Bartram Trail-- Buckeye Creek to "The Bus"

From Buckeye Creek trailhead out and back to "the Bus" turned out to be a nice relaxing dayhike.  It was perfect for a weekend when I was still sick and needing to take it easy.  The ~1200 foot climb was so gradual that I didn't even notice.  There were also rocky outcrops with views at the top, plenty of flowers along the way, and the soothing sound of springs and creeks at lower elevations near the trailhead.  Once again the Bartram Trail offered plenty of peace and quiet-- there were no other hikers seen the whole day.

Overcast sky's but the thunderstorms thankfully held off

Once again, my gaitors protected my legs from briers on the exposed, overgrown parts of the trail.

Made it to"The Bus"

This section of passed through several distinct forest communities, including the special Cedar Woodland plant community on Cedar Cliff, with Eastern Red Cedar and several rare and sensitive plants.  Botanical highlights included Carolina lilies, yellow fringed orchids, and large patches of fragrant mountain mint.  Rosepink (Sabatia sp.) were especially enchanting, and you can read out their cool ability to avoid self-fertilization here.

Rosepink with exposed, curly style

For more infomation and directions to the trailhead:
http://ncbartramtrail.org/section2/