A BRP Drive Part Two

We didn't stop at Mount Mitchell this trip, but continued on north.  After a bit the Parkway begins to descend, and at the lower elevation we saw more trees with leaves and more color.  

Golden beeches and fir snags

Every time we pass the Laurel Knob overlook, I like to stop and visit the table mountain pines.  

Table Mountain Pine, Pinus pungens

Table mountain pine is not one of the more common pines--this tree is only found in the southern Appalachains.

Pungens--the second part of its binomial scientific name--is Latin for sharp, and the table mountain pine is definitely prickly.  It has stiff, sharp-pointed needles in bundles of two.  Its cones have sharp, upward-curved prickles.  

If you look up from underneath, you can see that the cones and dead branches are held on the tree for many years.

There's also a dead table mountain pine at the overlook that adds interest to a panoramic photo in the afternoon shadows.

 Not far past the pines, we took highway 80 down towards Burnsville and then we made our way back to Madison county.

A BRP Drive Part One

We woke up to snow this morning and a predicted low of 14° F tonight, making me think I should post some autumn photos before winter really sets it.

A week or so ago,  the Pop and I went for a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We left in mid-afternoon and drove down the hill to Weaverville and over to the Parkway from there and headed north.  Sunshine, blue skies, fresh air, and just a bit of chill--a perfect autumn day.

First we stopped at the Craggy Gardens picnic area and took the trail up from there.   

 
At this elevation--over 5,000 feet--many of the trees had already lost their leaves.

Beeches were one of the few that hadn't.  Beeches can become quite large trees, but because they are more tolerant of shade than other trees, they're often found in the forest understory.

American Beech, Fagus grandifolia

Sunlight, blue skies, and golden beech leaves

Back down the trail and into the car, we next stopped at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center.

Mountain Ash, Sorbus americana

Just below the visitor center, mountain ashes are growing.  Mountain ash is the North American version of the European rowan--a sacred tree of the British Isles.  This must have been a "super bloom" year for the mountain ash, as well as for flowers growing on the California hillsides, because there were brilliant red berries everywhere.  

In the winter cold, harsh winds blow up the valley shearing and shaping the trees, keeping them compact and twiggy.

Back to the car and onward through the tunnel. 

Craggy Pinnacle Tunnel

More tomorrow.