Spring '19 wildflowers

Did a couple wildflower hikes in Sewanee's Shakerag Hollow.  One in late March, one mid April.

The wildflowers were out but different.  In March, many white and yellow flowers - Dutchman's Britches, Celadine Poppy, Trout Lily.   But in April, the flowers of blue and purple were out, but only a few trillium.



Here's some photos from March.











Some volatile spring weather... was 80º yesterday, slight possibility of snow tonight with a low in the 30ºs.  Back up to near 80º again by Monday!

UPDATE:
The morning of April 20 was unusual.  A cold pocket of air settled in around the S. Cumberland.  It was colder here than anywhere in the state, (excluding the high peaks of the Smokies).  It got down to 35º and by 5am, a few wet snowflakes were seen.  The high for the day was only 41º with rain most of the day.  Bright green hues on a dark cold foggy spring day:

Update: After a winter-like weekend where on Saturday 4/20, the temperature only reached 41º, Monday and the rest of the week looks and feel like summer:

Spring wildflowers in Sewanee '18

Glad I got out before the 2 freezes we've had since I took these photos on 4/6.  With a rain storm coming that turned to snow flurries the next day, I got out on the Shakerag Hollow part of the Sewanee Perimeter trail from Greens View.   Writing this on 4/16, we had a light dusting of snow last night and several hours of sub freezing temperatures.  I hope the tender new leaves aren't damage.

Glad I still have some firewood.  Cold today... in the 30ºs. 

Not great photos, some a bit out of focus, took them quickly with my phone.  I like the Dutchman's Breeches (1), and Jack in the Pulpit (4).  This was a perfect time to hike, no one there, a week before the local wildflower festival, and on a Friday morning.  It was very beautiful and peaceful.

Moon view from the treehouse

The tree canopy is back!  And this time of year is great for porch sleeping.  A constant southern breeze and mild temperatures made the porch futon a slice of heaven.  No bugs or mosquitos, it was perfect.

The moon over Lost Cove was tremendous this early week.

Canon A2400 - pocket camera - 5" shutter speed

Exotic trees in FL

I love trees, especially big old trees.   Here are some beauties.  

Kapok Tree (Ceiba Pentandra) native to South and Central America - at the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Art.   And below... a Banyan Tree (Ficus Bengalensis) national tree of India - near the bay, St. Petersburg, FL.  

Roya by the trees...