On Monday, Feb 4, I took a ride down to The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain with a couple of my grandsons – Chase and Jeff.  To a great extent this was to get them out from in front of their computers/video games, but also, since we’ve had such a warm winter, to check to see if there were any early signs of spring.  We walked the boardwalk and all the way up to and above the falls.  We had a good time, and even though I was expecting some indication that spring is around the corner, I was surprised…

Waterfalls in The Pocket

As we drove in and I saw the “Fee Area” sign, I remembered that my Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass had expired last week; I need to get that renewed.  At the boardwalk, there were a lot leaves showing up – Cutleaf Toothwort, and Trailing Trillium with their flower buds starting were common.  Pretty quickly came a bit of a surprise – Hepatica blooming.  These were common, although most weren’t entirely open, many were.

Sharp-lobed Hepatica – Hepatica nobilis – On Feb 4!

Further back the boardwalk the flower I was expecting – the aptly named Harbinger of Spring – started showing up, along with an occasional Chickweed,.

This is the blooming plant I expected – Harbinger-of-Spring, Pepper and Salt – Erigenia bulbosa

Just before we reached the falls, I spotted some red color nestled in the leaves:

Jack-in-the-Pulpit fruit – Arisaema triphyllum

We went on up to the falls and played around, the boys exploring extensively.  What a great way to spend a late winter afternoon.

Waterfalls in The Pocket