It is the first day of Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage and I am headed up Chimney Tops with other pilgrims. Gary Walker shows up with his Kavu hat, exactly like the one I just purchased. We are trendsetters, or at least Gary is. He wore his to Viet Nam and received so much attention, he spoke with a Kavu rep who shipped him a case of hat in return for getting a bunch of photos of Vietnamese wearing them. They probably have figured out how to knock off the hat by now.
Fringed phacelia makes its presence known as we head up the trail. It is the first opportunity I've had to walk this trail since the Trails Forever trail crew spent a season refurbishing this steep and eroded trail. The trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park and it's parking area maxes out early almost every day. Being good citizen scientists, we traveled via van here.
The Chimney Tops II fire started here and burned very hot. Virtually all the vegetation and soil which clung to the rocky tops, eroded away. It may well be that the top will never be accessible again. The trail comes to an abrupt end and it is made quite clear, going further is strictly off limits. Very near here is a nice area with views. We could only see fog today.
Above, is fine example of the handiwork of the Trails Forever crew. Stone steps replace what would have been a very eroded trail.
The youths who started Chimney Tops II fire have been released and charges have been dropped. I would guess their families have moved from the area. I have heard many stories about the fire and the aftermath. You can easily still see the charred remains in this area of the park. Now we are learning more about what happens to plant life after a fire. Most areas regenerate quickly but were it burned hot and burned nutrients out of the soil are a different narrative still playing out.
This trail is now just 1.7 miles, one way. We were about an hour overdue. It was steep and took its toll on a couple pilgrims who underestimated it.
No comments:
Post a Comment