Sept 18 Butterflies at Doughton Park

Here is the newly constructed bridge on Grassy Gap Trail about 1.5 miles from Longbottom Road. The creek does not appear to have much water in it today but on other occasions this creek crossing can be difficult. The bridges super structure is fiberglass. It has a treated pine treadway. The planks are at least 3 inches thick. The wings are poured concrete. It does not appear to be going anywhere.

In the meadows along the Blue Ridge Parkway, wildflowers have been allowed to take over. These thistles are very popular with the butterflies. There were numerous milkweed plants as well. Those are a favorite of the monarchs which have declined in numbers by 90-95% recently.

I completed the 13 mile Bluff Ridge Primitive to Cedar Rock Trail loop today but the real treat was the butterflies and meadows. 

While hiking up Bluff Ridge Primitive trail, prior to reaching the saddle, I encountered a couple coming down. They asked where the Alligator Rock overlook was. I had to tell them they had made a wrong turn at least a mile ago. I felt sorry for them. The return back was much more difficult.

Gregarious Milkweed bugs on a milkweed pod. These little beetles were quite easy to spot. There was plenty of milkweed for them to feed on.

Sept 7 Hike Bike & Paddle Louisville

Louisville residents headed outside for this hug event on Labor Day. Although I never saw the runners, I did see many paddlers - 249 boat I counted. From single person kayaks and paddle boards to 16 man canoes. Their day began with a roll contest. Two contestants tied for first place. They held three run off rolls and each time they came up even. Can you do 7 rolls in 15 seconds? They looked tires. 

At 10am the boats launched and head down the Ohio to a lock. All boats were to enter the lock and it was lowered at 11:30. They continued on to New Albany IN. 

The cyclists headed in the same direction on city street and then back to the starting location. I saw all sorts of bikes out there. It looked like everyone had fun, except for the folks trying to drive around the city.