Distance: 6 miles Rating: 4/5
Difficulty: Easy
Conditions: Hot (low 90s) and humid. Wind: light & variable. Trails were mostly dry. Encountered a few mountain bikers near end of hike.
Thoughts/Observations:
Summer in the Southeast means bugs (lots of bugs). Used 40% DEET to repel mosquitoes and ticks (though I have never known ticks to be a problem here). Had several gnats fly into my eyes. The drone of flying insects was a constant chorus throughout the hike. The ubiquitous trail-spanning spider webs were easily handled by my trekking pole. Insects can be a worrisome distraction this time of year, just prepare (mentally, clothing, & repellent) before venturing into the woods.
Gray squirrels and chipmunks were observed throughout the day scampering around the forest floor. The drumming of a woodpecker greeted me at the beginning of the hike. Small lavender wildflowers were the flower stars today... taking center-stage all along the trails. I am not certain of their identity, though they resemble the mint family with small clustered lavender blooms. Did not notice a particular fragrance associated with these blooms. Yellow daisies, Black-Eyed Susans, and Mimosas added the additional colors from GOD's palette.
The greatest surprise was a large Barred Owl flying through the forest canopy within 60' of me and perching in a tall hardwood. Silence accompanied his swoop through the tree tops. Owls are rarely observed during the day. This may have been only the third time I have ever observed diurnal behavior in an owl. He was not close enough to get a quality photo, but certainly close enough for me to enjoy such a wonderful sight.
Isaiah 55:12 (NKJV)
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