May 14 Foster Falls Bicycle Ride

I got an early start on the trail today, before 9am. Leaving from Foster Falls, it is downhill going north (east). The vegetation was lush but blooms were lacking with the exception of Phlox. Trail conditions were mixed. In the Foster Falls area where horses are permitted, the trail is compromised for cyclists as you'd expect. Further out, it gets better and generally is a nice bicycling experience.

Someone cut all the vines off this building

The river was full today and brown. I could see it moving quite quickly. In spots were there were riffles or rapids, the roar was more that usual.

Big Reed Island Creek enters the New River

Lunch was at this scenic spot. Not a soul to be seen while I sat and enjoyed my salad.

Hiwassee Bridge

On the first leg to Hiwassee, I passed only 6 others. On the return there were more but not a huge day on the trail for many folks. 

Geo Tracker vs bike odometer

May 13 Bird Walk at Low Water Bridge Ophir

Low Water Bridge at Ophir is the start of today's bird walk along the Uwharrie River. John Gerwin, ornithologist at the NC Museum of Science in Raleigh is leading the hike. He is assisted by a team of young ornithology students who spot most of the birds and hear most of the calls.

We spend over 3 hours walking about a mile and listening and observing. Our first guest appearance is a pair of Louisiana Water Thrushes patrolling the river nearby. Then a Black and White Warbler squeks nearby. Soon we are hearing and seeing most of the usual suspects. Blue Headed and Red Eyed Vireos make appearances. Then a couple Swainson Thrushes play their flutes. Blue Gray Gnatcatchers, Acadian Flycatchers, a Tufted Titmouse, Pileated Woodpecker, and then a Yellow Billed Cuckoo all flit around. On the river we spot several Spotted Sandpipers. A Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler and a Hairy rounded out the day.

Rattlesnake Fern

May 12 Indian Creek Blooms

Frasers Sedge

Turkey Beard

Mountain Laurel

More Laurel

Galax

Apr 27 Storyteller Rock

There is time for one more hike in the mountains before heading home. We decide to hike to Storyteller Rock in Grandfather Mountain State Park, a spot I have not been to. 

Beginning at the Boone Fork parking area on the BRP, we hike in on several trails before getting on the Nuwati Trail. This trail follows an old logging route. It may have been a railbed as we saw piles of coal in a couple spots.

Today, it was a sea of leafless trees with some large rocks poking above. One of the rocks is Storyteller.

This is Storyteller Rock. Supposedly, this was a spot where people gathered and there was a natural pulpit above on the rock from which to storytell. Or maybe that is a rural legend.

Apr 27 Laurel Fall - AT in Tennessee

Today's hike is two pronged. We shuttle cars to be able to walk downhill on this gorgeous stretch of the AT. The first big attraction is this wonderful gorge on Laurel Fork. 

Bleeding Hearts were in bloom by the river. Such a pretty flower I don't see that often.

The trail heads down a series of rock steps built by volunteers after a rock slide took the trail away. This is quite a steep climb down to the river where you are rewarded with this wonder waterfall. It was running full steam today,

After leaving the waterfall, the trail follows the river and seemingly disappears onto this ledge just above the rushing water. AT backpackers with acrophobia will not like this spot. I even spent special attention to what I was doing here. A tumble would not be pleasant.  

One of the rewards today was this Scarlet Tanager perched below eye level. 

Not far from the Tanager were Painted Trilliums.

The AT crosses Laurel Fork on this cool wooden bridge. It is a great spot to cool off too.

The gorge continues along Laurel Fork. We had hoped to find some morels in area. Not today.

After having lunch in Hampton, we headed back to the trailhead at Dennis Cove to hike in the other direction on the AT. We encountered many AT hikers on this section. By mid afternoon, most were headed for Kincora Hiking Hostel a popular spot on the AT.

In the area of this barn were some large American Chestnuts. I saw many burrs on the ground.

Apr 25 Profile trail Flowers

Profile Trail in Grandfather Mountain State Park is a popular one, filling up its parking area early on weekends. We had no trouble finding a spot to park today. The flowers were out in force. Fringed Phacelia carpeted the trailsides near the parking area. Trillium, Toothwort, Squirrel Corn, Foam Flower, Chickweed and all the other usual suspects were present.

Recent rain made the creek crossings creative. I was sporting a huge splash of mud on my backside after trying to be too creative at one of the crossings.

Apr 22 Pilot Creek Celebration

Pinxter Azalea

Friends of Sauratown Mountains honored and recognized its volunteers today (Earth Day) at the new Pilot Creek Trailhead at Pilot Mountain State Park. The 3.6 mile trail was built with volunteer labor saving the state an estimated $70,000. Although I did not put in any hours on this trailwork, it was one of my best moments as a Friends member, seeing the work we are doing for the state parks.

Cemetery at Pilot Creek Trailhead

Tucked away where the field meets the forest, an old family cemetery can be seen from the new trailhead. The trailhead is on Boyd Nelson Road and now has a state park sign, parking area and locust fence. 

Cake for our volunteers

Debbie Vaden opened the ceremony and passed it off to Don Bergey who gave out awards, t-shirts and spoke highly of the many volunteers that worked on this trail and other trails throughout the year.

Holding the awnings down

We had plenty of awnings on hand to sit under. However, the wind picked up and each leg of the awnings had to be held down. One awning flipped completely and t shirts blew off the table. We managed to hold the event and get the awning taken down. 

Turkey eggs

When it was time for the grand opening of the Pilot Creek Trail, we all walked through the field to where the trail enters the forest. Ranger Dylan Joyce, in charge of the park's trails, used a pair of loppers to cut the caution tape. When everyone cheered, a turkey flushed off her next about 30 feet from the group, revealing a nest of eggs. I hope she returned.