Sep 7 Naeroyfjord Valley Nali Walk

 

Our 6 day tour with Backroads began at the train station in Voss. Our group was transported in a couple taxi vans to our hotel for the evening. Along the way, we stopped to visit this waterfall. We saw countless waterfalls along the way. Most were just silver ribbons dropping vertically. This one has some character and a small souvenoir shop for the hordes of tourists. 

A view from our hotel was obscured by the weather. There was a verdent green valley and river below. We could see it on a few occasions and we coulkd always hear the river. Our hike today, called the Nali Walk, had this valley in view the entire way.

After a brief stop at the hotel to get orieted, we hiked up a steep narrow road to an old barn for a lunch spread and orientation. 

Then, we began our hike for the day. Beginning on a faint road, the route crossed this raging torrent of water, fueled by the rain we were walking in. 

A steep and rocky trail took us relentlessly upward to this meadow which had been the site of a mountain farm. Norway doesn't have a large population. There just isn't enough room for many more. This farm is a great example why that is the case. Level land in Norway is very scarce. This land was shaped by tectonic events and glaciations. This tiny bit of land, high and almost inaccessible in the mountains, was level enough to eke out a living for a family years ago. Stone foundations show that there were several buildings here and maybe enough land for some sheep, goats and maybe a cow to graze. It had stunning views but was seemingly inaccessible. 

 

Everywhere you look, there is a waterfall. Norway has more of them than anywhere else.

The trail was steep and took its toll on folks. The rain made it slippery and there were a few falls among our group. Offtrail scrambling here would have been extremely difficult. 

Sep 5 Stavern Norway

 

Stavern is a small coastal community along the southern coast of Norway, about 2 hours from Oslo. We are in town for 3 days for a wedding. Our room at the Wassiloff Hotel has a coastal view and is located next to a former defensive fortress, now a fort. A coastal path meandeers throug the former fortress. Our morning walk through this natural area presented a great selection of late summer wildflowers unknown to me. 

We are looking south here. Sunrise is confusing. I'd expected it to be in the east but it was northeast and set in the northwest. 

This looks like a cannon swivel hidden in the rocks. 

The park had several of these rock scluptures.

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.