Back at The Swag

 Trish and I are back at The Swag, The Great Country Inn of the Smokies for another week where we are Experts in Residence two or three weeks a year.

When we were here at the end of March, there were no leaves on the trees and nothing was blooming yet. Now, here at 5,000 feet elevation, everything seems to be bursting into colorful bloom.

What we do here is that I tell stories about growing up in these mountains each afternoon at five o’clock before appetizers and dinner.  Then in the mornings Trish and I lead hikes together where we can talk about wildflowers, trees, animals, everything we see along our way.

All around the buildings here there are brilliant Catawba Rhododendrons in full bloom. They are accompanied by wonderfully fragrant lilacs.

We are right against the Great Smoky Mountains National Park here, so, when we go out walking we are partly on Swag property and partly on Park property.  There is an abundance of early wildflowers wherever we wander. 

One of the most prolific tiny flowers at this time of year are the Thyme Leafed Bluets.  Look past the blooms and notice their foliage and you will see from where their specific name comes.

And of course there are mushrooms galore!

We will be here until Sunday and be on the lookout for new discoveries each day.