I was out tromping around in the woods earlier today with my sweetheart, feeling a sense of freedom after putting in a very, very long stretch of work days, all of which were within walls.  Seeing these gorgeous mountain laurel flowers made it hard to take your eyes off them, but as a follow-up to a recent appindie article, continue on to see what was found lurking in the shadows, patiently awaiting the arrival of a lady.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going down the slope of the trail, most people probably would not notice a beauty hiding nearby.  But if you peer into the shadows a bit closer, your eyes will feast on a treat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Given that we have criss-crossed these mountain hillsides numerous times, Susan and I were on the look-out for what we have spotted in Springs past, and my eagle-eyed mate was the first to find a fully bloomed Cypripedium acaule, better known to us as lady's slipper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years past we have enjoyed whole colonies of these beauties, but it looks like their numbers have been severely diminished.  We have made the presumption, based on the timing of their demise, that our far fewer sightings may have to do with the destruction of many nearby trees from those nastily voracious Gypsy Moths. 

 

To get the full scoop on these lovely sensations, please check out the great article that was recently written for appindie by friend Mary Spalding ("Weed or Wonder?  Pink Lady's Slipper-A Wonder in Need of Help"), who will be pleased as punch to know that some of them are persevering out here in mountain Maryland, found amongst a little piece of Nirvana situated in Garrett County.