Cypripedium acaule (Pink Lady's-slipper Orchid)

Second day-trip to Panthertown Valley, NC. This is a near-wilderness area that has been set aside for hiking, fishing, and outdoor enjoyment. The first day up there was anything but enjoyable for us. Long story short: we missed the first (and most important) trail turnoff, and got lost. Many hours later, we happened upon a Boy Scout group that seemed to know their way around, and gave us directions back to where we began the day...

The second day was much more productive, since we met up with our photography buddy, KT, who had been in the area a time or two previously.

On this day, our final destination was to be a white pine "plantation" that provided cover for a large group of Cypripedium acaule (Pink Lady's-slipper Orchids). We had no trouble finding several rather large populations of this beautiful orchid as well a a rare white form. During this part of the spring season, there are other wildflowers in the area, as well: Rhododendron, Flame Azalea, and Mountain Laurel to mention a few...