Fungi at George L. Smith II State Park
Monthly Archives: November 2016
Sphagnum moss
A Sphagnum moss grows along the edges of a cool spring at George L. Smith II State Park. The moss is partly characterized by a capitum—a bunch of early branchings at the tip of the moss—and is most common in northern latitudes. It was interesting to see it in Georgia, and Amos was certainly happy to enjoy the cool water.
Autumn cypress forest
Another trip to George L. Smith State Park
In September, I spent a night at primitive campsite #2 in George L. Smith II State Park—a site I’ve kayaked to with some friends a couple of years past and with the dogs on another occasion. This trip was hot and buggy, and the water of the reservoir was the lowest I’ve seen.
Paddling the Ogeechee River
Amos on the AT
Hiking the AT with Amos, Kona and Mike—21 miles on 7 inch legs.
Friends-giving 2013
In 2013, Sean and Morgan offered to host a Friends-Giving dinner at their home in Savannah. The following year, I travelled to Merida, Mexico where two other friends, Ryan and Camilla, invited friends to enjoy a week in their new home and a lobster-based Thanksgiving dinner. Today, we’re enjoying another gracious dinner in Buena Vista, Colorado, hosted by Libby and Casey.
I wish to share some photographs from the 2013 friends-giving event, and I’m thankful that I’ve met and can share company with these friends, who now live throughout the US (and Mexico…). Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Roosting butterfly
A nymphalidae, perhaps a relative or member of Agraulis vanillae (Gulf Fritillary) roosts on Hilton Head Island, sheltered from the wind.
AT section hike
When Hurricane Matthew was forecasted to hit Savannah in October 2016, Mike and I made plans to hit up a section hike of the Appalachian Trail—my first. We headed out just before the mandatory evacuation and spent two nights hiking from Springer Mountain, which is the southern terminal of the trail, to Woody Gap.
All together, it was about a 21 mile hike with wonderful weather, two exhausted dogs, and some surprisingly delicious ramen.
Black Rat Snake
On the Appalachian Trail, we came across a sunning black rat snake Pantherophis obsoletus. Amos and Kona, Mike’s dog, were oblivious to the snake presence until we disturbed the snake.
