Kentucky Lady Slippers, Wildflowers, Historic Homesites, Odd Carvings, Big South Fork Backcountry
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- čas přidán 22. 06. 2024
- I was invited on a partially on trail/off trail hike into the backcountry of Big South Fork. I jumped at the opportunity to hike with Nichole Newport and Mervin Wood on a search for more of the rare and very beautiful Kentucky Lady Slippers. We hiked out Maude’s Crack Trail where we took an off trail shortcut and linked up with the John Muir Trail as it turned downhill towards the river. There were many gorgeous wildflowers along the trail to enjoy.
The payoff would come later when we stepped off trail and into the largest patch of Kentucky Lady Slippers I have ever seen! There were literally dozens in bloom and more than that were just short of being fully bloomed. It was an amazing sight indeed.
We rejoined the river trail and headed for Parch Corn Creek and the historic homesite of Armpstead Blevins. Only the partially collapsed chimney remains of the log cabin but an amazing retaining wall and the original spring are still there.
I had located an old, abandoned road during map studies leading up the mountain and joining Terry Cemetery Road near the trailhead where we were parked. After filling my water bottles with the cool, clear water from the homesite’s spring we took the old road out of the beautiful valley.
We arrived at our vehicles after a fairly tough climb and a battle with rhododendron and laurel.
What a day it was! Even with the off trail shortcuts we logged over 9 miles. It was worth each and every step of the way!
This is a kind of nature I love. What a wonderful forest so green and very nice to hike in
We’re considered a temporal rainforest. The terrain in Big South Fork and surrounding area isn’t all that much different than the desert southwest here in the United States. We just have lots and lots of trees! I love it!
Thank you once again Eventyrsoren. Take care and be safe my friend.
Wow! Love the lady slippers! This hike looks right up our alley! Thanks for sharing!
“Keep making memories & adventure on!” ~Karen & Shannon WOY
I have mentioned it in the past.. WOY should pay Big South Fork a visit someday. Bandy Creek Campground is really nice, hot showers included.
It would be an honor to show you ladies around a bit. All you have to do is come on over!
Thank you so much WOY.
Take care and stay safe.
Enchanting forest! Looks good my friend!
It’s a thick, lush forest for sure. There’s so much beauty in these hills and hollows.
Thank you TrailStrider. Take care my friend!
@@papawinthewoods Anytime! And agreed!
Love your videos! Want to get down there again someday and see White Oak Creek near (Brewster Bridge). That's where my people lived and Mt Pisgah area. So beautiful there! Thanks for all you do to bring a bit of home back to my heart. ❤
I’ve yet to prowl around Brewster Bridge. I used to get down around Mt. Pisgah several times a year when fishing Little River. I have been thinking about driving back over there soon. I know several families living here now who can trace their roots through that area, especially the Kidd family.
Thank you jilletta. I’m glad I can make videos that folks can enjoy, especially those that can trace their ancestry through these parts.
Please take care, stay healthy and safe.
@papawinthewoods Family history says Jesse Brewster (or Massengale as went by sometimes) and his family was traveling from Brewster Bridge area to see family in Mt Pisgah in 1859 and a storm came. The family sought refuge in a rockhouse near Mt Pisgah and Jesse and his young son William, whom he was holding, were struck by lightening, killing them both. It's said to have left strange marks on the stone in the rock house. Always wanted to go find it but never have.
Good video Papaw! Too bad they let the fields grow up at Parchcorn, always loved it down there. Those “No vehicles beyond this point” were easy to get to back in the early 90’s. I remember being able to drive almost to Maude’s Crack in my Jeep.
We used to drive out several of the old roads back in the early 80s too. It was then that I last drove my old Scout through No Business.
Parch Corn is such a gorgeous place. I wish they would keep it cleared off too. At least on this hike we completed a pretty good shortcut down there from Divide Road. We tried to find it from the top a couple of years ago but lost the old trail.
This hike was successful on several fronts!
Thanks my friend, take care and stay safe.
I enjoyed your hike and loved the flowers 😊 New friend here!
nationalparksprincess, what a great name!!
Thanks a million for the nice comment and the sub. It means a lot to me!
Take care my friend, stay safe and healthy.
I wouldn't have went down Maudes either. I heard the guy that put up the rope was a bit shady😁. Y'all hit the jackpot on wild flowers. I must be getting old. I remember when the field was clear.
The guy who put the rope in Maude’s Crack is not to be trusted. He’s a big dud… lol..
Yes we did hit the jackpot on the Kentucky Lady Slippers! We were at 3 different locations. The one is the biggest by far that I’ve ever seen!
Thanks Kerry. Take care old friend.
I've never seen that type of Lady Slipper. Thanks for another great adventure!
These type of Lady Slippers are pretty rare. We, along with other folks, have located a lot of them that were previously unknown. They’re not as rare as we thought!
Thanks James, take care!
nice content ,thanks for sharing ;enjoyed to the end with ads +1 new subs
I appreciate the nice comment super_yummy. I try my best to show nature’s beauty and any historical aspects along my hikes.
I’m just an old country boy that loves getting out in the woods, especially off the beaten path.
Take care and stay safe!
Enjoy your videos, I've got an off grid cabin across the road from BSF and a couple locals came by the other day, I brought your name up and they both knew you, locals are great, ha ... Hope to cross paths someday.
I’m going to have to make my way back up your way sometime. It’s been quite a while.
Thanks for checking out my videos and commenting.
I wonder who the locals are and if they have their stories straight about me.. 🤣
Take care Jim. Hopefully our paths will cross someday soon.
moccasin orchid roots was used for spasms, tooth absess and menstral cramps back in the day
moccasin orchard or my lady slippers which ever you wanna call it granny called them moccasin flowers
I have never heard them called moccasin flowers. It makes sense though. Thanks for that bit of information. I like knowing the old stuff.
I always heard they have medicinal properties. Thanks for letting me in on that too!
Take care and be safe!