Great Smoky Mountains National Park 2022, Part II

A couple of hours into my hike to Charlies Bunion, and my longest trek of my road trip was going really well.  I felt strong at the midpoint, and I was making good time.

Alas, I was not to have exactly the dramatic vista I was hoping for at the overlook.  The Great Smoky Mountains were living up to their name this day, and the smoke was thick.

The bunion itself is an interesting landmark, rising starkly from the lush landscape.  There were many small, gray birds there looking for handouts, but none were interested in sitting still long enough for a picture.

The return hike was all about capturing the flowers.  The bright overcast conditions were perfect for photographing this Hollow Joe-Pye Weed ...

... and another Turk's-cap Lily ...

... and ANOTHER Turk's-cap Lily.  Seriously, they were really gorgeous.

Many of the blossoms stood out strikingly from their dark backgrounds, like this Cutleaf Coneflower.

I really wasn't familiar with Ghost Pipe before this hike.  I wasn't even sure if they were plants or fungus or what.  But they were creepy and compelling.

Speaking of creepy and compelling, the "smoke" had settled into some lower parts of the trail.  So an atmospheric shot was the proper response.

Great hike to end that phase of my road trip.  Eight miles in four hours -- perfect pacing.  A long drive to Memphis still awaited me, but I was recharged and ready for the rest of my summer.

Now it's been two months, and I need another hike!

Related Links:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park 2022, Part I
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Grotto Falls