Spring progresses, as it always does. Living in mountainous terrain we watch the spring greenery move up the valley sides and slopes, onto the ridge lines and mountain tops. The trees are mostly leafed out now at 3000 feet elevation; the forest floor is green at 5000 feet; it is still winter at 6000 feet. As the trees fill out, trails and roads that during the winter commanded long-range views become enclosed tunnels of greenery. The view from our living room window contracts from several miles to just beyond where the swing set used to be. What is lost in views however is richly compensated for by what is happening on the ground: beautiful wildflowers, ferns, mosses, shrubs, and budding trees. It’s a botanical party. Here are pictures of later spring wildflowers taken in our county. Depending upon the elevation these plants flower in late April and May.
Changing the subject, Craig and Laura are off on a new adventure later this month. We are moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, probably until the end of the year, to babysit our new grandson Joseph, born in January. We will care for him during the work week while Noah and Meredith resume their full-time jobs. Their house has a nice basement apartment and we should be cozy. What could be more fun than caring for a happy four-month old?
Excellent flower (and child) shot Craig! The use of the shallow dof is wonderful. Looks like it has been a good year for understory flowers. It’s particularly nice to see the lady-slipper orchids.