Nature Journey

  Steve and I recently visited the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, near West Blocton, Ala., to see the Cahaba Lilies in bloom on the shoals of the Cahaba River. The striking white lily typically blooms there between Mother's Day and Father's Day, drawing numerous onlookers. Some watch from the banks and others brave walking through shallow water and on wet rocks to get up close to the flowers, which have a magical appeal. We first saw the lilies in their natural habitat for the first time nine years ago while hiking with a group. It was also the first time we met. Well, met again rather. At the time we did not recognize each other from high school. We were just two hikers who briefly spoke as we photographed the flowers. While other hikers there took a few snaps, he and I were photographing the blooms from various angles, trying hard to capture their breathtaking beauty, if possible.  I had been wanting to see the Cahaba Lily for several years after seeing pictures of it