Grandview and Spring.... Finally!!

I had an hour or so after school to kill before an evening meeting so I made a quick trip to Grandview Park. Grandview was a popular state park for many years but now is part of the New River Gorge National River and has many overlooks and trails.

One of Grandviews Namesakes

Since the cool weather and surprise snowstorm six days ago, the weather has moderated and the wildflowers are springing into action. I was wearing a tie and dress shoes so I probably resembled one of the English country gentlemen hiking in the woods. I thought I looked pretty snazzy myself.

I found two wildflowers that I thought were Harbinger of Spring and Spring Beauty, but after consulting several sources, I wasn't so sure.  The leaves on both just don't look right. The Harbinger of Spring is shown in references as having fern like leaves, not like those shown below 

UPDATE: I am thinking maybe Star Chickweed, with some help from esh_ga from Georgia a Gardenweb forum member. #6 for the Big Year.

This one that I was sure is Spring Beauty is described in most sources as having lanceolate or grass like leaves which did not fit this one. With some help I have came up with  Carolina Springbeauty- Claytonia caroliniana, a new flower for me and #7 in the Big Year. The difference between the two are described in this blog called Spring Beauty and the Bees 

I also stumbled on an over winter leaf from an orchid that I had searched for diligently but could not find.  The Crane-fly Orchid is a moth pollinated orchid that I hope to now see in bloom late this summer. 

I also saw this butterfly, one of the first of the year. It was a great hike, and I managed to stay clean and make a successful presentation before the Board of Education. 

Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, 

and we shall soon see the results of their love!

Sitting Bull