Mothers Day Hike @ Black Balsam May 9 2010

We hiked today at around 5000 ft, where Spring is just beginning. The "Sarvis" is still blooming - the name is also referred to as the Service tree, since it's blossoms herald the beginning of spring and the time the circuit preachers began making their rounds to attend their flocks spread throughout the mountains in this region after the winter.

We hiked the Flat Laurel Creek trail today, an easy trail with many creek crossings. While out today Sky flushed a grouse, think quail on steroids. She was most interested and gave chase. We hoped to flush more, but no luck today.