Odds and ends today - just a few miscellaneous notes from today's 11 2/3 mile hike: Above is an addition to yesterday's flower-themed post - a flower I searched for and did not find yesterday but captured a good example today - Jack-in-the-Pulpit.
Next - a 'Selfie' modeling "Hat number Eleven" in my 'hat of the day' series. This is the hat I bought at the AT Conservancy in Harper's Ferry when I officially stopped by (on foot) during my double thru-hike in late October 2012. The total official trail distance hiked during that ten month double thru-hike was 4368.4 miles - the shirt is one I prepared for the family celebration on the day I completed the hike (Nov. 3rd). Okay, now you know why they say nobody over 30 should do 'Selfies' :-)
Three notes from the natural world: First, an Eastern Ribbon Snake struggling across the Blue Ridge Parkway:
Second, a carpet of Japanese Stiltgrass overgrowing this little-used section of the MST. Japanese Stiltgrass is a major invasive - accidentally introduced in Tennessee as packing material a century ago, it is now the predominant ground cover in shady woods environments all up and down the eastern US.
And finally here's a shot of a humble shrub that is one of my personal favorites. Found in moist and riparian settings, this is Spice Bush - an honest-to-goodness native that I use as a little 'pick-me-up.' When crushed the leaves give off a spicy stimulative fragrance (thus its common name). Crush as you hold the leaves close to your nose and inhale deeply. For a second or two the aromatic fragrance will refresh. It doesn't last long, and I doubt if it has any real stimulant properties, but for me it never fails to re-invigorate my body, mind and heart.
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Below is a map of the route I hike today:
MST Day 66 - Northwest Trading Post at EveryTrail
EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in North Carolina
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