041013 Jakes Creek & Meigs Mtn trails, Great Smoky Mtns...

Priscilla wanted to hike Jakes Creek trail, in the Smokies, so she invited Phyl and me. It was supposed to be about 10 miles altogether; however, at a creek crossing (see #35), we found the water much too high and fast to make a safe crossing. Plan B became retracing our steps to the intersection with Meigs Mountain Trail. We headed up this trail, with the intention of making it to a campsite and returning. We were within about 1/2 mile, when we decided to head back. By the time we returned to the parking lot at Elkmont Campground, we had covered about 9 miles. There were lots of beautiful spring wildflowers to be photographed and enjoyed. Unfortunately, I had to delete 43 images, and that was after I got home, not what I deleted from the camera - just not my day for flowers, I guess. There was a Cut-Leaved Toothwort that just would not cooperate with my camera. There was also a limited number of Star Chickweed; again, no cooperation. Both of these flowers are on the "cutting room floor". It was the warmest day, so far, this spring so, we are ready for the cool-down, which is coming this weekend.