I hiked the Kyle’s Landing to Pruitt section of the BRT with a group of Sierra Clubbers from the Kansas City area on a 2-night trip. Temperatures near 80 and little shade from the still-developing forest canopy made conditions mighty uncomfortable.
Lots of wildflowers were blooming, with Spring Beauty and Violets most abundant, Bloodroot starting, and Trilliums on the verge. I even saw some yellow Dogtooth Violets – I didn’t know they existed. The redbud trees were in full bloom and the dogwoods were starting. Spring is in full swing.
The Erbie campground is now closed due to NPS budget cuts, with the bathroom locked and water hydrants shut off. Ditto at the Pruitt trail head. The Cedar Grove campground is also day-use only now.
With temperatures climbing, poison ivy leafing-out, and ticks, mosquitos, and black flies becoming more active this might have been my last backpacking trip for the season (in this area, anyway). 😉
The Compulsive Hiker 