I re-visited the Byron Reese trail again today with the intent to re-shoot the tunnel and creek near the parking lot. We have had several days of rain so I knew the creek would be flowing well. It was flowing so well that I had to work my way around the far side over the tunnel to get to the location I wanted and even that was in water. I then decided to walk the trail a bit and look for some shots I missed previously. When I arrived at the AT intersection I went a bit further toward Blood Mountain. I made it about 1.75 miles but my legs were already burning and I was moving slow up the never ending ascending stairs. I also was running out of time since a storm appeared to be moving in. The temperature on the mountain was a comfortable mid 60’s with a breeze, but humidity was high. At one point I was even in the clouds.

Coming back down the mountain I stopped and photographed a series of rock steps between two trees. I think this was about the steepest point I had climbed. I had also made mental notes on the way up about a twisted tree with roots exposed that I knew I would capture on the way back. And finally there is a stream that crosses the pathway near the starting point. It was over flowing the rock steps by a good inch so its upstream was broader than usual, so I stopped and captured it. The rhododendrons were blooming too but I did not really find a good composition. Overall it was a worthwhile hike, but I need to build up my climbing legs a bit more to make it to the summit. I will return again in the fall.

Pictures to follow soon.