March 18 Spinks Mill?

During the Revolutionary War, two journals kept by generals, Gates and Greene, reference a stop at Spinks Mill in southern Randolph County.  Local historian, Warren Dixon, wondered if this earthen dam on what would have been Spinks land, might be the mill. The creek we followed is a tributary of Fork Creek. That part fits the description but he determined we were too far from Fork Creek for this to be Spinks Mill. Spinks owned a square mile of land and held many slaves. The area of Randolph County in which I live, Spinks Road, is about 8 miles east. 

First Trout Lily of the year. There were a number of them in the area. 

March 16 American Tobacco Trail

My first ride of 2015 is on the American Tobacco Trail. The sign above is one I had never seen before. A lot of people use the trail, so it is logical to post this information. The past weekend there was a trail run on the trail. Extra port-a-potties were at many of the road crossings. All the trees which had succumbed to the February ice/snow event have been cleared. 

These freshly cut trees were a common sight. There were many chip piles too.

Not much bird activity in the swampy Beaver Creek area. I did spot these Canadas and the Belted Kingfisher below.

March 10 False Gap Prong

This was an impromptu stroll in Greenbrier. Driving in, I knew I wanted to wander somewhere but not sure where. It has been rainy and many of the spots I considered, would be muddy. Once at the turn to Ramsey's Cascade, I decided to walk up to the cemetery and look for the trail which goes beyond. I recall this is the way to the big tree which is the focus of every Spring Wildflower Pilgrimages' final Sunday walk. Never having gone on that walk; it must be a zoo; I still wanted to see the tree. 

This isn't the tree. It is False Gap Prong in the background. As I wrote, it has been rainy.

Confluence of Porters Creek and Ramsey's (Middle) Prong. 

After leaving the cemetery and finding the trail, I headed off on an old road with an occasional chimney pile and stonewalls like this one. About 2 miles from the road I encountered a creek crossing which I was not prepared to do and turned back. Next time I will come prepared and with more time. Not far from the wall pictured above is a trail leading left or north which I did not follow but will next time.