Mountain Laurel

For years I have noticed the Mountain Laurel in Shenandoah National Park but before this year I have never seen it in bloom. It seemed like I was always early or late. This past June as I was driving through the Southern section of the park the Mountain Laurel was in peak. I had originally driven up to the park to photograph the fawns and pretty much struck out in that regard. But the Mountain Laurel was a nice surprise and helped make the trip worthwhile.