On the way up to the look out, I pointed out a dark-eyed junco nest which was just on the side of the road (but flagged by researchers). Juncos have left my yard (2000 ft. elevation) in April to nest up north but are resident year round at Mountain Lake because it is 4000 feet in elevation.
The trail really was a road so the flowers were mostly typical of field or road sides such as this milkweed with a black swallowtail butterfly. My milkweed at home had already finished blooming.
The theme of the elderhostel was on stories so I talked about the uses of coltsfoot, plant, and witch hazel tree which were growing along the road.
This Rosebay Rhododendrun blooms later than the more common Catawba Rhododendrun.
About 24 hiked the one-mile but steep trail/road up to the lookout.
The look out is 4363 feet in elevation.
These two men looked precarious on the cantilevered rock.
At the hotel, I noticed a tree swallow had built a nest on the porch outside the gift shop.
When I got too close, she got out of her nest. I left soon after so she could get back to her nest.
On the drive back, I took this panoramic view at a pull out on Mountain Lake Road (Rt. 700), looking toward where I live.
I also saw my first Monarch Butterfly there---what a good day it was.
Note about Mountain Lake Conservancy: There are many trails on the 2600 acres that the Conservancy manages. The area borders on the Appalachian Trail. You don't have to be a hotel guest. There is a $3 parking charge for the day. They also have "Dirty Dancing" weekends regularly for hotel guests--see Mountain Lake Hotel website.
Wonderful pics Joan!! Sounds like a fun time!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous display of photography. I love the butterfly.
ReplyDeleteKerri--thanks. It was fun and I hope to lead a hike again up there.
ReplyDeleteLisa--thanks for the note. I always enjoy seeing butterflies.
The views you have captured make the hike to the lookout seem worth it. Excellent captures!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog,I do hope you will want to come again.Looking through some of your posts,I find them very fascinating.That hike sounds wonderful and the views delightful.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Ruth
Thank you so much for stopping and your kind words.. The moose is in Canola that we grow and ran into our Wheat Field.
ReplyDeleteOh very nice! So glad you took them up to see the view!
ReplyDeleteSo I was waiting to hear those stories too...about coltsfoot, witch hazel etc. Guess I need to go on your elder hostel walk.
How often do you lead them?
Lovely spot there. Enjoyed the birds and flowers and the view of course!
ReplyDeleteWow! What an amazing hike! The view is just awesome and high! Love the eggs.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! And stunning images, especially the Rosebay Rhodo. Hope to join one of your hikes someday.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post! Your photo of the Dark-eyed Junco nest is so special. They are winter birds for us. I didn't realize they would nest in the mountains. ...and what a view. Looks like a place to add to the "I want to visit" list!
ReplyDeleteMainebirder--thanks for the note. I do think this hike is well worth it.
ReplyDeletedAwN--good idea for a future post on coltsfoot and witch hazel. I lead hikes at Mountain Lake hotel a few times a year--usually for the school children.
ReplyDeleteRuth's photo blog--thanks for the visit and note!
ReplyDeleteLisa RedWillow--thanks for the explanation and your visit.
ReplyDelete