Close up view of small headed sunflowers
Starr Mountain Late Summer Wildflowers Trip 2025
Sharon came over to spend Thursday night so we could go hiking and exploring on Friday.
We planned to go to the southern Cherokee National Forest so we could take Otey along.
We got up and packed us some lunch and got going at a decent time. I was hoping to see some waterfalls after some rain and some late Summer wildflowers. Seasons here in East Tennessee are strange. Each year is a little different. You may be putting on a sweater this time of year or you may be swimming during the second week of October! Never can tell. 2025 has been a weird year bloom wise. The pattern has held all year long. Today's trip was no exception. False Fall hit this year Monday August 18, 2025. It was 59 degrees that morning with the day never getting above 70. Southern women have to get the jump on Fall decorating to make the season last. Sharon drove today so I was the navigator.
We went to Starr Mountain via Etowah and Old Mecca Pike. It was a pretty drive and a clear, pretty day. Leaves were beginning to change color in the higher elevations. The leaves were also just starting to fall. We passed stands of ragweed seven feet high.
The drive was pretty, but today was one where plans just didn't gel. We encountered roads blocked by downed trees, creeks with low flow, waterfalls with nearly no water, and not too many flowers. We did see some pretty scenery and a few views. I am including the few photos.
It was great to spend time with my friend despite it all.
Below: Mountain Mint
Below: zoomed in a bit on the view
Below: Joe Pye Weed
Beautiful photos! Looks like a fantastic place to walk and explore! I also love your blog background and header. Thank you so much for sharing, and warm greetings and blessings from a retired lady living in Montreal, Canada.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda! Glad you took time to read and comment. Happy you like my blog. I'm behind on my writing as usual. You also have a fabulous blog with a positive message! 😀
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