#Alpine rock-jasmine

[todaysbug]

January 30th, 2023

Arctic Blue Butterfly (Agriades glandon)

Distribution: Found throughout North America and Eurasia. In North America, found from Alaska to Newfoundland, southward to northern Arizona and New Mexico; in Eurasia, found in mountainous regions of the Pyrenees and Alps, as well as further north.

Habitat: Found mainly in cold habitats, such as arctic tundras, subarctic and subalpine forests, mountain meadows and fields, rocky trails, and bogs. In southward regions, usually found in cooler mountainous areas.

Diet: Feed on plant nectar, like most butterflies; common food plants include small, alpine flowers such as rock jasmine, saxifrage, snowbell, locoweed, and plants of the Androsace and Vaccinium genuses.

Description: The arctic blue butterfly has many subspecies due to its wide distribution, with variations in its appearance depending on the population. Because it occurs in such cool regions, caterpillars and pupae overwinter in a state called diapause, where the metabolism is entirely halted until environmental conditions become more ideal for development.

Images by Robert Webster, Matt Rowling and Nicky Davis.

[salantami]

Androsace alpina, or Alpine rock-jasmine,

is an alpine plant, endemic to the Alps.

[angelkarafilli]

Alpine Rock-Jasmine or Androsace alpina is an alpine plant, endemic to the Alp. In the wild, Androsace alpina grows on silicaceous substrates, particularly granite, and is one of the few plants in the Alps to grow above 3000 metres, Lombardy,Italy

[moths-wc-aus]

my personal prefix list

A

Acanthus, Aconite, Acorn, Adder, Agate, Albatross, Alder, Algae, Alligator, Allium, Aloe, Alpine, Alyssum, Amaranth, Amaryllis, Amber, Anemone, Ant, Apple, Ash, Ashen, Asp, Aspen, Asphodel, Aster, Atlas, Auburn, Avocet, Azalea, Azure

B

Badger, Barberry, Bark, Barley, Basil, Bass, Bat, Bay, Bayberry, Beach, Bean, Bear, Beaver, Bee, Beech, Beetle, Berry, Betony, Billow, Birch, Bird, Bittern, Black, Blackberry, Blackbird, Blaze, Blazing, Bliss, Blister, Blizzard, Bloom, Blooming, Blossom, Blotch, Blotched, Blue, Bluebell, Blueberry, Bluebird, Boar, Bog, Bolt, Bone, Borage, Boulder, Bounce, Bowfin, Bracken, Bramble, Branch, Brass, Brave, Bream, Breeze, Briar, Bright, Brindle, Bristle, Broken, Bronze, Brook, Broom, Brown, Brush, Bubble, Buck, Bug, Bull, Bullfrog, Bumble, Burdock, Burn, Burnet, Burning, Burnt, Burr, Bush, Buttercup, Butterfly, Buzz, Buzzard

C

Calm, Canary, Cardinal, Carp, Cave, Cavern, Cedar, Chaffinch, Char, Charred, Chasing, Cherry, Chervil, Chestnut, Chick, Chickadee, Chicken, Chipmunk, Chirp, Chive, Chrysalis, Cicada, Cinder, Cinnamon, Clay, Clear, Cliff, Cloud, Clouded, Cloudy, Clover, Coal, Cobalt, Cobweb, Cold, Comet, Comfrey, Condor, Conifer, Copper, Cormorant, Cornflower, Corvid, Cotton, Cougar, Cove, Cow, Coyote, Crab, Crane, Crawfish, Crayfish, Cream, Creek, Creeping, Cricket, Crimson, Crocodile, Crooked, Crouch, Crow, Cuckoo, Curlew, Cygnet, Cypress

D

Daffodil, Daisy, Dancing, Dandelion, Dapple, Dappled, Dark, Dawn, Day, Dazzle, Deer, Dew, Doe, Dog, Dove, Dream, Drift, Drifting, Drizzle, Duck, Dune, Dusk, Dust, Dusty

E

Eagle, Ebony, Echo, Eddy, Eel, Egg, Egret, Eider, Elder, Elk, Elm, Ember, Ermine, Evening, Eventide, Ewe

F

Faith, Falcon, Fallen, Falling, Fallow, Fawn, Feather, Fen, Fennel,  Fern, Ferret, Fidget, Field, Fin, Finch, Fire, Firefly, Fish, Flake, Flame, Flare, Flash, Flax, Flea, Fleet, Flicker, Flight, Flint, Flood, Flounder, Flower, Flurry, Flutter, Fly, Flying, Foam, Fog, Forest, Fox, Foxglove, Freckle, Freckled, Freezing, Fritillary, Frog, Frost, Frozen, Fruit

G

Gale, Gardenia, Garlic, Garter, Gator, Gentle, Ginger, Glade, Gleaming, Glimmer, Glowing, Gloom, Goat, Golden, Goldfish, Goose, Gopher, Gorge, Gorse, Gosling, Grass, Gravel, Green, Grey, Grouse, Grove, Gull, Guppy, Gust

H

Hackberry, Haddock, Hail, Half, Hare, Harrier, Haven, Hawk, Hawthorn, Hay, Haze, Hazel, Heath, Heather, Heavy, Hedge, Hemlock, Hen, Heron, Herring, Hickory, Hidden, Hill, Hive, Hollow, Holly, Honey, Hop, Hope, Horizon, Hornet, Hound, Hush, Hyacinth, Hyssop

I

Ibis, Ice, Icy, Indigo, Iris, Ivory, Ivy

J

Jackdaw, Jagged, Jaguar, Jasmine, Jay, Jump, Jumping, Juniper

K

Kelp, Kestrel, Kindle, Kink, Kite, Knotweed, Koi

L

Lake, Lamb, Larch, Lark, Larkspur, Laurel, Lavender, Leaf, Leaping, Leech, Leek, Lemming, Leopard, Lichen, Light, Lightning, Lily, Lion, Linden, Little, Lizard, Lobelia, Locust, Long, Loon, Lost, Lotus, Loud, Lupine, Lynx

M

Mackerel, Magnolia, Magpie,  Mallard, Mallow, Mantis, Maple, Marble, Marbled, Marigold, Marmot, Marrow, Marsh, Marten, Mayflower, Meadow, Mellow, Merlin, Midge, Milkweed, Mink, Minnow, Mint, Mire, Mist, Mistle, Misty, Mole, Monarch, Moon, Moor, Moorhen, Moose, Morning, Mosquito, Moss, Mossy, Moth, Mottle, Mottled, Mountain, Mouse, Mud, Muddy, Mulberry, Mumble, Murky, Mushroom, Myrtle

N

Needle, Nettle, Newt, Night, Nut, Nuthatch

O

Oak, Oat, Ocean, Oleander, Olive, Orchid, Oriole, Osprey, Otter, Owl, Oyster

P

Pale, Pansy, Panther, Parsley, Parsnip, Partridge, Passerine, Patch, Pea, Peach, Pear, Pearl, Pebble, Peeper, Pelican, Peony, Pepper, Perch, Peregrine, Periwinkle, Petal, Petrel, Petunia, Pheasant, Pickerel, Pigeon, Pike, Pine, Pink, Pipit, Pitch, Plover, Plum, Poison, Pollen, Pond, Pool, Poplar, Poppy, Possom, Posy, Pounce, Prickle, Primrose, Puddle, Puffin, Pumpkin, Purple

Q

Quail, Quick, Quiet

R

Rabbit, Raccoon, Ragged, Ragweed, Rain, Raining, Ram, Raspberry, Rat, Raven, Red, Reed, Ribbon, Ridge, Ripple, Rising, River, Robin, Rock, Rocky, Rook, Rooster, Root, Rose, Rosemary, Rowan, Rubble, Rue, Rumble, Running, Rush, Rushing, Russet, Rust, Rusty, Rye

S

Sable, Sage, Salamander, Salmon, Salvia, Sand, Sandwort, Sandy, Sap, Scarlet, Scorch, Scorched, Scorching, Scratch, Screech, Sea, Seal, Sedge, Seed, Senna, Serval, Shade, Shadow, Shale, Sharp, Shatter, Sheep, Shell, Shimmer, Shining, Shiver, Shore, Shrew, Shrike, Shrub, Shy, Silent, Silk, Silver, Singe, Singing, Skip, Skunk, Sky, Slate, Sleek, Sleeping, Sleepy, Sleet, Slight, Slip, Sloe, Slug, Sly, Small, Smoke, Smudge, Snag, Snail, Snake, Snap, Sneeze, Snow, Snowy, Soaring, Soft, Song, Soot, Sorrel, Spark, Sparrow, Speckle, Speckled, Spider, Splash, Splinter, Splotch, Spot, Spotted, Spring, Spruce, Squirrel, Stag, Starling, Stem, Stoat, Stone, Stork, Storm, Stormy, Strawberry, Stream, Strike, Striped, Sugar, Sun, Sunflower, Sunny, Swallow, Swamp, Swan, Sweet, Swift, Swirl, Sycamore

T

Tabby, Tall,  Talon, Tanager, Tangle, Tansy, Tawny, Teasel, Tempest, Tern, Thicket, Thistle, Thorn, Thrush, Thunder, Thyme, Tide, Tiger, Timber, Tiny, Toad, Topple, Torrent, Tortoise, Tree, Trout, Tulip, Tumble, Turkey, Turtle, Twig, Twilight, Twist, Twisted, Twitch

U

Umber, Ursinia

V

Valley, Velvet, Venom, Vervain, Vetch, Vine, Violet, Viper, Vixen, Vole, Vulture

W

Walnut, Wandering, Warble, Warbler, Wasp, Weasel, Web, Weed, Wet, Whirl, Whisker, Whisper, Whispering, Whistle, White, Whorl, Wild, Willow, Wind, Windy, Wish, Wisp, Wolf, Wood, Wool, Wooly, Worm, Wren

Y

Yarrow, Yellow, Yew

[outofangband]

Flora and Fauna of Dorthonion/Taur-nu-Fuin

I originally had only the flora posted separately but I wanted to post this together for convenience and to add to the flora! 

Flora and fauna of Arda masterlist 

Disclaimer: I used both what we can extrapolate is likely indigenous to the region based on descriptions of the landscape and climate as well as my own headcanons and inspirations and reference books on similar habitats as well as books like The Atlas of Middle Earth and The Flora of Middle Earth

I really love working on and researching these! and as always feel free to ask more, even if I've already done a place I'd always enjoy going into more detail of tacking a more specific kind of life there

Environmental headcanons

Dorthonion translates to Land of Pines and is north of greater Beleriand. It is described as highlands and mountainous region. The Ered Gorgoroth or Mountains of Terror bordered the Southern part and Ard-Galen to the North. Ard-Galen was what would become Anfauglith or Dor-nu-Fauglith, just south of Angband in the Iron Mountains. According to the Atlas of Middle Earth, Dorthonion is 60 leagues East to West.

After Dagor Bragollach, Dorthonion came under Morgoth’s rule and the remaining forested regions became known as Taur-nu-Fuin or the Forest under Night, the Forest of Terror. The destruction caused by the fires of Dagor Bragollach forced the people of the House of Bëor, those who survived, to flee as refugees into Brethil and eventually Dor-lómin. There was a small group of survivors including Baragund, father of Morwen, who managed to survive the battle but died at Tarn Aeluin after being betrayed by Gorlim.

Ladros was a small area of Northeastern Dorthonion that was given to the House of Bëor by Angrod and Aegnor. It was said to be covered in pine forests and steep slopes. 

As Dorthonion was covered in many pine forests that were likely made up of a variety of coniferous species of spruces, larches, pines and fir tree families  Potential species include Balkan pine, pinedrow fir, Caucasian fir, dark-bark spruce 

The climate was cold with little undergrowth in the more forested areas. What undergrowth was found  was likely ferns, some herbaceous plants and mushrooms. Huckleberry, wild raspberry, heather, juniper, wintergreen, bilberry, sand myrtle, pine blossom, inkberry, pitcher plant and sundew, reindeer moss, red capped lichen and earth star fungus are all possible examples

Wetter areas like mossy bogs and small lakes would contain a greater variety of plant types; willow (sharp leafed willow, red willow, woolly willow, etc) , alder like gray alder, , and aspen as well as more ferns (water fern, genus Microlepia, etc)

Flora of the cool highlands was mostly grasses with some flowering plants and roots. Cleistogenes, Cymbopogon commutatus (also called incense grass), running mountain grass, purple stemmed cat-tail, etc. 

Non grasses might include bedstraw/gaillet, spreading bedstraw, rock jasmine, moss campion, silver thistle, common wintergreen, Alpine clover, yellow dock, mountain rose, cottonsedge, fireweed and more. 

Mountain pine and Siberian fir probably grew in less densely forested areas especially in Ladros.

When Dorthonion fell under Morgoth’s rule after Dagor Bragollach, it became the dreaded forest of Taur-nu-fuin, the forest of terror which was dense, dark, and dangerous. There are several kinds of flora directly associated with Taur-nu-fuin in Tolkien’s writing; bearded lichen (not a plant), yew trees, ivy, thorns, and bracken ferns. Less sunlight reached the forest and decay spread throughout which of course brings with it a new kind of biodiversity 

Birds of Dorthonion likely include the hazel grouse, great bustard, gray nightjar, landrail, hooded cranes, pied harrier, Montagu’s harrier, Eurasian pygmy owl, gryfalcon, azure tit, bearded reedling, common treekeeper, Merlin falcon, mountain finch and more. 

Most of the bird diversity is in the highlands and less forested areas. 

Mammals of Dorthonion have some similarities to mammals of Hithlum due to the similar climates however because of the more heavily forested areas of Dorthonion, and the fact that the plains and open spaces were more wild, there are some interesting differences!

Examples include the Chinese goral, Eurasian lynx, wildcat, reed cat,  hog badger, mountain hair, Hoplitomeryx, possibly giant elk, mountainous brown bear, ibex, sable, pine marten, tundra wolf, corsac fox, fallow deer, and other smaller mammals related to rabbits and rodents. 

Reptile and amphibian biodiversity is low due to climate. The four clawed tortoise (that’s the kind I have!), species of rock lizard, mountain grass lizard,  The Amur soft-shelled turtle is also a possibility depending on what sorts of wetlands there are in the more open areas of Dorthonion and Ladros The green toad, agile frog, and Northern newt are possible amphibians. 

This is of course only an overview! Please feel free to ask more questions or ask about specific categories. 

[warsofasoiaf]

What kind of flowers do you think they’d have in the vale?

Given the overall climate, I generally think of the Swiss alpine flowers like rock jasmine, edelweiss, blue bellflowers, and so on. In the valleys, which are described as quite fertile, I’d imagine you’d have a very healthy mix of flowers like heather and other cold-weather meadow plants.

Thanks for the question, Anon.

SomethingLikeALawyer, Hand of the King

[nsula]

Honor List Fall 2018

NATCHITOCHES – One thousand one hundred thirty-one undergraduate students at Northwestern State University were named to the Honor List for the Fall 2018 semester.  Students on the Honor Roll must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern State and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49.  Students named to the Honor List, listed by hometown, are as follows.

 Abbeville – Kyle Baudoin, Skyler Guerra, MaKayla Lewis, Kayla Marceaux, Julie Melancon, Zabrinia Spates;

 Atlanta – Jamie Wagley;

 Alexandria -- Aleisha Allen, Lili Bedoya, Samantha Bergeron, Madeline Blake, Morgan Brame, Jasmine Brown, Jamie Broussard, Angel Christophe, Mydacia Conaler, Karly Constantino, Noel Cusick, Deshod Dixon, Joshua Dorsey, Kaylie Edwards, Brittany Franklin, Bailey Gaspard, Mallory Halford, Chelse Hayes, Gustov Johnson, Jasmine Johnson, Breonna Jones, Kristina Langley, Naya Loyden, Katelyn Maggio, Aaron Martin, Dean Mayeux, Shauntae Perry, Sadae Polk, Kylah Porter, Carmen Rachal, Zachary Roberts, Mary Sampson, Savannah Sices, Taijha Silas, Kiaijah Thomas; Kirstyn Thomas, Erin Vandersypen, Cherell Wallace, Tameia West, Alaina Williams, Mikayla Wright;

 Allen, Texas – Nautica Grant;

 Alpine, Alabama – Courtney Willis;

 Anacoco – Lindsey Alligood, Jacob Bennett, Kinsley Blakeway, Angela Guy, Christopher Guy, Connor Higgins, Kayli O’Toole, Cayla Roberts, Kaylee Runnels;

 Arcadia – Deniesha Davis, Alliyah Murphy, Hannah Tinsley;

 Arlington, Texas – Mariah Denson;

 Arnaudville – Macey Boyd;

 Athens, Texas – Jessica Dubose, Jacob Ellis;

 Atlanta, Texas – Madison Hamson, Meredith Mcmanus, Jackson Teal;

 Austin, Texas – Jennifer Jacob;

             Avondale – Roger Jones;

           Belcher – Loriann Long;

             Boyce – Lane Robinson;

             Baker – Devante George, Cherish Netter;

 Ball – Brittany Breland, Christopher Constance, Mackenzie Owen, Will Salinas, Bryan Sayes, Alice Wilson;

 Bastrop – Katelynn Chain, Kimberly Robinson;

 Baton Rouge – Brianna Alumbaugh, Chloe Castello, Lydell Emerson, John Guillot, Brooke Harbin, Samantha Hebert, Mckane Kinchen, JeBreanne Morgan, Jennifer Normand, Katie Pham, Ashleigh Rumby, Kori Thomas, Jharon Whitfield, Jordan Williams;

 Baunatal, Germany – Yannik Gerland;

 Beacon Falls, Connecticut – Stacey Brown;

 Belcher – Victoria Herbert;

 Belle Chasse – Madison Hewitt, Denim Reeves;

 Belmont – Ashley Hill;

 Bentley – Heather Jones;

 Benton -- Chasity Catanese, Bryanna Cooper, Sarai Fanene, Makayla Goff, Ali Hedgepeth, Leanna Plunkett, Blaine Reeder, Lilly Roach, Maegan Ross;

 Berkshire, New York – Alexis Andersen;

 Bienville – Sarah Macynski;

 Blanchard – Ashlynn Hartley;

 Bossier City – Shelby Ansley, Cassie Bailey, Lauryn Bakalis, Kaylan Beloso, Amanda Billieu, Shelby Booth, Quintin Braley, Katie Briggs, Megan Cathey, Kendall Corkern, Colby Cranford, Daniel Dial, Kasey Dice, Courtney Dismuke, Farrell Dulle, Jonathan Edie, Marissa Gardner, Margaret Gates, Nawal Gazawaneh, Adrianne Hampton, Andrea Haynes, Christian Henley, Dejaney Jackson, Nourain Jamhour, Jared Jarrell, Haley Joncas, Shane Kaiser, Alexandra Madrid, Samantha Maiette, Anthony Mulrenin, Dylan Nash-Browder, Shelby Peeples, Jordan Phillips, Kathryn Pierce, Rachael Pierce, Cierra Rachal, Nigmeh Rahman, Jenna Rambin, Sierra Richard, Emily Rideout, Nickolas Rizzo, Jasmine Roberson, Dakota Schudalla, Ranya Shihadeh, Kaylee Stewart, Giselle Trejo, Bobby Trichel, Chandler Vascocu, Lacey Velasquez, Madeline Webb, Pamula Whicker, Vikki Wolf;

 Boutte – Jose Del Rio;

             Boyce – Hannah Aslin, Tiffany Barnhart, Savanna Budnik, Natalie Dear, Devin Hilliard, Anna Lacombe, Kaitlyn Miller, Sydney Yerby;

 Breaux Bridge – Dylan Davis, Mickayla Love;

 Broussard – Matthew Buteau;

 Brownsboro, Texas – Brice Borgeson;

 Burnet, Texas – Marshall Skinner;

 Bush – Serena Bonnette;

 Cottonport – Jared Seaver;

 Calhoun – Marissa Barentine, William Malone;

 Campti – Adam Calder, Paige Cason, Damarte Fisher, Kortney Greer, Malachi Lester, Pepper Lloyd;

 Cape Coral, Florida – Karleigh Acosta;

 Carencro – Chaney Dodge, Jhonae Thibodeaux;

 Cartagena, Colombia – Sebastian Alfaro Fontalvo, Samantha Arellano Chavez, Elias Castro Caballero, Gabriela Forero Salcedo, Julieth Maturana Orozco, Alonso Restrepo Cardozo;

 Castor – Loxlie Dodd, Priscilla Harrell;

 Center, Texas – John Harrington;

 Centerpoint – Marissa Skursky;

 Cheneyville – Laiken Haggart, Shelbie Moriarty;

 Chicago, Illinois – Irene Frangos;

 Choudrant – Krislyn Mardis;

 Church Point – Meghan Bearb;

 Cincinnati, Ohio – Terry Brewer, Kristin Byone;

 Clinton – Christopher Sanders, Joshua Taylor;

 Colfax – Michael Dupre, Paidin Luneau, Angela McCann, Peyton Ryder, Katilyn Slayter;

 Colorado Springs – Rossana Potempa;

 Conroe, Texas – Zachary Krolczyk;

 Converse – Haleigh Sharrow, Triston Waldon;

 Copperas Cove – Patrick Murphy;

 Corinth, Texas – Madison Walford;

 Corsicana, Texas – Sasha Ballard;

 Cotton Valley – Taylor O’Rear;

 Cottonport – Shelie Canoe, Jacob Harris, Joneshia Jacobs,;

 Coushatta -- Journi Brown, Brandon Gay, Erikka Johnson, Aston Lester, Tianna Rock, Deja Sibley, Mikailah Smith;

 Covington – Kenneth Sears, Crystal Tucker;

 Creston – Madison Alexander;

 Cullen – D’Agurelle Epps, Travon Jones;

 Cut Off – Kaelyn Musgrave;

 Cypress, Texas – Shemar Bartholomew, Jacob Farrell;

 Dayton, Texas – Jerry Maddox;

 De Berry, Texas – Sarah Britt;

 Denham Springs – Joey Carroll, Jenson Wall;

 DeRidder – Amie Ashworth, Samantha Barr, Sheridan Douglas, Sarah Fulford, John Ham, Genna Higginbotham, Latresha High, Alexis Holland, Jordan Mack-Mcnair, Casey McGlothlin, Jessica McManus, Mary Rabalais, Morgan Smith, Madison Tilley, Gavin Watson, Katie Wisthoff, Siaerphin Wolfe;

 Destrahan – John Domangue;

 Deville – Emily Biddle, Hailie Coutee, Kinley Deville, Jessica Horton, Colton Johnson, Alyssa Kline, Ashtyn Knap, Hannah Lewis, Jordan Paul, Garrett Sellers, Haley Spilker, April Thomas, Destiny Zito;

 Dodton – Micah Broomfield, Melanie Thomas;

 Downsville – Abby Fordham;

 Doyline – Billi Jones, Joshua Kirkhart;

 Dripping Spring, Texas – Bryce Potter;

 Dry Prong – Joshua Christopher, Ethan Lewis, Shian Murrell, Lindsey Weatherford, Ashley Webb;

 Dubach – Olivia Hancock;

 Dubberly – Jared Bryce, Audrie Dison, Alex Robles;

 Duson – JoBeth Caswell;

 Edgard – TaiJhun Louper;

 Edmond, Oklahoma – Jiyoon Lee, Ravon Nero;

 Edwards, Mississippi – Taylor O’Bannon;

 Effie – Jacey Dunbar;

 Elizabeth – Kolby Friday, Hannah LaCaze;

 Elm Grove – Camryn Sessions, Jacob Dunn;

 Elmer – Courtney Baggett, Victoria Coleman, Garrett Holt, Brennan Mays;

 Elton – Maia Lacomb;

 Elverta, California – Erika Avery;

 Eunice – Tanner Thibodeaux;

 Evergreen – Miracle Oby;

 Flatwoods – Lindsey Willis;

 Florien – Connor Arthur, Whitney Byles, Cullen Hopkins, Tyler Johnson, Megan Wagley;

 Flower Mound, Texas – Cody McGee, Randall Ruffner;

 Forest Hill – Brett Atkinson, Anna Doherty, Celina Thrasher, Leslie Winners;

 Fort Bliss, Texas – Brittany Passi;

 Fort Polk – Nadia Charlot, Amber Ferguson, Jayla Hart, Amanda Kuhn, Jesica Mattson, Genesis Rondon Torres, Sarah Sullivan, Hannah Sweeney, Nohora Valencia Camacho;  

 Franklin – Shelley Bell, Zabreana Daniels, Jalena Kelly;

 Franklinton – Brittany Sanders;

 Friendswood, Texas – Malik Sonnier;

 Frierson – Austin Barnes, Mason Barnes, Shelby Callens, Treanna Howard, Madison Locke, Nicholas Parham;

 Frisco, Texas – Kalee Williams;

 Gibsland – Dianna Pearson;

 Guin, Alabama – Taylor Porter;

 Gadsen, Alabama – Damian Thompson;

 Gainesville, New York – Ray Anikwue;

 Garland, Texas – Adriana Velarde, Nia Ranall;

 Geismar -- Emilee Hawkins, Brenna LeGlue, Elijah Jon-Baptiste;

 Garland, Texas – Adriana Velarde;

 Georgetown – Joci Harris, Kaleb Hudson;

 Georgetown, Indiana – Elisa Rohlf;

 Gibsland – Madison Shidiskis;

 Glenmora – Phillip Bullitt, Jacob Dunson, Kerstyn Johnson, Ashton Swanson, Derrick Welch;  

 Gloster – Emmaleigh Cleary, Paris Gillum;  

 Goldonna – Brianna Calhoun;

 Gonzales – Julie Breaux, Malayah Currie, Courtney LeJeune, Harlee Melancon, Jennifer Enloe;

 Grand Cane – Cassiah Davis, Sandra Kimble;

 Grand Couteau – Alesia Francis;

 Grand Prairie, Texas – Stephen Carrett;

 Grant – Tyler Stanco;

 Gray – Lori Anthony;

 Grayson – Sabrina McKeithen;

 Greenwell Springs – Morgan Bellot, Micah Fontenot, Ashleigh Klein, Madison Szekely;

 Greenwood – Tamera Harris;

 Gretna – Kayla Anderson, Terralyn Schram;

 Harvey – Jesse Coats;

 Hackberry – Lexie Stine;

 Hagerstown – Stacy West;

 Hahnville – Imani Butler, Cierra Puryear;

 Hall Summit – Ashley-Kate Roberson;

 Hallandale Beach, Florida – Ralph Boereau;

 Hallsville – Emma Hawthorne;

 Hammond – Joseph Martin;

 Harker Heights, Texas – Khalil Corbett-Canada;

 Haughton – Deitric Alexander, Taylor Breed, Darius Brock, Kyler Burns, Sarah Carroll, Haylee Douglass, Dakota Hawkins, Megan Hobgood, Jasmine Jackson, Nathan Johnson, Luna Karkar, Mackenzie Langen, Alana Lewis, Hannah Robertson, Taylor Trombely, Katherine Weeks, Chase Woltz;  

 Heflin – Kendall Brunson, Simiuna Cook, Cody Robinson;

 Hessmer -- Carly Barrere, Daren Dauzat, Lakken Lemoine, Gabrielle Savoy;  

 Hineston – Victoria Carroll, Cheyanna Crane, Chase Powell;

 Homer – Madison Cain;

 Hornbeck – Emma Dubose Rogers, Torri Hollis, Joshua Hughes, Ariel Rodgers, Amber Stanley;

 Hosston – Qanisha Thomas;

 Houma – Rhiannon Dean, Jennifer Doiron;

 Houston – Luis Cervantes, Levar Gumms, Jennifer Hitt, Natashia Jackson;

 Inkster, Michigan – Kanesha Price;

 Jacksonville, Florida – Destinee Christie;

 Jacksonville, Texas – Donovan Trent;

 Jamestown – Kristen Campbell, Ieshia Thomas;

 Jasper, Texas – Kylee Dominy;

 Jefferson – Emily Ricalde;

 Jena – Jasmine Furlow, Mercedes Farris, Parker Fink, Hannah Spicer, William Tradewell;

 Jennings – Kelsey Fitzgerald, Mallory Martinez;

 Jolon, California – Abigail Vallery;

 Jonesboro – LaVonna Lawrence;

 Jonesville – Adrian Johnson, Sidney Spinks;

 Keithville – Kaylee McDuff;

 Kinder – Kelsey Frank;

 Kaplan – Chris Hebert;

 Katy, Texas – Brittany Cecil;

 Keatchie – Katelyn Hicks;

 Keithville – Taylor Hughes, Latavein Kennedy, Erin McDonnell, Maya Porter;

 Kenner -- Emily Bennett, Isabel Jemison, Ryan Johnson, Nicole Lala, Willie Soniat;

 Kerens, Texas – Richard Brumbelow;

 Kinder – All Lorin, Micaela Autin, Nicholas Moldovsky;

 Lacey, Washington – Shana Sweeney;

 Lafayette – Rachael Bryant, Sasskia Chassion, Madison Duplechine, Jeffrey Elkins, Justin Guillory, Michele Kramer, JaKayla Lee, Paul Martin, Melissa Pesacreta, Dana St. Julien, Julia Towry;

 Lafitte – Helen Kassahun;

 Lake Arthur – Gabriell Landry;

 Lake Charles – Holly Bray, Khristina Croker, Kennedy Fontenot, Haleigh Gates, Karley Hebert, Kathleen Hilliard, Adam Lindstrom, Jordan Mulsow, Jessica Newell, Shelby Rodrigue, Michael Thomas, Destany Washington;

 Lancaster, Texas – Deohjia Henderson;

 Laplace – Caitlyn Turnbull;

 League City, Texas – Blake Tessitore;

 Lecompte – Linzey Evans;

 Leesville – Patricia Adamson, Kyle Ashley, Jebediah Barrett, Hannah Blackwell, Hailey Brantley, Katrina Brinson, Jonathan Bruce, Victoria Butler, Charlotte Cassin, Charity Childress, Amy Eckerle, Ashley French, Brittany French, Brandon Furlow, Payton Gordy, Gabriella Haymon, Taylor Helton, Lauren Kreyenbuhl, Justin LeBleu, Mahala Lewis, Christina Lluvera, James Magee, Xavier Mccarty, Malcolm Mitchell, Marguerita Moffett, Stefanie Peters, Jessica Ramirez, Morgan Richard, Samantha Richard, Claudia Rouleau, Cesar Santos, Brett Schmidt, Rachel Smith, Payton Soto, Joyce Stevick, Grant Stolfi, Britnie Stroud, Daija Taylor, Devin Toups, Mackenzie Vincent, Tyler Vincent, Shelby Welch, Cheyene Wise, Michael Zschach;

 Lena – Bettina Doty, Juan Gonzales, Taylor Nichols, Justin Williams;

 Leonville – Lauren Briscoe;

 Lettsworth – Landon Benton;

 Liberty, Texas – Trevor Powell;

 Livingston – Cody CAmbre;

 Livonia – Ryann Bizette, Shanyia Haynes;

 Lockport – Courtney Cedotal, Malaina Falgout;

 Logansport – Susannah Cox, Amanda Hill, Jessica Thompson, Shelby Woods;

 Lone Oak, Texas – Kaylee Isenburg;

 Longview, Texas – Robdrick Halton, Deja Moore;

 Lynwood, Washington – Meghan Castille;

 Morgan City – Wykema Morse;

 Madisonville – Zoe Almaraz, Jensen Volz;

 Magnolia, Texas – Ray Tenninty;

 Mandeville – Carrie Maxwell;

 Mansfield – Rowdy Burleson, Cheyenne Free, Trevor Garrett, Hannah Hughes, Emily Jilg, DeAsia Maxie, Meliyah Mitchell, Demetric Preston, James Sowell, Devin Vanwinkle, Madison Welborn, Stanley Woodley;

 Mansura -- Phillip Augustine, Deaisha Johnson, Jonah Johnson, Katherin Lemoine, Kate Losavio;

 Many – Madilyn Armstrong, William Branam, Jocelyn Cannon, Kyle Elliott, Alison Garcia, Savanah Hall, Kelsi Horn, Clayton Kelley, Charles LaFollette, Johnathan Medine, Brianna Miller, Matthew Peace, Tanner Rains;

 Marksville – Regan Balius, Madison Bordelon, Andre Boyer, Miracle Fourcha, Kayla Gaspard, Makayla Laborde, Rachelle Lair, Nehemayeaux Smith, Kylie Spivey;

 Marrero -- Luis Escobar, Lorena Martin;

 Marshall, Texas -- Alexis Balbuena, Khari Jenkins, Sierra Smith, Tristian Zamora;

 Maurice – Nicole Levine;

 McKinney, Texas – Jasmine Dansby, Jameria Smith, Jocelyn Scott;

 Melville – Alexis Barker;

 Meridian, Mississippi – Reed Michel;

 Mesquite, Texas – Curtis Williams;

 Metairie – Trevor Brown, Madysen Norra;

 Minden – Shatarrius Batton, Angelina Carlin, Erin Dotson, Layla Easley, Lauren Holland, Jorge Zaldivar;

 Monroe – Kennedy Butler, Jansen Chisley, Jaquita Davis, Brianna McKinney, Ashley Murphy, Jameelah Sanaany, Kia Williams;

 Montegut – Nicole Cohen;  

Montgomery – Miranda Bartlett, Laryn Graves, Raygan Lecroix, Hailee Skains;

 Monticello, Arkansas – Kamilah Kelley;

 Mooingsport – Jo Anna Fisher;

 Moreauville – Reginea Alexander;

 Morgan City – Kriystina Pitre;

 Morganza – Sydney Beauvais;

 Morrow – Kiante Mouton;

 Moss Bluff – Bayleigh Smith;

 Napa, California – Jordan Greenlee;  

 Natalbany – Kierra Cooks;

 Natchez – Hailey Courville, Madison Holmes, Amberlyn Metoyer, James Rougeou;

 Natchitoches – Jeremy Aaron, Alissa Addison, Sharlexus Addison, Adrian Alfaro-Fontalvo, Rayshaughn Armant, Cass Arnold, Kayla Arnold, Jose Arrieta Cuesta, Abbie Atwood, Black Bechtel, Megan Berry, Kacy Bonds, Andrew Boyd, Dania Briceno Vaxquex, Keyana Brown, Dustin Burns, Thomas Celles, Valerie Chadick, Gilda Chan, Kaleb Chesser, William Coffey, Donna Cooper, acob Dahlhoff, Catherine Davis, Cieara Davis, Richard Duncan, Franchesca Forest, Rachel Formeller, Fernando Gonzales, Peyton Graham, Jasmine Hall, Deshon Hayes, Michael Hernandez, Saul Hernandez, Ashlyn Hogan, David Holmes, Jacob Horton, Kanika Irchirl, Rachel Jeane, Holly Jenkins, Brittany Jordan, Deylon Key, Cristofer Larcarte, Robert Lee, Lacy Martin, Lamarr McGaskey, T’Onna Mcfarland, Nestor Mercado-Garcia, Amber Minor, Joshua Minor, Destiny Moody, Donovan Ohnoutka, Eden Parker, Zachary Parker, Meredith Phelps, Rekeithia Pier, Keator Poleman, Darian Raymond, Jeffery Remo, Devin Reyes, Taylor Rutledge, Daniela Sala Ricardo, Dante Samuel, Christopher Sanders, MacKenzie Settle, Trayvon Snow, Blake Teekell, Rebecca Thomissee, Aaon Trichel, Kaleb Usleton, Barbara Vercher-Smith, Deja Vercher, Kayven Victor, Garrett Vienne, Huey Virece, Alex Wade, Naloni Walker, Brianna Watermolan, Anna Waxley, Emma-Leigh Webster, Deondra White, Mary Whitehead, Nicholas Wiggins, Leah Wilkins, Shatney Winslow, Alasia Young, Ashtin Youngblood,

 New Iberia – Taylor Freyou, Destinee Leger, Caitlin Melancon, Kira Tobias, Madison Willett;  

 New Llano – Trey Anderson, Bailey Glaze, Alexis Harbin, Reaz Khan;

 New Orleans – Demetrius Boulieu, Rayna Brantley, Marquise Davis, Maya Dolliole, Darlene Fairley, Felicia Franklin, Matthew Gonzales, Jacqueline Gross, Mia Jackson, Karrington Johnson, Raphael Jones, Seven Joseph, Jamilah Pelrean, Phallon Robinson, Julian Shum, JoeNee Smith;

 Newellton – Chasity Glasspoole;

 Noble – Ethan Morgan, Krista Rivers, Thomas Rivers;

 Norwood – Ty’Dashia McElwee;

 Oak Grove – Tonya Creech;

 Oakdale – JaQuanda Evins, Dylan Hamblin, Ayana Jones, Brooke Viscardis, Sarah Wharton;

 Oberlin – Kaitlyn Fontenot, Haily Wade;

 Oil City – Maegan Allborty, Chaddrick Thomas;

 Opelika, Alabama – Ceaser Stephens;

 Opelousas – Keylee Boone, Kescheler Guillory, Juwan Manuel, Lashante Richard;

 Otis – Joshua Poston, Sabrina Thiels;

 Paris, Texas – Emily Essary, Cody Vorwerk;

 Pelican – Tabitha Averitt, Tabetha Caldwell;

 Pflugerville, Texas – Kamika Ward;

 Pierre Part – Blaise Crochet;

 Pineville – Savannah Hope Andries, Emily Bordelon, Tabatha Bowlin, Kurt Burkett, Payten Collins, Brendan Day, Zachary Desselles, Sara Dorsey, Selena Ferguson, Hannah Gaspard, Taylor Holloway, Alissa Joseph, Trey Joseph, Corey King, Matthew Koepke, Santana Mount, Abby Nichols, Kaylie Parsons, Judith Peek, Christina Rachal, Relen Sanders, Elizabeth Shuler, Glynn Sillivan, Chloe Solomon, Peyton Spurgeon, Robert Tabor, Tyler Thompson, Gage Ulrich, David Veal, Emily Wiley, Sarah-Elizabeth Wilkes, Jewel Woods, Madeline Wright;

 Pitking – Hannah Johnson, Jessica Jones, Logan McClure, Emily Odom;

 Plain Dealing – Dormesha Noble, Ja-Mela Williams, Hunter Horton;

 Plaquemine – Ma Kayla Washington;

 Plaucheville – Philip Pepiton, Kimberly Poret, Brittany Taylor;

 Pleasant Hill – Montana Binning, Mickayla Brown;

 Pollock – Krystal Bennett, Alara Faulkner, Allie Frost, Christina Kendrick, Julie McGehee, Mary Robinson, Kari Taffi;

 Ponchatoula – Chaule Saing;

 Pontotoc, Mississippi – Elizabeth Murrah;

 Port Allen – Kaleb Gauthier, Ishmael Lane;

 Port Barre – Danielle Schexnayder, Andrew Lalonde;

 Prairieville – Haley Beason, Sarah Bishop, Alicia Boudreaux, Samantha Daigle, Whitney Duplantis, Bailey Mohler, Kristen Prettelt, Caleb Ricca, Madeleine Sheets;

 Pride – Ashlyn Johnson, Leann Willls;

 Princeton – Jacorious Jeter;

 Provencal – Taylor Craft;

 Raceland – Megan Parks;

 Ragley – Katherine Greenmun;

 Rayne – Cameron Desselle;

 Rayville --  Alana Odom, Frederick Lee;

 Reserve – Rianna Russell;

 Rhinehart – Bethany Russell;

 Richfield, Minnesota – Leah Barnes;

 Richmond, British Columbia – Jalen Donaldson;

 Richmond, Texas – Sidney Harris;

 Ringgold – Alora Bryant, Jered Cook, Martin Gould, Arvionne Reliford;

 Robeline – Candice Adcock, Arica Ammons, Keira Huff, Kristal Lachney, Angela Mitchell, Kacy Morace, Laura Olguin, Morgan Rachal, Terra Schulze, Christopher Taylor, Candace Thompson, Seth Woodel;

 Round Rock, Texas – Ana Ruiz;

 Rowlett, Texas – Daniel Miner;

 Roxton, Texas – Aleckse Mikeuchey;

 Ruston – Karenthia Crosby Onwudebe, Jalen Garrison, Reagan Lee, Phynecha Richard, Aujani Richburg, Joshua Riggs;

 St. Amant – Larson Fontenot, Kayley Naquin;

 St. Barthelmey d’Angers, France – Salome Gledel;

 St. Francisville – Ellie Wheeler;

 St. James – Keionne Octave;

 St. Martinville – Malik Anthony, Jacoby Fontenette, Destiny Simon, Maleik White;

 St. Rose – Crystal Jones;

 Saline – Aaron Savell, Shelby Savell;

 San Antonio – Matthew Aguilera, Hilton Brown, Anthony Renteria;

 San Pedro Sula, Honduras – Jonathan Andino Madrid, Vilma Castro Lopez, Meredith Corrales;

 Scott – Danaysia Senegal, Tayla Soileau;

             Scottsboro, Alabama – Jessica Provenza;

 Shreveport – Phillip Adams, Kendall Allen, Trayveon Allen, Laurie Basco, Tylar Bedford, Austin Beene, Azhani Bennett, Jordan Bogan, Alyssa Bonacci, Kevin Branch, Leta Broome, Tiffany Brown, Tamika Kate Cang, Kathryn Carroll, Myjoycia Cezar, Christina Clark, Audrey Copeland, Derienne Copeland, Reonia Davis, Hailey Deaton, Takea Dorsey, Melissa Dragon, Hannah Ellis, Candice Faith, Sierra Foster, Meghan Fry, Dejohn Garrison, Jameala Ghazawneh, Cassidy Giddens, Hallie Glick, Ellen Grappe, Brekendria Graves, Andrell Green, Destinee Green, Lashonda Hall, Ricci Haltom, Jesamin Huff, Brittany Jefferson, Matthew Jensen, Deaveon Jones, Nathan Jones, Summer Jones, Tradeya King, Elysia Lanier, Hannah Lee, Tra’Kyrin Lemons, Grandon Lewis-graham, Katherine Lind, Christopher Markham, Katelyn Martin, Samantha Metoyer, Mollie Millen, Destiny Mitchell, Maria Moreno Ponte, Armani Nation, Yasmin Newman, Doine Ngwen, Reondrick Owens, Tara Pair, Cristina Peterson, Elizabeth Peterson, Panasia Peterson, Patrick, Pierce, Sierra Prelow, Falon Prentiss, Caleb Rounsavall, Zachary Sanders, Johnathon Schluter, Tyler Sears, Devonne Seelig; Jackiesha Simmons, Kariah Sisk-Shaheed, John Slocum, Adrianna Smith, Kayla Smith, Kaylin Smith, Asia Stevens, Jamie Stewart, Gabrielle Thomas, Bailey Thompson, Magen Tucker, Terran Turner, Jessica Ursua, Rhiannon Venable, Earnestine Walker, Ilyanna Warlen, Jasmine Washington, Gaylin White, Dillion Wilkerson, Donald Williams, Shamolia Williams, Chad Wilson, Debriar Wilson, Morgan Woodall;

 Sicily Island – Shawn Perry;

 Sieper – Emily Goerge, Loren Robinson;

 Silsbee, Texas – Carson Fuller;

 Simmesport – Kimani Batiste, Michael Canal, Lexi Gremillion, Demi Williams;

 Simpson – Carleigh Standifer;

 Simsboro – Andrea Coon;

 Skiatook, Oklahoma – Anna Bonham;

 Slidell – Juliana Garcia, Noah Glass, Ashley Henry, Kierston Jackson, Maci Walgamotte;

 Spring, Texas – Elyssa Hernandez, Madelyne Mangum;

 Springfield – Kattie Bankston;  

 Sterlington – Catherine Trichell;

 Stonewall – Alana Bankson, Alexa Barron, Hailey Compton, Dawson Cranford, Madison Parker, Kirsten Sanders, Heather Schiller, Chase Slater, Christy Washington;

 Sugartown – Madison Budnik;

 Sulphur – Darisu Ardoin, Bralyn James;

 Sunset – Zachary Linville, Charlie Milton;

 Tallahassee, Florida – Edward Clarke;

 Tallulah – Anna Boney;

 Teneha, Texas – TaKameria Barnes;

 Terrytown – Roshane Brown;

 Texarkana – Daphne Hammett, Emily Landers;

 Thibodaux – Terrance Johnson, Tierra Johnson, Landon Olivier;

 Tickfaw – Brittany Culotta;

 Tomball, Texas – Nicole Henry;

 Toms River, New Jersey – Jacqueline Manza;

 Trout – Hayley Lisenby, Jacie Paul;

 Tullos – Kendall Normand;

 Van Alstyne, Texas – Kevin Hendricks;

 Vidalia – Evandria King, Kaitlyn Randall, Shanerria Squalls;

 Ville Platte – Christopher Casey, Hannah Gallow, Andrea Bradley;

 Vinton – Toby Stanley,

 Violet – Julia Verdon;

 Vivian – Kaylee Scott;

 Washington – Catherine Stevens;

 Waskom, Texas – Jonas Richardson;

 Welch – Macala Broussard, Misty Compton;

 West Monroe – Michael Dailey, Austin Dodson, Jasmyn Johnson, Eva Sanford;

 Westlake – Baleigh Derouen;

 Whitewright, Texas – Jearld Battles;

 Wilmington, North Carolina – Noelle Cox;

 Winnfield – Harli Austin, Landon Creel, Trenton Dill, Kerry Fitzgerald, Dezani Fountain, Kara Grantadams, Trinity Homan, Madisyn Hubbard, Saquan Jenkins, Jacob Jones, Michaela Maloy, Trakita Rainwater, Fatima Rodriguez, Katreiona Starks;

 Wisner – Jordan Price;

 Woodworth – Taylor Henry, Linzay Hunnell, Brandon Michot, Lexus Weston, Derek Wilson;

 Youngsville – Shaneda Armstrong, Randall Blair, Devin Forestier, Lorin Prejean, Devyn Shores;

 Zachary – Laney Davis, Neil Ahldwin Garcia, Caitlyn Thibodaux, Alaijha Trim, KeAra Thie;

 Zwolle – Kamryn Bedsole, Kirstyn Meshell, Samantha Rivers, Chyna Sepulvado, Rylea Sepulvado, Autumn Wyatt;

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt:

Every summer, hikers and photographers look forward to bursting blooms of alpine wildflowers in the high country of the Rocky Mountains. But as the climate changes, temperatures are rising, spring snowmelt is occurring earlier in the year, and shrubs are encroaching – a convergence of stressors that could cause the flowers to appear in smaller numbers or even go extinct.

It’s a problem that affects more than just the scenic beauty of the area. A wildflower decline could tip over a series of other dominos in the ecosystem, potentially affecting soil nutrient cycling, pollinators, invertebrate communities, and the food chains that depend on them. Researchers are concerned about these changes and are studying these ecosystems, looking for hints of the changes a warming climate could bring.

University of Colorado postdoctoral researcher Anne Marie Panetta recently found a causal link between higher temperatures and the local extinction of one wildflower species, rock jasmine. Panetta says this short-lived species can potentially serve as an indicator species, showing scientists what might happen to other, longer-lived species.

“Zooming in on a species that completes its lifestyle within one or two years is really helpful when you’re looking for changes across generations or changes in population levels,” Panetta says.

[spoopy-eneko]

Got the inking done for @mercreti ‘s watercolor scene!! I got some inspiration from a sketch she did a while back, and I wanted to do something like it. Here’s her sheep satyress in an alpine area! Chose to put some cotton sedge, spring gentian, alpine rock jasmine, and a juniper tree in there :3

[j0sgomez-blog]

By Michael Lanza

We all want our wilderness backpacking trips to have two sometimes conflicting qualities: mind-blowing scenery, but also few other people around. A high degree of solitude somehow makes the backcountry feel more wild—makes the views more breathtaking. However unrealistic the notion may be, we like to believe we have some stunning corner of nature to ourselves. But in the real world, if you head out into popular mountains in July or August, you’ll probably have company—maybe more than you prefer.

Not on these five trips, though.

From a lonely corner of the majestic High Sierra to the North Cascades, and Idaho’s beloved Sawtooths to the Eagle Cap Wilderness and a rugged adventure in the Grand Canyon, here are five multi-day hikes where you’re guaranteed to enjoy a degree of solitude—at least on long stretches of the trip—that’s equal to the scenery.

Please tell me what you think of these trip suggestions—or add your own suggestions—in the comments at the bottom of this story.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

  Jason Kauffman at Lamarck Col in the John Muir Wilderness of California’s High Sierra.

John Muir Wilderness

On a 32-mile, three-day traverse of one of the highest, harshest, and most achingly gorgeous strips of California’s High Sierra—in the John Muir Wilderness (lead photo at top of story), from North Lake, outside Bishop, to Mosquito Flat—a friend and I linked up trails with long stretches of cross-country hiking to explore lake-studded alpine basins and cross six passes between 11,150 and 13,040 feet. The payoff for our labors and the route’s difficulty was seeing corners of the Sierra rarely visited by people. If you’re up for a multi-day hike that entails weaving through cliff bands, descending steep, loose scree, and scrambling over big talus blocks—as well as enjoying some of the most picturesque backcountry and campsites you’ve ever seen—this one is for you.

See my story “In the Footsteps of John Muir: Finding Solitude in the High Sierra,” and all of my stories about the High Sierra and backpacking trips in California at The Big Outside.

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

  Jasmine Wilhelm hiking Liberty Cap in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, Washington.

Glacier Peak Wilderness

The five-day, 44-mile Spider Gap-Buck Creek Pass loop in Washington’s Glacier Peak Wilderness has earned a reputation for spiciness—which keeps the crowds down. The reason is the off-trail route over 7,100-foot Spider Gap, which holds snow all summer and can be dangerous, depending on the firmness of the snow. But the payoff for backpackers with the skills to manage that pass is five-star views of Glacier Peak and the sea of lower, jagged mountains surrounding it, some of the best backcountry campsites you’ll ever see (or hike past), and unforgettable wildflower displays and panoramas like you get from Liberty Cap, a side hike from Buck Creek Pass (photo above).

See my story “Wild Heart of the Glacier Peak Wilderness: Backpacking the Spider Gap-Buck Creek Pass Loop,” and all of my stories about backpacking in Washington.

Want to read any story linked here? Get full access to ALL stories at The Big Outside, plus a FREE e-guide. Join now!

  Rock Slide Lake, Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho.

Southern Sawtooth Mountains

I’ve dayhiked, backpacked, and climbed numerous times in Idaho’s glorious Sawtooths, peaks that look to me like a love child of the High Sierra and the Tetons (if somewhat smaller); and with the exception of a few popular spots, I wouldn’t describe them as crowded. But for solitude and scenery that justifies my “love child” claim, I recommend diving deep into the range’s interior. On a 57-mile trip from the Queens River Trailhead, penetrating into an area that’s a solid two days’ walk from the nearest roads, a friend and I saw some of the prettiest mountain lakes of the dozens that grace the Sawtooths, and lonely valleys framed by endless rows of jagged peaks.

See my story “Going After Goals: Backpacking in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains,” and all of my stories about the Sawtooths.

Get the best gear for your trips. See my picks for “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “The 7 Best Backpacking Tents.”

Kris Wagner on the Royal Arch Loop in the Grand Canyon.

Royal Arch Loop, Grand Canyon

Even in a park where just about any hike would make just about anyone’s top 10 list, the Grand Canyon’s infrequently hiked, 34.5-mile Royal Arch Loop stands out. Starting from the South Bass Trailhead on the South Rim, the route makes a top-to-bottom-and-back-up circuit of the canyon—going from a words-can’t-do-it-justice panorama at the rim to dipping your toes in the Colorado River. It features lush hanging gardens nurtured by a vibrant stream, one drop-dead gorgeous campsite after another—and a high solitude quotient. That’s because of its very rugged character, with miles of off-trail hiking and one (short) rappel. But it’s “grand” enough to have at one time ranked among my top 10 favorite backpacking trips ever and earned a spot on my list of 25 all-time favorite backcountry campsites.

See my story “Not Quite Impassable: Backpacking the Grand Canyon’s Royal Arch Loop,” and all of my stories about Grand Canyon National Park at The Big Outside.

I can help you plan one of these trips or any other trip you read about at my blog. Find out more here.

Little Frazier Lake in Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Eagle Cap Wilderness

I’ll preface this recommendation with a caveat (of the sort you won’t read in any outdoor magazine): Don’t expect solitude in the Lakes Basin, the most popular corner of northeastern Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness, on a nice weekend in August. That said, much of the 40-mile loop from the East Eagle Trailhead traverses valleys and passes that are as lonely as they are pretty, dotted with wildflowers and mountain lakes ringed by granite peaks. Keep an eye out for elk, black bears, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats, and don’t pass up the three-mile, round-trip side hike to the 9,572-foot summit of Eagle Cap, with its cliff-top view overlooking the Lakes Basin and a huge swath of the rocky Wallowa Mountains.

See my story “Learning the Hard Way: Backpacking Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness,” and all of my stories about backpacking in Oregon at The Big Outside.

  Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

  See all of my stories about backpacking, including “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips” and “Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites.”

  The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

[perpetually-enamored]

Erin McLeod & Ella Masar McLeod

Erin: CANWNT/ FC Rosengard

Ella:FC/Rosengard

notes: Mcmasar; married and are the og’s; http://www.pitchsidereport.com/2015/03/17/ella-masar-love-entry-25/

Ashlyn Harris & Alexandra Krieger

Ashlyn: USWNT/Orlando Pride

Ali:USWNT/Orlando Pride

notes: A Team and/or Krashlyn (cringe); ***unconfirmed relationship*** (under technicalities will remain *unconfirmed* until it is either announced or Kriegs has a big rock on her finger) possibly together as long as *6ish* years

Christine Nairn & Caitlin Friend

Nairn: Seattle Reign

Caity: Melbourne Victory/ FC Bulleen

notes: confirmed relationship & one of the bests honestly

Kyah Simon & Alanna Kennedy

Kyah:AUSWNT/no current club

Alanna:AUSWNT/Orlando Pride

notes: Kylanna; as confirmed as an unconfirmed relationship can be since about 2012

Chantel Jones & Grace Gill

Chantel: No current club

Grace: most recently Canberra United

notes: engaged/ maybe married if I missed something

Lianne Sanderson & Ashley Nick

Lianne:Former ENGWNT/no current club (ACL recovery)

Ashley: No current club/most recently Apollon Ladies

notes:  probably more confirmed than any married couple due to being the most overly in love cringy mush of a relationship there is (this is not me hating, just stating facts)

Rachel Daly & Christen Westphal

Rach:ENGWNT/Houston Dash

Christen:Boston Breakers

-Westly

notes: RD3 is the mushiest mush ever and I love it,Rachel Previously in relationship with Sarah Gorden of Chi Town Red Stars

Chloe Logarzo & Jasmine Peters

Chloe:AUSWNT

Jassy:Softball player

notes: Confirmed relationship, http://theliftedbrow.com/post/160788222087/women-in-sport-out-on-instagram-are-elite

Tameka Butt & Kirsty Yallop

Tameka: AUSWNT/Klepp Elite(Norway)

Kirsty:NZWNT/Klepp Elite(Norway)

notes: own a house together & just v cute honestly

Michele Heyman & *May*?; In a relationship

Michele:AUSWNT/no current club)

notes: michele kills the suit game

Hayley Raso & Jenna McCormick

Hayley:AUSWNT/Portland Thorns

Jenna:Canberra United/ AFL player for Adelaide

Notes: unconfirmed and quite possibly no longer a thing/ was it ever really a thing? Who knows

Bianca Sierra & Stephany Mayor

Bianca:MEXWNT/Por Akureyri(Iceland)

Steph:MEXWNT/Por Akureyri(Iceland)

Notes: so very cute & saw steph play v canada

Casey Stoney & Meg Harris

Casey:ENGWNT/Liverpool Ladies

Meg:former ENGWNT

Notes: I don’t think they are officially married, but close enough & are mum’s to their twin beans Teddy and Tilly

Amanda Laddish & Rebecca Moros

Mandy:FCKC

Becca:FCKC

Notes: Livin it up with their pup in K Town

Natasha Dowie & Becky Easton

Tash:Former ENGWNT/Boston Breakers

Becky:Former ENGWNT

Notes: married last year, they have this cute lil gay penguin pillow with their names on it and tbh that’s goals

Hedvig Lindahl & her wife Sabine

Hedvig:SWEWNT/Chelsea FC

Notes: Lindahl is 100% one of the best keepers in the world atm & they are married with two sons

Tobin Heath & Christen Press

Tobs:USWNT/Portland Thorns/currently dead Tobs pls come back I miss you

Chris:USWNT/Chi Town Red Stars

Notes: ***unconfirmed*** guys they aren’t dating they just like to hug a lot and hang out in the same places like Portland and NJ where Tobs plays / is from & in Cali and Chi town where CP23 lives / plays and they like to travel to Europe together and go to tree hotels in Sweden and smile like lovesick fools whenever they are around each other and wear each others clothes and have candlelit dinners and run around on the beach under pretty rainbows and also paint rainbows ok? ok.

Pernille Harder & Magdalena Eriksson

Pernille:Danish NT/Wolfsburg

Magda:SWEWNT/Wolfsburg

Notes: very very cute & lowkey favs

Lisa Dahlkvist & wife Jessica

Lisa:SWEWNT/Orebro

Notes: ugh their daughter is such a bean

Nilla Fischer & Wife Mariah

Nilla: SWEWNT/Wolfsburg

Notes: married since 2013

Natasha Kai & Miki-Rae

Tash:Former USWNT/sky blue(currently double ankle rehabbing)

Notes:together since summer 2013, tash is the bomb.com honestly who doesn’t love the flyin’ Hawaiian’

Kaitlyn Savage & Liz Milne

Kait:no current club/ most recently Orlando Pride

Liz:NZWNT for a short time

Notes: I know nothing, but they is cute

Jodie Taylor & Emma Kete

Jodes:ENGWNT

Emma:NZWNT

Notes: still could be up for debate ig but I mean come on it’s a thing

Elise Kellond-Knight & Felicitas Rauch

Elise: AUSWNT/Potsdam

Feli:GERWNT/Potsdam

Notes: also up for debate but I like it

Stephanie Labbe & Georgia Simmerling

La Bae:CANWNT/Washington Spirit

G Simms:Canadian Olympian (alpine skiing & track racing)

Notes: How lit is it that G Simms is a summer AND winter Olympian w o w I love my country, La Bae is the bomb & their cute. Steph previously in relationship w Marie-Eve Nault (Former CANWNT)

Niki Cross & Molly

Niki:retired pro; most recently houston dash

Notes: A teams biggest supporters so how can you not love ‘em, married in 2016

Keelin Winters & Meg

Keelin: retired Seattle Reign

Notes: Keelin’s eyes are so pretty awe; married in 2015

Jill Loyden & Maria

Jill:Former USWNT/Sky Blue(retired)

Notes: Not much knowledge, unsure if they are married or not, and don’t know a lot about Maria but she is involved w/ soccer too

Jane Campbell & Maritza

Jane: USWNT and Houston Dash

Notes: Unconfirmed but idk issa cute one

Kadeisha Buchanan & Crystal Emmanuel

Keish:CANWNT/Lyon

Crystal: Canadian Olympic Sprinter

Notes: unconfirmed but I’m down & Keish deserves everything

Rebecca Quinn & Haley

Quinny:CANWNT/Duke

Notes: unconfirmed but Quinny is a gem and I dig it

Marta Vieira da Silva & Jessica

The goat:BRAWNT/Orlando Pride

Notes: unconfirmed but go Marty go

Abby (Mary) Wambach & Glennon Doyle Melton

Abby:Retired USWNT

Notes:Ok tell me pls that I’m not the only one who did not know Abby’s name was Mary until very recently? If I am that’s fine really bc no off fence but not a fan l o l

Samantha Kerr & Nikki Stanton

Sam:AUSWNT/Sky Blue

Nikki:Sky Blue FC

Notes: unconfirmed but  but I mean Brooklyn the foster pup is their child so, Sammy is fan freakin tastic but she kinda bugs me tbh, idk if it’s the giant ass jersey sizes or her pony tail but ya still one of the best

woso gays cont’d:

Melissa Tancredi & Selenia Iachelli (both retired CANWNT)

notes: no longer in relationship, Tanc in my mind has a thing with Julia Spetsmark of Orebro but that’s 101% made up by me

Megan Rapinoe (USWNT/Seattle Reign) rumored to be dating Sue Bird of USA Basketball

notes: no official confirmation but we all know Pinoe is “GAAAYYYY”-quote from her

Meghan Klingenberg (USWNT/Portland Thorns)

notes:maybe dating Moe’s sister in Hawaii?? Idk man all I know is Brittani and Kling 5ever

Section: No known relationship but they give off “the gay vibe”

Carmelina Moscato(retired CANWNT)

Larissa Crummer(AUSWNT/Seattle Reign)

Here it is:-)

[hollyleafdeservedbetter]

Flowerclan Flower Meanings

As I mentioned in the culture section of Flowerclan they use flowers as good luck charms in their dens as well as for social messages between clanmates here I will go over a few of them.

Please note that these are only some flowers I was able to come up with meanings for. If you find others and come up with meanings you would like to share feel free and I will add them to this list while crediting you for it.

Put on dens:

Moss campion – planted by the entrance to the nursery. Symbolizes starclan watching over the new generation and giving their strength so that the kits may grow healthy and strong

Poppy – woven into the nursery and elders den to ward off sickness and promote long life

Musk Thistle – woven into the leaders den. Symbolizes that even in disaster and hardship the clan will be able to grow from your leadership

Fangflower (Alpine toadflax) – woven into the warriors den to promote fierceness in battle

Lion’s paw (edelweiss) – woven into the apprentices den to promote strength and growth

Bitterwort – woven into all dens to promote strength and healthy living

Meanings when given:

Water plantain – you are both obnoxious and useless, basically meant to mean “I don’t like you and you can’t do anything right” 

          this is usually thrown in the intended recipient’s general direction rather than just given.

Musk Thistle – things seem bad but you will move on from this “I am here for you and we’ll get through this”

Plymouth thistle – in ensuring your growth you have stunted others “you left me behind/you hurt me and I don’t know if I can forgive you”

Giving a dead or crushed version of it in return means “I’m sorry for what I did and I will try to improve/make sure you are included"

Siberian Iris root – You focus so much on the bad that you fail to see the good in you “You’ve messed up lately but I think you’re wonderful/doing just fine”

Not that this is usually temporarily borrowed from a medicine cat, since it is a useful herb

Spider Orchid – you weave a web of lies “I know what you did/I’m watching you”

Buttercups -  I don’t like you at all leave me alone “drop dead.”

This is seen as one of the most offensive flowers to give and should not be done so lightly

Rock jasmine – you are unique “I think you’re one of a kind!”

Sticklewort – I’ll stick with you forever “you’re my best friend!”

Lion’s paw – you are the strongest and bravest warrior/medicine cat/leader/apprentice/queen/kit I know “you’re amazing!”

This is seen as a huge honor, especially when given from mentor to apprentice

Alpine Clematis - You think you don’t stand out much but I see you “I’ve taken notice to you and I’m proud of/like what I’ve seen”

This page will be added to the Swiss Clans Link Page

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