Chris' Birthday Celebration

What a glorious day to celebrate Chris' birthday! Our goal was the peak of Mount LeConte!

When we reached Alum Cave Bluffs, we were amazed to find no one present, just a red squirrel fussing at us.
We enjoyed the serenity of the moment.

Just past the sheer drop-offs and round the bend, we took a small break on a good "sittin'" rock before attacking the strenuous uphill climb.
Closer to the top we began to encounter the rare plants which thrive at the high altitudes. This Kidney-leaf Grass-of-Parnassis is found in open grassy areas.


The views from higher up were spectacular.


When we reached the lodge, we were surprised to find that they had anticipated our coming to celebrate Chris' birthday and had posted the date!

Wraps, fruit, and trail bars are delicious after a 5 mile hike up a mountain!

A veritable garden surrounded the lodge. We enjoyed watching bumblebees flit from blossom to blossom. The rare Monkshood seemed to be the bees' favorite.

After a brief .2 mile hike a little farther up the mountain, we reached the overlook which provided a spectacular vista of the mountains--an eagle's view.

Bumblebees frantically sought out cooperating blossoms of Closed Gentian. To reach the pollen, the bee had to force open the tightly closed blossom and climb down into the tubular bloom to retrieve the delicacies. Notice the pollen sacks on her legs.

On our way down, we encountered a group of 32 who planned to spend the night at the lodge. Of course, they were not hiking as a pack, but trudging at their own pace, some causing us a little anxiety. So, we were again amazed to discover that we had the bluffs all to ourselves again, but only for a few moments. A large group of about 12-15 were arriving just as we departed.

We were elated to discover one of the rarest and most endangered wildflowers--the Mountain Krigia. It liked to mingle with the Closed Gentian and Grass-of-Parnassas. According to Wildflowers of the Smokies, it is found only on Mount Leconte.