The Quest for Blooming Rhododendron near Roanoke, part 2: Stars, returns, and moments of esctasy

Roanoke, Virginia was initially called Big Lick, when it became a settler community in the 1800s, from the salt marshes by the river that would attract wildlife. The Warrior’s Path, and then the Great Wagon Road, came through this valley, forking here toward the south and west, serving as foundations for future transportation corridors like […]

Read More The Quest for Blooming Rhododendron near Roanoke, part 2: Stars, returns, and moments of esctasy

The Quest for Blooming Rhododendron near Roanoke, Virginia – part 1: taking the scenic route

June 2022 Rhododendron catawbiense are the purplish flowering of these soul-comforting mountain shrubs and are euphoria to witness in bloom. There are several sub species of Rhododendron, this one widespread throughout the region but only in bloom for a short time…sometimes as short as two weeks in certain areas. Generally, this happens in Southern Appalachia […]

Read More The Quest for Blooming Rhododendron near Roanoke, Virginia – part 1: taking the scenic route