Spent an incredible day in the Smokies with a fabulous group of homeschoolers.  Our fearless leader took our group of around 17 on the Finley Creek Trail.  The purpose of the trip was to explore several sinkholes which were filled with varying amounts of water.  They are called "vernal springs,"  and they were filled with tadpoles and various egg sacs, including frog and salamander.  The boys had an amazing time.  We also found baby snakes, beetles, spiders and lots of other creepy-crawlies that Joseph adores.  Oh, and millipedes.  Ugg. 

After exploring the area and studying what we might find under rotting logs, we took a lunch break and then hiked a bit on the trail.  Spotted lots of wildflowers, including Squaw Root, Longspur Violets, Hepatica, Foam Flower, Smooth Yellow Violet, and Catesby's Trillium.