What a gorgeous day to hike. Normally, a mid July hike would be a hot and humid death march but not today. Dry, breezy and moderate temperatures made this wonderful afternoon with the Piedmont Hikers. Just north of Roanoke we accessed the AT via an approach trail passing through overgrown horse and cow pasture gradually working our way up. About noon we reached the Tinker Cliffs, a series of rock outcropping affording expansive views of the valley below and nearby tectonic disruptions neatly forming many small ridges and valleys.
From here it was a nice walk along the AT to McAfee Knob where we disturbed this slumbering serpent. Eventually the snake slithered into a crack below a rock and disappeared. More great views here, south and Roanoke.
Along the way we saw numerous Indian Pipes. One of which I examined and noticed a pink tint. After a bit of google research, I don't think this was Pine Sap as it just didn't have enough pink. There were also 2 great examples of the orange/yellow polypore known as "chicken of the woods".
Again, it was a great afternoon and hike.
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