Aug 5 Natural Bridge State Park

 

It's the largest limestone arch in North America. Key word there is limestone. The arches at Big South Fork are sandstone. As are the Utah arches. 

Historic graffiti can be seen along with a very high up carving attributed to George Washington. I think that is a rural legend. However, the arch was once owned by Thomas Jefferson for almost 60 years. It was sold in 1833 after his death to settle debts. 

Enlarge this photo and you can count 5 lines on this 5 lined skink. 

This is the 1600 year old tree that dies 46 years ago. I really don't know where that 1600 number came from. It seems exaggerated but that is what they claim. It is a Northern White Cedar located quite far south from its range. You'd expect to see it in northern New England, Great Lakes and Southern Canada. But, here it is. There were dozens along the trail. 

Aug 5 Blue Ridge Parkway Stroll

 

Cucumber magnolia gets its name from these. They don't look much like cucumbers. 

Rattlesnake plantain

Wigwam Falls

This short trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway (around MP 30), sports the remains of a narrow guage railroad. The railroad was used to cut the timber probably about 100 years ago. 

Jul 27 Doughton Park in Bloom

 

July is when Doughton Park becomes quite colorful. The stunning Blazing Star and Lanceleaf Coreopsis dominate the meadows. The park service has mowed walkways through some of the meadow so you can get upclose and personal with the flowers and their pollinators. 

Ants like Milkweed too. This one had ants on every leaf. It is not the Milkweed they want. It is the honeydew secreted by an aphid attracted to the Milkweed. The ants move or herd the aphids around, poking them with their antennae so they'll give up some of that sweet honeydew they want. They will even defend the aphids against preditors. 

During my visit, I parked in the overflow parking area by the Bluffs Restaurant. In the forest behind the parking area is the crumbling infastructure of a former picnic area. Stone picnic tables dot the area. Stone water fountains are stationed throughout.

Here is what remains of the picnic restroom slowly succumbing to nature.