Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Flints

I was walking around in a freshly plowed garden after a rain storm and found these three flints. I am not sure how old they are, but am trying to determine the appropriate period. When I was younger, I found lots of similar flints in the same area.

Holding these arrowheads in my hand I feel a special connection to the distant past -- particularly knowing that, perhaps, the last person that held this same piece of flint in their hand, may have lived hundreds if not thousands of years ago.

Nature's Ballet

This is Trillium -- aka wakerobin, tri flower and birthroot. One species of this wildflower is the official emblem for Ontario, Canada. It's native to temperate parts of North America and Asia. I have found it growing near streams in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Interestingly, if you pick trillium, you can do serious harm to the plant. It prevents the plant from producing food for the next year. It can take years to recover.


Hitchin' a Ride

These little guys were spotted in a puddle on a trail along the Laurel River between Hot Springs and Marshall, NC. 

Water, Water Everywhere!


Just back from an amazing little hike in Greene County, Tennessee in the Bald Mountains -- up to Margarette Falls. The trail follows the stream and is generally an easy 2.5 miles roundtrip.  There are a few places where I had to scramble up some rocks and cross the stream.

As you approach the falls, the left side of the valley becomes a sheer rock cliff.

Recent rains made for a deep stream and absolutely amazing waterfalls all the way to the mother lode -- the Margarette.  The water cascades some 70 feet into the gorge.

The mist and light breeze off the falls made for a very enjoyable visit.

The confluence of two mountain streams


As one approaches the falls the left side of the valley becomes a sheer cliff of stone.