sign. (Wayah Crest Picnic Area is on the left.) Another great day for a hike! Cloudy with fog and temperatures steady in the mid-60’s F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Heal-all, Mullein, Fire Pink, Carolina Lily, Turk’s Cap Lily, Southern Harebell, Goldenrod, Silver-rod, Mountain Mint, False Foxglove, Oxeye Daisy, White Yarrow, Angelica, Lance-leaf Coreopsis, Tall Coreopsis, White Snakeroot, White Bee Balm, Crimson Clover, Starry Campion, Joe Pye Weed, Black-eyed Susan . Birds Identified: Raven, Blue Bird, Goldfinch, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Towhee, Junco.
|
