Todays short intro was a loop trail. Heard lots of birds, but only got to see one.
More tomorrow - July 12, 2016.
Today we were in the Big Meadows area of the park. Went to Fishers Gap Overlook and got on part of the Appalachian Trail to get to our trails for today. We did the Rose River Fire Road along the Rose River. then the loop trail and on to Rose River Falls. That continued to the Dark Hallow Falls. Very different terrain in different areas. Chipmunks are as stupid as at home. Some grey squirrels, a Doe and fawn. No bear sightings for us.
These look kind of like Lillies of the Valley, but not sure. Along the Rose River Trail
We are hearing that the berries are a week or two late and the bears are getting hungry.
So many interesting wildflowers
Taking a break at one of the falls.
The falls that were our destination. Dark Hollow Falls.
Panoramic views along the Skyline Drive. The road that goes from the North to the Sound end of the Park. all 110 miles.
Wednesday July 13.
Hawksbill Peak.
Weather forecast was for rain. It seems it kept people off the most popular trail this morning. It is the highest peak in the park. at 4,000 feet. A great panoramic view. Rangers and Trail maintenance teams were up on the trail. Putting in some new signs and cutting some trees (a few years old) as they had grown to block the view of the Vista. They dont cut trees down lightly. Lots of thoughts go into it.
Interesting downed trees and shapes.
Made a trip into Fort Royal, the city to the north of the park. I guess during the Civil War is was called Hell. Don't know yet how it became know as Fort Royal.
Stopped at a few overlooks to see what we could see.
These look like a wild Bee Balm.
Thursday July 14 the plan is for Stony Man and Little Stony Man trails. All together we hiked about 4 miles today. While I like a hike ending in a waterfall, I also like great vistas. These two went through forests and great mountain top vistas.
This tree grew between two stones. Looks like the stone lost and the tree won.
Ken and I on top of Stony Man Mountain
Panoramic view with the city of Luray below.
Wild roses along the mountain trail
Maples, Oaks, Cherry and chestnut trees can be seen in these forests. Also some fir trees. Can hear many birds, but don't see many of them.
Not sure what this structure is in the middle of the forest. Gonna check it out.
Some of the forest was thicker than this. This was on the horse trail between Stony Man and Little Stony Man peaks.
The view of Stony Man from Little Stony Man
Trying to catch a pic of these birds is a tough one. They are too fast for me.
There was a group of young kids about 12-13 with instructors teaching them to climb. I asked the instructor if I could take this young ladies picture. She shouted "Wait until I get in a good spot". Her group was cheering her on.
July 15 - Friday - Timber Hollow Overlook on a Ranger guided hike to a geology lesson on Volcanic rock.
There were 8 people who showed up for the ranger guided hike. Or guide Alysa was actually a summer intern but majoring in geology. Very knowledgable and fun.
Weather today was cooler, but still some humidity. May go to Harrisonburg yet this afternoon. It is a college town here in Virginia.
The panoramic view from Timber Hollow Overlook.
Our RAnger intern explaining the growth of a tree in a rock and who will win. As a geologist, she is cheering for the rock, but looks like the tree is winning as it has split the rock.
One of three examples of rock types that came through the ages.
Centipede Ken spotted between the spaces in the rock.
The curled brown is also a type of Lychen. If you moisten it, it opens up. It is a life form.
The veins in this rock occur during formation due to hot / cold changes as it is spewed.
Another battle between rock and tree, Looks like the rock is winning this one. Although the tree is still very alive.
Lots of Milkweed, but I find other bugs other than Butterflies on it.
Fungi are interesting in their varied colors, shapes and sizes.
Jewelweed is used to counteract the itch from poisin ivy.
Another of many wildflowers of Virginia.
Saturday - July 16, 2016
Today Matt, Caro, Lucas and Sophie joined us for the day.
We had planned on a hike in the forest. Started with a meadow walk and heard thunder. Hustled back and got to the Byrd Visitor Center just before it starte to rain. Caro was watching us from a balcony with binoculars.
Before we headed out to the meadow, Lucas was getting ready with his binoculars.
Two gentlemen were showing off their glider and answering questions.
Ken walking out into the meadow. They manage this meadow to keep the invasive species down and the trees back. Most of the area is rock so actually trees will not grow much.
Lucas starting his walk into the meadow. Binoculars ready at hand. Smelling flowers, looking for bugs.
The three boys trekking out into the meadow.
Dark clouds started, but we were still looking around. We were checking out the wildflowers along the way.
One Butterfly , thought we would see more.
Lucas and Matt found a rock to conquer.
Then the three boys found bees on a wildflower.
We all wanted to get as much in as we could before the rain came. So Lucas was running through the tall grasses.
We heard the thunder and scampered back to the visitors center. Lucas on top of Matt's shoulder. Where was my ride back in?
Lucas wanted to see the exhibits in the Center, so he and I went in to see what was there about the beginning of the park in 1934, as well as information about conservation. I got this kiss without asking for it.
He is listening to stories about how the property was secured for the National Park.
Sophie thought she was also going on the trail. She was ready with a mosquito net and all, but strollers were not allowed in the meadow.
Here is the rain that descended upon us.
Many people were taking cover in the Visitors Center until the rain stopped.
Lucas stoped to give Sophie a kiss.
Huddling on the balcony off the visitors center facing the meadow.
Lucas posing with Iron Mike - a representation of the men from the CCC - Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 who built the park.
Stopped at the Timber Hollow Overlook to see another angle of the park as we headed back to the resort.
And at the end of the day we all are tired.
And at the end of the day, there is a beautiful sky.
Sunday July 17 - Our last day at Shenadoah National Park
