This is a picture of wild iris, one of the many varieties of wild flowers in the Smokies.  I went on a hike a couple weeks ago on the Porter’s Creek trail, and we saw 22 different varieties of wild flowers along the way.  We also saw a bear.  He was more interested in eating the flowers than watching us.  Porter’s Creek trail is a great place for wild flowers.  It is off Hwy. 321 past Gatlinburg.  Approximately 2 miles in there is a beautiful water fall.  Then we hiked back to the car and ate a late lunch at Wild Plum Tea Room.  Great place for lunch!