Roan Mountain Ablaze, A Reminder to Appreciate Every Second We Have on this Earth

Flame Azaleas, Clouds, and Shadows on Roan Mountain

A few days ago, I drove to Roan Mountain to see the flame azaleas, rhododendrons, grey’s lilies and views of the Blue Ridge with my dog and a friend. The hike from Carver’s Gap is stunning, especially in mid June. Once you walk through the woods you arrive on the first of a series of three grassy balds. The views are expansive the entire way and seeing nature flourish in every direction was so uplifting.

Nothing but Blossoms on the Horizon

Standing in front of the huge banks of Catawba Rhododendrons, all I could see were blossoms and a thin strip of blue sky. The bushes blocked out all my fears of the spreading pandemic and I was filled with hope.

The Rare Grey’s Lily

The rare grey’s lily grows in the acidic soil of the Appalachian mountains in higher elevations. The botanist Asa Grey discovered this lily that was named after him on this very mountain. It is magical to look inside and view the interesting leopard-like purple spots that are lit up by the sun penetrating the translucent red petals when the petals are open.

The Elegant Grey’s Lily Plant

The plant is one of the most elegant I have ever seen and always reminds me of the curves in art nouveau forms. The blossoms hang down demurely, instead of reaching upwards to the sun, but since they grow in full sunlight they take in sufficient energy to grow and evolve into this showy form. Sadly the Grey’s Lill is included in the National Collection of Imperiled Plans,, since its numbers have been reduced by illegal collecting and fungal diseases that are carried by humans. There are signs requesting that no one touch them. Grey’s lilies like humans need distance to remain safe in this world where infections are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Beyond the Obstructions of the Present, There is a Path to the Future

Upon one summit, there was a cluster of boulders. In the distance, I saw a road although how to reach it from where I was situated was not visible.. It made me realize that sometimes we are handicapped by the limited knowledge we have in the present moment when it comes to envisioning a way out of difficult situations. Yet, if we care about perpetuating life for future generations and are better stewards of nature, a way forward will be found.

Flame Azaleas Ablaze in the Present Moment

Walking through one rocky area, I came upon these azaleas that seemed to grow in the shape of a flame. The sky was blue with bright white clouds and I felt my heart open to the life force of this plant that was ablaze and seemed to exuberantly affirm the power of now, no matter what the future might bring. It gave me strength to stay positive and keep taking care of myself, despite all the stress and conflict in the world right now..

Catawba Rhododendrons, Roan Mountain

I spent a magical four hours with a friend and my dog enjoying the views in every direction. Since the balds are grassy and open, there was plenty of space to socially distance. I hope the images that follow lift your spirits as seeing life blossom so spectacularly lifted mine. Not only were the azaleas spectacular, there were abundant beautiful grasses and uniquely colored lichen in every direction. Nature has the richest and most beautiful palette.

Flame Azalea Tapestry

Flame Azaleas, Catawba Rhododendrons and Fir Trees

Wall of Flame Azaleas

Dancing Grasses, Roan Mountain

Lichen Painting a Boulder on Roan Mountain

Flame Azaleas with the Blue Ridge in the Distance

Drawn to the Nectar of the Flame Azaleas

Blossoming with Radiance at the End of the Peak

There are never any certainties in life, but this pandemic and the economic and political issues this country is facing right now have heightened anxiety about the future for all thinking and empathetic citizens. Sometimes it seems too much to bear. We are frightened to enter closed spaces, or even to connect with members of our own families. Human beings, especially the leaders of the federal government, have made a muddle of things and it is easy to succumb to depression and fear. Nature reminds us that as long as the sun shines, there is sufficient water, and the air is not toxic, blossoms will open and show us how beautiful, energizing and healing life can be. And when this current crisis is over, remember how nature helped us through and return the favor by supporting conservation and environmental reform. While we have been understandably distracted by the assault on our democracy and this global pandemic, close to 100 regulations protecting clean water and clean air have been overturned. My dog will thank you as well, because hiking these beautiful mountains under clear skies is his favorite thing to do.

Takoda Enjoying a Rest at one of the Summits