There were these strange fire lily type trees in full bloom all along the trail.  1st week in June was a great time to be out on the AT

We finally made what seemed to be an eternal climb to the top of Springer Mountain the official start of the southern terminus of the Appalachian trail.  Kicked out boots off and packs and started to prepare a little lunch.  I laid back on a rock and not 10 feet from me was this beautiful little timber rattler sounding off that we had invaded his space.  Approx 4 feet in length.

Here he/she is taking off in a slow retreat. 

Me on top of Springer, Mountain Laurel in bloom in the background and a somewhat hazy view but was a great reward after our first really tough climb, especially for the old timers and scouts. 

The plaque signifying the official start to my quest.

The view from atop Springer Mountain GA

Our first rattler was tiny in comparison to the this big dude.  Another Timber Rattler this one was a beast and he was very perturbed by our presence.  If you don't take trekking poles then you might just get to step on one of these babies.  The poles kind of make a little non rubber noise when the poke into the rock and kind of put snakes like this one on alert.  This one was stretched out under the grass on the edge of the trail.  He moved about 4 feet off the trail to get away and to prepare to strike.  Again, if you don't take trekking poles or a good comfortable staff with you, I'd say you are missing out on a safety feature and a good knee saver for your down hill moves. 

The flora and fauna of the AT is exquisite.  This is a spider wort plant.  They were everywhere.  The trail was also bathed in lush green ferns (background)

At the junction of the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) we had the official AT marker. 

The troop stops for an action photo and to filter.

We made it to Three Forks on our second night.  What a fantastic camp site. 

From what I have found online this is a pretty rare find. It looks like a shroom but it's actually an all white flower that works only when a certain subterranian shroom is present. Also called the ghost flower. Found this a Three Forks. Most commonly called the Indian Pipe

Getting our stride

another peak achieved

More Flora . . .