The Last Pink Lady in the Barrens

We've had a long, cool spring, and the lady's slipper orchids have been lingering longer than usual. This year, for the first time I can remember, they have still been blooming into early June. 

Yes, these are wild orchids, and they just bloom wherever they feel like it, in the piney woods. They are called Cypripedium acaule, lady's slipper, moccasin flower. I have seen photos of yellow ones; I have not ever seen one of those live, but I hear they bloom at Canoe Creek. Perhaps one day I shall witness some of those myself.

While lady's slippers blooming in June is a thing Thoreau talked about in his journals (and yes, I know, he's from Massachusetts, and perhaps they stay around longer up there), it is most definitely NOT common in central Pennsylvania, and so it is worth documenting, and celebrating.

There is only one lady's slipper bloom left that I know of, and I have been visiting her several times a week. She is located near the Tow Hill parking lot for the Scotia Barrens. For me, it's about 15 minutes or so, by bike, all uphill.

Back down the hill is zippy-spiffy; just 5 minutes to get home at top speed, without using the brakes. I always worry, though, that those deer I sometimes see around the middle of Tow Hill will be crossing the road as I fly past*, and that someday I'll knock them all over like bowling pins!

On this day, I was running before the rain, as per usual. Taking pictures of the mountain laurel and the lady's slippers; both in bloom at the same time. We got a full day of endless rain after the morning's respite. I fear the rains will take her soon. 

So I wanted one last photo here on blip of the last-blooming lady's slipper orchid in the Barrens. THANK YOU. It's been gorgeous. And I know you have to go soon. So I'll bid you adieu, just in case I don't get to see you again. Catch you next year, dear lady!

My soundtrack song is Sinead O'Connor, with Last Day of Our Acquaintance.

*My husband calls me Zippy - or perhaps it's Zippi! - Longstocking when I'm on my bike! :-)

Related blip: first pink orchid bloom, May 5.
A few more pics of this lovely lady may be viewed on Instagram here.