Platanthera ciliaris (Yellow Fringed Orchids) in a power line cut

Today, I made a day trip to the DuPont Recreational State Forest near Cedar Mountain, North Carolina, about an hour from home. A new FaceBook friend, Chuck Ramsey, had told me about some Yellow Fringed orchids found in a power line cut at the end of one of the many trails in the State Forest. Chuck rides bicycles on those trails, and let me tell you, that takes some stamina. What he didn't tell me that it was 2 miles uphill -- both ways! And in mid-August - like 95 degrees F (35 degrees C)!

Well, I finally made it to the power line cut. When I exited the woods, I didn't see the orchids, but after I looked toward the base of the hill, there they were -- several hundred in groups of a dozen or more. Thanks, Chuck! I owe you one...