Kinlock, Thompson Creek and stuff

[Uncle Wayne]

We took a day hike along Trail 206 and on to the Sipsey Rapids today.  We were looking for wildflowers but most of the ones we expected had already bloomed due to the early warm temperatures we had in March.  We did find one showy orchid, which may not be the correct name but it's what I've always called it.

We stopped by Kinlock Falls to see it at high water after the two inch rain we got yesterday and it was beautiful.

The trail along Thompson was muddy in places but otherwise in good shape.
 
The Sipsey rapids were roaring.

I was very disappointed to find that the bluff line from the Eye back west was being used as a community bathroom now.  Everywhere there was a rock big enough to squat behind someone had done so.  The whole bluff line is littered with toilet paper and paper towels.

[weathermansam]

I explored Borden and part of another "trail" today, found a few of those showy orchids as well, and a lady slipper.  Agreed on the bluff line, it's ridiculous.  I wouldn't dare drink water anywhere near that area unless it was filtered these days.  That area's changed a lot since I first saw it in '06.

[Verduretiger]

We did the 208 to 224 to 204 to Big Tree and down East Bee to 209 to 206 loop yesterday.  The falls at the big tree were really flowing and things were really muddy.  But it was a beautiful day.  The flowers were in their later stages but I did see a lot of phlox on 296.