Yesterday, a friend and I took an hour drive to West Blocton to see the Cahaba Lily. I had heard of this elusive flowers and, as a part of my quest to See and Do Alabama, decided to take a trip to see it.
What is the Cahaba Lily?
Hymenocallis coronaria (Cahaba Lily or Shoals spider-lily) is a species of the genus Hymenocallis, native to the Southeastern United States. It is an aquatic, perennial flowering plant found only in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. Within Alabama it is known as the Cahaba Lily, outside of that state it is known as the Shoals spider-lily due to the fact that it requires a swift, shallow, water current and direct sunlight to flourish.[1] The plant grows to about 3 feet (0.9 m) tall and develops from a bulb that lodges in between rocks in the shoals.[2] It blooms from early May to late June. Each fragrant flower blooms for one day.[1]
from Wikipedia
Well, after taking the Mini along a dirt and gravel road (boy, did we get some looks!), we parked, got out the camera bag, water bottles and headed out.
The first glimpse of 'the largest single stand of Lilies in the world". It was quite a sight, these dainty white flowers seemingly rising from the water in a dazzling display of green and white. Unable to get a good view, we kept going along the road. Some ways down, we came upon an empty shore area. After walking through the trees a bit, we found a big rock that afforded us a good view. Unsatisfied, we decided that we must get right up to them.
So, we went swimming. At first we just waded a bit out. They we needed the cameras, so I waded back, retrieved them and (after putting them in a Ziploc bag), waded back out with them held high over my head. Thank goodness I bought the accidental insurance. It was such a sight! I took some great shots, retired the camera to a HUGE boulder in the middle, and Jenn and I swam all over the place. We explored a cave, swam right up to the lilies that everyone is enchanted with. We used some rocks covered in algea as a water slide (it worked and was so fun!). We laughed a lot and splashed around for 3 hours! Everyone on the shores was watching 'those two crazy girls who are crossing the river and swimming in the lilies'!
hours later, exhausted and feet bleeding (damn snails...I am investing in chacos this week), we left. Stomachs growling, we stopped at The American Diner, where we were the only patrons and the cook made the best cornbread I have ever had (even going back to make me more!). It was delightful and the unsweet tea made me realize why people love tea in the south. Full and happy, we headed back to the city we call home.
All in all, a wonderful day. I highly recommend going to see the Lilies if you can. And splashing in the river. I hope to take a canoe trip there soon. After some editing fun, I may post more photos.
