#yellow creek natural area

[vandaliatraveler]

Photos above are from a trip into the mountains yesterday. I managed to get out to Lindy Point in the Blackwater River Canyon before the overlook was swarmed with sightseers (top two photos). The rhododendron is blooming now - the drive in from Blackwater Falls State Park is magical this time of year. As it descends through the canyon, the Blackwater River transforms into turbulent whitewater, but just above the canyon, where it turns out of Canaan Valley (5th photo down), it's a gentle, serene stream perfect for floating. I also tried out some different trails in Yellow Creek Natural Area and Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The lowbush blueberries are ripening now - a sweet little snack to improve the hiking experience. :-)

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Rains, destruction and deaths in the south of Brazil demand a new term to define a climate catastrophe

Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced in Rio Grande do Sul floods

On April 27, MetSul, a meteorology agency, posted on X (former Twitter) a warning about a cold front, heavy rain, gales, and hail, and risks of severe weather in parts of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state. This is the same state that endured three climate disasters in 2023 alone, with 80 people confirmed dead and many cities hit.

The following day, the agency posted another alert: ”Serious risk of floods in southern Brazil because of excessive to extreme rain. It has already rained 200 mm [8 inches] in some areas and projections indicate much more water coming. 2023 scenes of flooded cities will be repeated.”

Two days later, they began to post about overflowing creeks, rising river levels, and flooding while The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) put the entire state under alert, showing a varying scale from yellow to red, the latter being the larger portion. On April 30, the local government confirmed eight dead and 21 people disappeared.

Ever since the publication of this story on May 7, the worst natural disaster in the history of Rio Grande do Sul has registered 100 dead, 128 disappeared, and over 1.4 million people affected. Sums that seem still underreported when one sees the images of entire cities underwater.

Among the 497 cities in the state, 414 were hit so far. And, as you read it, there is a chance people are still waiting on roofs for rescue, trapped in houses and buildings surrounded by water. Others are still looking for victims of landslides; and many are without access to clean water, power, or ways of coming and going from their cities, with bridges missing and roads destroyed. The rain is moving south and is forecasted to return to other cities already impacted.

Continue reading.

[rebeccathenaturalist]

COOL SNAIL ALERT!!!!

Okay, so yesterday I was teaching my Introduction to Mycology Class for Wildcraft Studio School at Tryon Creek State Natural Area just south of Portland, and while our main focus was on various fungi, we found some other cool stuff along the way, too!

One of the highlights of my day was this particular snail:

That is a Pacific sideband snail (Monadenia fidelis), one of our native terrestrial gastropods (as opposed to several invasive species found in the PNW and beyond). What makes it stand out is that the shell is entirely lacking the usual brown background on which various stripes are overlaid; it looks more like the yellow shell often seen in some Haplotrema species, such as the native H. vancouverense.

This is a more typical specimen, found not far from our extra-pale oddball above:

As you can see, the body color on the two snails is almost identical, so it's not albinism. I considered whether it might be a rare case of invertebrate leucism, but I was only able to find one reference thereof, in a paper on a single leucistic scorpion. I think, though, it's more likely just a normal variation where the brown pigmentation is at an extreme minimum.

It's not surprising that this mutation would be exceedingly rare; that yellow shell stands out like a beacon amid the darker colors of the forest floor, making any paler snails easier for predators to spot. OTOH, H. vancouverense is found in similar habitats and does have a typically yellow-colored shell, so maybe it's not as much of a liability. And when I looked at iNaturalist results for M. fidelis, there were a very few paler-shelled individuals mixed among the more common reddish-browns. They weren't clustered in one part of the species' range, but scattered throughout.

Anyway, I thought you all would appreciate seeing this!

[tavolgisvist]

Thank you, lovely @crepesuzette2023, @i-am-the-oyster and @getbackmountain, for tagging me! It's always hard for me to decide which book or movie is my favorite because at different times it is different ones but it's always interesting to know <33

Favorite Movie: Danny Boyle's Frankenstein (I know, I know! it's not movie but I watched it on the screen - and so many times! - so I suppose it may rates as movie), Withnail & I, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (and MMT and GMRTBS of course!)

Favorite TV Show: Fortysomething, Black Books and Jonathan Creek

Favorite Musical Artists: my first true love The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Wings, John Lennon, Sam Cooke, Janis Joplin

Favorite Color: Anything in the brown/yellow/green area

Favorite Season: Spring

Favorite Book: A School for Fools by Sokolov S., Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams

Do you have any Funko Pops?: No

Do you play any instruments?: Just a little on the piano and a guitar

Do you have any pets?: Yes, my beautiful willful cat (and you saw her recently)

Do you read or write Fanfiction?: Yes, I read them now and then. And I don't write fics, but I write something else :-)

What song(s) have you had on repeat repeatedly?: it happens with me and music permanently :-) But now it is Pure Gold by Paul and Ringo, Chan Chan by Buena Vista Social Club, On The Nature Of Daylight by Max Richter and Save the Last Dance for Me

Tagging: @sgtpeppers, @consulting--defective, @foryouwereinmysong, @groovybananastarfish and @thewalrusespublicist

[roxyteal]

I swear to GOD mobile loves doing this thing where instead of saving an existing draft, "Save" means "I'm gonna post this whether you like it or not". Jesus fuck

Anyway I guess y'all are about to get some stuff about Imnever (WTTW) early. Sigh

Also contains WTTW spoilers but in a B-plot kinda way

He lives in an otherwise uninhabited area that resembles a forest with a creek. He likes the nature and seclusion. His school was modified into a traditional Japanese house, with a garden and everything (holy shit). There's still a lot of yellow, however. It is about a ten minute walk to the city area

Viktor has asked him to move so developments can happen but was refused several times. Even to a point of protest by literally sitting in the garden and not leaving. Eventually Viktor decided that fighting him on this wasn't worth it and left him alone

He finds Billy "cold" and "hard to read", and thus doesn't trust him

He is a Rare Snacks Enthusiast, or so he claims. But really he's just a Snacks Enthusiast

He also appreciates the little things in life, such as a snowflake landing on a bird's cheek or seeing slivers of blue sky on a cloudy day. And also he believes that sleeping for rest is good for mental health (unproven for AIs such as himself, possibly just a placebo)

As mentioned in the Joe 5 post, he is an animator by trade, but teaches art at Baldina's school. What hasn't been said is that it's not coincidence. The two have history together, similar to Text and Lady Blossom's original circumstances

They are best friends who vowed to meet up at the Webspace together, but a mishap caused Baldina to enter first, Imnever eventually making it roughly two months later

Anyway by animator, I am of course referring to 3D animation. He makes them in his free time

In fact, he has Animation Powers. Fastforwarding or rewinding, pause, play, shuffle or loop frames. Requires physical contact with the subject to initiate, but is automatic on himself. Lasts only a brief period, though (fifteen seconds at most), and even shorter if said subject is particularly resistent

So even if he held onto Alex the whole time, he would still break free quickly...

Was injured in the Incident, via a non-lethal stab in the shoulder. He was already too drained to rewind it. But he has long-since recovered, don't worry

Another friend and colleague he knows is Dave 46, the algebra teacher (of course)

He left with the other staff for the Yellowstone National Park field trip, while Joe and 46 stayed behind. Joe was to be a lookout, while 46's reason was a mystery. Of course, later on, it all became clear and Baldina fired 46 for coup participation. Imnever has heard him out after the fact, and remains his friend

Meanwhile he asks what Joe thinks about all this and he's just like "i never want to talk about daves ever again". Oh yeah... He saw them flying to Infinity School. He called Baldina and said that "Hell must've froze over because the Daves are rioting". Understandable, have a good day

Still, he's trying to pass on what he knows to Baldina in hopes of reinstating 46. Unsuccessful thus far. Maybe he could have a hearing? Baldina is reluctant

Some other things would go here but the draft posted early so sorry I don't have anything else for you THANKS MOBILE!!!

[leiascully]

X-Files OctoberFicFest Day 15: Hollow

This year, I'm using the October 2022 prompts from @artpromptcal.

TW: canon typical discussion of death/post-mortem

For an office job, it's surprising how much time they spend in the woods. She supposes that they mostly leave the bodies in dumpsters and abandoned buildings to municipal authorities, which is part of it. The mysterious corpses are all in the woods, decomposing under leaf litter and tangled in roots. She's learned to prefer the open air. It makes the flies more bearable. Predation is a fact of death - she knows that - but crows and foxes seem a more dignified option than rats.

There are less sinister reasons to venture into the forest, too: reports of strange creatures and lights that can't be explained. That's what they're chasing today.

"The Ozark Howler," Mulder explains again as they hike. "A wolf-sized creature with the muzzle of a dog and the shape of a cat, Scully. You might think that would be strange enough, but you'd be wrong."

Scully steps over a fallen branch. "Of course I would."

He grins. "In addition to those anomalies, it has red eyes and horns."

"Astonishing," she says, crunching through the leaves. There's a nip in the air that chills the tip of her nose. It's apple weather. Firepit weather. The mountains around them are red and orange and yellow, stippled with dark green pines. Sunlight sifts through the leaves when the wind sighs.

Scully doesn't believe any legendary creature would appear in the daylight - too easy to document, for starters - but a day like this is impossible to argue with. They deserve an easy case once in a while. Besides, something is killing chickens. She suspects a mountain lion or coyotes, but the reports are incongruous. There are bears in these woods too, somewhere. Any of those things would have the power to turn chickens into the smears of blood and feathers in the photographs in Mulder's files.

Mulder isn't finished. "The first reported sighting was in the 1800s by none other than Daniel Boone."

"I've heard of him."

"Reports differ on whether he was able to shoot one, but multiple sources have described seeing Howlers over the years, even up to present day."

"Mmhmm." Scully sips from her water bottle. "How did we get called in for chicken murder? That isn't a federal crime, or we'd be arresting Colonel Sanders."

"Someone from the local field office tipped me off to this one," Mulder said. "Chicken's big here. Anyway, this thing could be crossing state lines. The Ozarks Highlands span a four-state area."

"I see."

The trail in front of them crests the hill and descends into a hollow lined with a bonfire array of maples. At the bottom, a sturdy wooden bridge spans a chuckling creek whose progress down the slope is punctuated by tiny waterfalls. The trail is cut into stone steps just a bit too high for Scully's stride. Mulder wordlessly puts out a hand to steady her as she climbs down. His grip is warm and strong. She savors the moment.

They stop on the bridge. Scully pulls two apples out of her bag. Locally grown, the sign said. She and Mulder lean on the railing and eat the crisp fruit. It takes her a moment to realize that the woods are loud around them in a way that's so different from the city: birds and water and rustling leaves instead of traffic and people. Peace steals over her. There are bones in these woods, to be sure. These mountains are old, worn down nearly to hills. There are always bones in a place like this. But they're hunting a beast instead of a human murderer. It's old-fashioned, almost sweet. If these woods are haunted, it's by ghosts that belong here.

Scully unearths a bag of trail mix. She suspects that Mulder's hunger is greater than apple-sized. Mulder leans his shoulder gently against hers. She doesn't shift away. There's no one to see them here. They can exist in their most natural state: so close that the clouds of their breath mingle and their fingers brush as they reach for GORP.

"Imagine the Howler in a place like this," he says, and she can almost see it: a wild thing, crouching to lap from the stream, watchful red eyes and graceful horns and a tail that lashes.

[rainbowfey]

Day 21: Swoon

@flufftober

Izuna was already waiting when Madara arrived at the training ground. For some reason that he couldn’t quite comprehend, Izuna had taken a liking to this rather remote area and now wanted to meet up there increasingly often. Sure, it did offer a peaceful and quiet environment and Madara did see the charm of the yellow and red trees swaying softly at the edge of the forest, accompanied by the soft gurgle of the creek close by. Due to its remote location, their training also often went undisturbed which was another benefit. They hadn’t planned on training today, however, and Madara wasn’t sure why Izuna had asked him to meet him here.

Izuna was resting on one of the benches, his legs outstretched and a calm expression on his face. He only looked up when Madara came to a halt in front of him. “Hi there,” he said, a half-smile on his face.

“Why am I here?” Madara asked, staring at his brother. He was no big fan of pleasantries, especially not with Izuna who he knew so well that they might as well be able to read the other’s mind. Well, at least that was the case most of the time. Not today though and thus, he was rather impatient to find out what Izuna wanted from him.

Izuna furrowed an eyebrow and looked at him, squinting. “Really? Not even a ‘hello’ for me?”

Madara sighed and crossed his arms. “Hello. Content now?”

“Not really,” Izuna said and slowly sat up. “Gee, you really need to loosen up a bit. You’re pulling a face right now, are you aware of that?”

Madara had to suppress the childish urge to stick his tongue out at his brother. Instead, he forced a more amendable expression on his face and took a seat next to Izuna. “Better?” he asked.

Izuna grinned at him and nodded. “Way better. In order to not keep you in suspense any longer … I wanted to ask you how your ‘absolutely not a date’ date went.”

Madara’s face fell and he gave Izuna an incredulous look. “For real? You made me go all the way out here just to ask me this one question?”

Izuna sat up and gave him a rather stern look. “Well, you wouldn’t have told me a thing if there was even the slightest possibility of anyone else listening. So, yes, that’s why.”

Madara had to admit to himself that Izuna did have a point but he wasn’t about to let him in on that. So he left it at a vacuous grunt and shrugged. “I don’t really know what to tell you,” he said dismissively, well aware that Izuna would let him get away this easily.

And he was proven right when Izuna huffed indignantly and shook his head. “I want to know everything,” he said emphatically. “Every detail, everything you talked about, literally everything!”

Madara sighed to himself but he knew that he didn’t have a choice. Not after Izuna’s plan had worked out exactly as planned, giving him the chance to get to know Tobirama a bit better. “Well,” he started and thought about what he wanted to tell his brother. “He did get a bit suspicious after you guys left. He asked me if I had planned for this to happen.” Izuna grinned to himself, his eyes glistening with amusement. “He was right about that, though. Did you tell him?”

Madara shook his head in disbelief. “Obviously not! I think he didn’t really believe me though. He’s way too smart to be deceived like that, you know?”

Izuna looked at him curiously. “How do you know that he’s smart?”

Now it was Madara’s turn to raise an eyebrow. “Haven’t you heard him talk, Izuna? A person as eloquent and attentive as him has to be intelligent. Also, after you left, we talked quite a bit about our favorite books. Did you know that he’s well versed in philosophy?”

From the corner of his eye, he could see Izuna smiling. “No, I didn’t. Seems like you two have a common ground there, huh?”

Madara sat up and before he could stop himself, he already carried on. “Not just there. He’s also very well-read in a broad range of topics and he knows insanely much about weaponry and the nature of jutsus. He even told me about an idea he had for a new jutsu and it is impressive how in depth he knows about the process. He even made his own adjustments so that it would have an even bigger impact.”

Izuna gave him a pensive look and nodded slowly. “That is quite formidable. Only very few shinobi are capable of that.” Madara nodded emphatically. “Well, of course he is. I think I’ve never met anyone with such a sharp mind before … except for me, of course.”

Even he couldn’t stifle his grin at his bold statement and Izuna laughed out loud. “My brother, the epitome of humility,” Izuna grinned. “Okay, so he’s super clever. What about his personality though, did you click?”

Madara paused and thought about it. The whole evening had been a whirlwind of impressions and ideas but throughout all of this, he hadn’t been able to keep his gaze from Tobirama’s gorgeous face. Suddenly, he felt a bit hesitant and he contemplated about how honest he should be with Izuna. After his initial suspicion, Tobirama had indeed relaxed quite a bit and opened himself up more. However, Madara hadn’t been able to read him and he wasn’t sure what to make of Tobirama’s behavior.

“He not only has a sharp mind but a sharp tongue as well,” he grumbled, remembering a couple of sassy remarks that Tobirama had made.

“So, just like you?” Izuna smirked, giving a Madara a playful nudge.

“No,” Madara protested, shooting his brother an indignant glance. “He’s really bold. And he’s so stubborn, my goodness! If he’s convinced that he’s right he can’t be reasoned with. You should’ve seen his stern face when I said that he wouldn’t stand a chance against me in taijutsu!”

Izuna laughed to himself and shook his head but Madara preferred to ignore his reaction. “In that moment, I really wanted to grab him and shake him,” he continued.

Izuna grinned at him. “And kiss him?”

“Yeah!” Madara blurted out before he realized what he had said. “I mean, no! Of course not. Izuna, don’t be silly, I’m not even sure that I like him.”

Izuna gave him a knowing look which triggered Madara even more. He barely noticed that he had started to speak quicker. “I mean, yes. He’s insanely hot and his mind makes him even more attractive. And he has the most gorgeous smile in the whole world but dude, that doesn’t mean that I like him!”

A bit confused, he noticed that Izuna’s gaze wandered over his shoulder, almost like as if he was staring at something behind Madara. He huffed and crossed his arms. “Are you even listening to me? Just because he’s basically Mr. Perfect that doesn’t mean that …,” he trailed off and his eyes widened when he saw Izuna’s amused look, fixated on a point a bit above his shoulder. A sinking feeling started to form in his stomach when it dawned on him.

Izuna’s face lit up with the biggest grin he had ever seen on his brother and his heart skipped a beat when Izuna said to someone that had to be standing behind him. “Hi, Tobirama. What brings you here?”

Madara froze in place, staring at Izuna who visibly relished the situation, grinning like a Cheshire cat. It took him everything he had to force an unfazed expression on his face before he slowly turned around, his heart thundering in his chest.

Tobirama stood only a couple of steps behind them, his hands in his pockets and his face blushing crimson. He looked like as if he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole. He avoided Madara’s gaze, shuffling his feet and staring intently at some point below Madara’s face. “I … uh,” he stammered, still blushing intensely. “Hashirama told me I’d find you here. I wanted to …”

He trailed off, staring at the ground helplessly. Madara felt his cheeks burning as well and he gave Izuna the angriest look he could muster. But some part of him quietly rejoiced at Tobirama’s reaction.

He ignored the tingle in his guts and tried to sound as unimpressed as he could. “You wanted to … ask me something?” he guessed.

Tobirama nodded quickly. “Er, yes. There’s something that I need help with and Hashirama said you’d be the one to ask in this matter.”

Madara blocked out Izuna’s triumphant smile and focused on Tobirama. “Sure thing,” he said, “where is it?”

Tobirama hesitated noticeably and his cheeks turned blazing red when he finally muttered, “At my place.”

[ahedderick]

Monday

Busy Monday (I work at home, why are busy Mondays so common?) I did paperwork/billing paying/insurance checking and other small [annoying] tasks early on, then late in the morning I got my gear on for working outside. This reliably puts both dogs into hysterics. It took me longer than I wanted to get heavy jeans/socks/hair-braided/work hat/pruning saw/pruning shears/oops-I-forgot-camera and all the nonsense put together. Scooped up Baxter because he enjoys when I work in the far field. Off we went, a 200 yard commute.

There is a narrow stretch between the field and the creek, and we DON'T want it to become completely overgrown with brush and invasive thorn bushes. My husband got one strip mowed with the tractor and brushhog, and I'm trying to further that improvement with hand tools.

You can see, looking south, that it's quite thick. Not quite impassible, but you'd need heavy jeans and boots to get through there.

The other direction, you can see where I cleared a bit last time I was here. Baxter is helping (yellow arrow).

After an hour and a half, during which time Nutmeg joined us and nibbled things with great interest, I had made some good progress.

Shrubs such as spicebush and elderberry get left; they are both native and useful (to wild birds or to me). I am, as you can see . . never lonely.

Off to the left, at the top of the field . .

. . green marks the areas that were full of bushes when I started, and red marks all the places I piled up cut material. Some will get burned and some will be left to decay naturally. My winter fitness program, in a nutshell.

[carly41619]

The Moon Rocks and Hoodoo Rocks trail near Davis, West Virginia features ancient rock formations open to hikers and mountain bikers. While most enjoy the unique topology abd scenery in the mild Summer months, the trail emanates a special kind of silent beauty when blanketed with Winter snow. Be careful though; the Moon Rocks can get extremely icy!

January 2024, Yellow Creek Natural Area, WV

[theramblinghockeydude]

Quiet Spots

I believe it is vital in life to have a quiet spot that you can to when things get a bit hectic and you need a recharge of the batteries to get through the day to day. I have always had my quiet spots from a very early age in life and so right now I am a bit thrown off because I am not able to get out and find a new quiet spot.

Growing up whenever I wanted to get away a bit or just be alone with my thoughts I'd trek to the coulee (back pasture) behind our house and wander around. A couple of favorite spots were the far, I believe South, corner at the far edge of the field where the beavers would build their dam and do their work. You could cross the creek and sit up on the hillside under the trees and just kind of take it all in. It was peaceful. My other spot was the hill next to the creek where it had eroded away and I could sit and look for rocks for hours. There was something about sitting on that hillside getting lost in the rocks that was soothing. I think it was being able to simply shut the brain off and focus on one thing only...cool rocks. Once I got a little older and was driving there was a spot a few hundred feet from our driveway on the road that you could pull into. I would pull in quite a bit when it was dark out and stare at the sky and let everything melt away. When the Northern Lights were out that was a pretty good spot to watch them from. All of these spots had the same things in common, you could hear the sounds of nature whether it be the birds or any other animals, smell the fresh, clean air and for two of the spots at least, you had the sound of the water running through the creek.

When I left for college I was in need of finding a new quiet spot. I tried the library, but that didn't work, it was a different kind of quiet. I eventually found a spot behind the Johnstone/Fulton/Smith dorm compound. A nice little spot where you could sit on the bench, it had flowers and I am not remembering now if there was a fountain or not, but I do remember going there quite often to sit and just let the stress of the day roll off of me. Mind you, the English Coulee didn't always smell the best, and with the Simplot plant close to campus and the Sugar Beet plant in Minnesota not far away, the smells weren't always the best, but there was something calming about that place, especially in the evening hours.

Once I was out of college and back in Minot I found that any place outside of the city where I could sit and watch a sunrise or sunset would do the trick. Had to be far enough out where it was a bit secluded, but back then that wasn't hard to find like it is now. There were times after work when I would drive out to the Lake Audubon Wildlife Refuge and do the scenic loop there. There were a couple of cool spots on the drive where you could pull over a bit and sit and watch the ducks do their thing. Very peaceful and calming.

I eventually found my favorite quiet spot that I have ever had, the Lake Darling Scenic Drive. I absolutely loved that place. It was best in the early early morning or late evening. Drive up top, park and watch the sunrise/sunset over the water, that was the best. It was so peaceful, not a sound could be heard other than the wildlife. The calls of the Red Winged Blackbird or the Yellow Headed Blackbird seemed to dominate the area, but the waterfowl there were not going to be outdone either. Early morning was great when you had a bit of fog rolling through. The air just had a fresh smell to it and everything felt and looked brand new. I had the chance to sit out there a few times and watch a storm roll in and hunker down in my vehicle while it did it's thing. Something about thunder, lightning and rain that are very soothing to me. Once the storm passed, you could hear the wildlife come back to life, almost as if they were checking on each other to see if they were alright.

I hope that each of you has a quiet spot that you can go to and recharge and let the stress of life melt away. If you feel like, I would love to hear where your spot is, please feel free to comment either here or on my facebook feed.

[vandaliatraveler]

Day Date at Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Part 1. Most couples would probably equate a "date" to a nice dinner out and a Marvel adventure movie, but Blake and I, being hopeless nature fanatics and aspiring satyrs without hooves, equate it to mean "putzing around in the mountains". The timing was perfect: the haze from the Canadian wildfires, which has been choking most the US Mid-Atlantic and Northeast for the past week, had mostly moved on, replaced by a crisp blue sky with a light breeze.

From top: the view from the Rich Mountain Overlook on Old Route 33, heading toward Harman; Blake communing with the mystic creek chubs in Gandy Creek, one of the best brook trout streams in the Mid-Atlantic region; cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum), a mildly phototoxic beauty that Native Americans relied on for food and medicine; a forest composition of false green hellebore (Veratrum viride), ferns, wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), and golden Alexander (Zizia aurea); a close-up of golden Alexander, a lovely, spring-blooming member of the carrot family; the wetlands complex at Spruce Knob Lake; shining ladies' tresses (Spiranthes lucida), a spring to early summer-blooming bog orchid recognizable from its bright yellow labellum; bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), which can be easily mistaken for a spring-blooming forb but is actually a dwarf dogwood; and a feisty eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis), whose saliva contains a mild neurotoxin that is deadly to its prey but harmless to humans.

[panglossesanddiadorims]

Walking through the Woods

Desperately striding through the woods, he stumbled onto the ground. Despite being dizzy and zonked out, he managed to sit down and probe the area around him. The sun's rays flashed through the foliage, glistering the dew in the air. The peach lemon-yellow sunshine displayed countless other colors in a natural Prisma while reflecting on the drops. He leaned on a trunk of a maple tree to glance at all that beauty. he started to pay attention to the forest's sounds.

They had remained silent, suppressed by the sounds he had made while dashing in the forest and the crunching and crackling of the dry leaves on the ground had the animals on alert, so they kept silent for some time. Then, larks and sparrows started to tweet as a sign the danger was no more, and suddenly, all the forest came alive, like a newly-born baby who, getting used to a new world, yelled to life powerfully. As the night loomed, he could hear the hooting of owls and howling of wolves.

He shivered and shuddered.

The idea of coming across a wild animal frightened him. The stomping of heavy steps made him gasp, as if he was being stalked by a feral beast. He didn't find the courage to whirl around and figure out what was coming close. Suddenly, like a broken spell, the creature that slinked behind him vanished. And the haunting memories of that day popped in his mind.

He could recall the tanks surrounding the palace, firing their guns, the planes dropping its bombs ceaselessly over the palaces as they swooped and whooshed over it, leaving blazing red flames behind. The soldiers in their olive green uniforms shooting against anyone who attempted to approach or resist. They dragged and shoved many inside trucks as lambs to the slaughter.

At that moment, he realized Allende's era was drawing to a close. Hos only chance was to hide in the forest. With eyes swelled with tears, he found himself before a murmuring creek. The wind rustling the leaves brought calmness to his heart. he realized no matter how they tried, his dreams and beliefs would not be smashed.

Like a spirit, he overcame the boundaries of reality and fantasy, vanishing forever in the womb of the woods in total

[stevenross0]

Exploring Its Beauty and Serenity

A Hidden Gem in Oakville

Trafalgar Meadows is one of Oakville’s lesser-known, but equally captivating, natural spaces. Often overshadowed by more popular parks in the area, such as Bronte Creek Provincial Park and Oakville’s waterfront trails, Trafalgar Meadows offers a peaceful retreat that is perfect for those who appreciate nature’s beauty but prefer to avoid large crowds. Despite its peaceful ambiance, it’s easily accessible, making it a fantastic destination for anyone who wants to explore the outdoors without venturing too far from the city.

The area features a diverse range of landscapes—from open meadows to wooded areas—making it a perfect place for nature walks, birdwatching, and photography. Whether you’re strolling through its vast open fields or sitting by a quiet creek, Trafalgar Meadows offers a variety of settings to enjoy nature at its finest. The meadows themselves are home to an abundance of wildlife and offer picturesque views that change with the seasons, providing something unique to admire year-round.

The Beauty of Nature: A Walk Through Trafalgar Meadows

The first thing you’ll notice as you enter Trafalgar Meadows is the tranquil atmosphere. The area is bordered by dense trees, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, and the sweet sound of birdsong filling the air. As you walk deeper into the park, the expansive meadows unfold before you, their golden grasses swaying with the wind. The serenity is palpable, and the natural beauty is both calming and invigorating.

Wildlife and Flora

One of the most enchanting aspects of Trafalgar Meadows is the diversity of wildlife that calls it home. As you wander through the park, you may be lucky enough to spot some of the area’s more elusive residents, including deer, rabbits, and foxes. Birdwatchers will also delight in the variety of species that frequent the meadows. From songbirds flitting about to the occasional sighting of hawks soaring overhead, the park is a paradise for those who enjoy observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

The flora in Trafalgar Meadows is just as impressive. During the spring and summer months, vibrant wildflowers bloom in the meadows, painting the landscape with shades of purple, yellow, and white. Trees along the edges of the park provide dappled shade, and you may encounter wild berries, mushrooms, and various plants as you explore the trails. In the fall, the foliage transforms into a breathtaking display of red, orange, and gold, making it the perfect time to take a walk through the park and witness nature’s vibrant colors.

The Pathways and Trails

As you wander through Trafalgar Meadows, you’ll find a network of well-maintained pathways that make it easy to explore the area on foot. Whether you’re going for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike, the trails offer something for everyone. The terrain is gentle and accessible, making it ideal for families, seniors, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful walk in nature.

The meadows themselves offer vast open spaces for those who enjoy walking through fields of tall grasses. In contrast, the wooded areas provide more shaded, cool environments that are perfect for a relaxing escape on a hot summer day. Several walking loops take you past various vantage points, so you can enjoy a variety of perspectives on the park’s landscape. You may find yourself stopping to take a photo or simply pausing for a moment to soak in the peaceful surroundings.

For those who enjoy cycling or jogging, the park offers wide, smooth paths that are perfect for a morning run or an afternoon bike ride. The park’s relatively low traffic and peaceful environment make it an ideal destination for those who want to get outdoors without the distractions of busy streets or urban noise.

The Serenity of Trafalgar Meadows

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a place that offers true peace and solitude can be a challenge. This is where Trafalgar Meadows stands out. With its quiet paths, calming atmosphere, and natural beauty, the park is the perfect location for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat from the demands of daily life.

[weewoowanderwoman]

Week 6

February 5

Today was NOT a day for a good hike. Technically, this ended up as a two hike day. The first hike was out at the Cane Creek Mountains Natural area and was a quick mile loop. I wish I had shame but this morning was a lesson in what not to do before a hike. Yes, eat before a hike. No, don't start the hike IMMEDIATELY after eating. I was thankful for a change of clothes, wet wipes and a sharp knife. Finding myself greatly dissatisfied with this hike, I decided to relocate and head to another area.

Hike number 2 did not lend itself to any better conditions though there was much less personal mess. Hike 2 found me at Lake Reidsville and on the Yellow Trail. The trail itself is only marked for the portions that include the disc golf course. After leaving that portion of the trail, it is mildly easy to lose said trail as it is obvious it isn't a very popular hiking location. I found myself off trail multiple times. I also did not reach the turn around point due to hearing multiple gunshots the closer I got towards the end and decided I did not want to find the source of them. At the end of the day, I was defeated but proud of myself for still getting out and sticking to my goal.

[purdyartco]

Exploring the Beauty of Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon

If you're someone who loves nature's wonders, you can't miss visiting the Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique geological formations, this hidden gem offers an experience unlike any other. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or simply looking to immerse yourself in nature, this slot canyon will leave you in awe.

A Natural Wonder

Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East" due to its stunning views and rugged terrain. The canyon is carved by years of natural erosion, creating narrow passageways and towering walls that provide a sense of serenity and grandeur. Hikers and photographers alike are drawn to the beauty and tranquility this location offers.

Activities to Enjoy

Visiting Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon isn't just about the views. The area is perfect for a variety of activities:

Hiking: Explore the numerous trails that wind through the canyon, offering both beginner-friendly paths and challenging routes for experienced hikers.

Photography: The dramatic light and shadow play in the slot canyon make it a dream destination for photographers.

Wildlife Watching: The gorge is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers.

Why Visit?

Unlike many popular tourist destinations, Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon remains relatively uncrowded, allowing visitors to connect with nature on a deeper level. Its peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Plan Your Trip

If you're planning to explore Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon, ensure you're well-prepared. Bring proper hiking gear, plenty of water, and a camera to capture the unforgettable views. The best time to visit is during the fall when the foliage transforms the canyon into a vibrant display of reds, oranges, and yellows.

Conclusion

The Pine Creek Gorge Slot Canyon is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience nature's raw beauty. Whether you're hiking through its trails or simply soaking in the views, this place promises memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss the chance to explore one of nature's most spectacular creations.

[naturecoaster]

A sharp cry echoed across the grasslands, then another, as a bald eagle alighted on top of a cabbage palm. The top of the tree’s leafy head had been twisted off during a hurricane, leaving a bare perch for the bird of prey, and a clear view of the glistening deep blue water of the river. The eagle cried again and scanned the landscape. Looking for family or a tasty blue crab floating through the water towards the Gulf? Unsatisfied, he rose into the blue sky with a powerful flap of wings and soared away over a sea of yellow grasses. Vultures swept overhead, swooping and circling, intrigued by the smell of old bait, before leaving for more suitable feeding grounds. A white heron waded along the muddy riverbank, pitted with crab holes, waiting for the fish of the day and a Great Blue Heron alighted on a fallen tree above, to watch with curiosity. Time stands still along the winding and wild Waccasassa River. You can travel the waterway without passing a single soul, but if you choose to stop, nature soon forgets you are even there. Bald eagle on a cabbage palm overlooking the Waccasassa River by Sally White Where there are Cows The Seminoles dubbed the river “Waccasassa”, or “(where) there are cows”, after the grazing cows the pioneer settlers kept in the area. But today the only cows you will see in the lower Waccasassa are the occasional sea cow, the huge, torpedo-shaped grey manatee. The Waccasassa River runs 29 miles from the headwaters, fed by Blue Spring, near Bronson and Wekiva Spring, along with several other groundwater sources on its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Fresh water is vital to maintain a healthy wetland ecosystem. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976, theWaccasassa River, a slice of old Florida, does not disappoint. Old Growth Hydric Hammock Fallen logs and protruding rocks are a common sight along the Waccasassa River. Photo by Sally White It’s 4-miles from the Waccasassa River boat ramp to the mouth of the river in Waccasassa Bay, and a trip that takes you from freshwater and the lush vegetation of a hydric hammock through the brackish waters of the swamp and the rushes and wiregrass wetlands of the saltmarshes. Remnants of what was once 100,000 acres of old-growth, the hydric hammock once stretched between Cedar Key and Yankee Town. 80% of it was lost in the 1970s-1980s to commercial logging activities when the land was cleared to create loblolly pine plantations to yield fast-growing timber. The remainder nowprovides a wild refuge for wading birds, black bears, deer, raccoons, and the endangered Florida Salt Marsh Vole. Wetland grasses receive the brunt of the storms on the Waccasassa. Photo by Sally White Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is a Very Wet State Park Unique in location, the 30,784-acre Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park can only be reached by water. There are no boardwalks, hiking trails, or observation platforms. The only signage is a ‘beware of rocks in the waterway’ sign. Paddlers and boaters can explore and fish the river and tidal creeks and the 20-miles of coastline in this Florida water-based state park. Influenced by the tides, the limestone rocks and fallen trees in the river reveal themselves during low tide. Mud slicks the embankments where alligators slide into the dark water. Bird and otter tracks dot across the dark muck. But the land is deceptively not land, and should a two-legged human attempt to stand there, they would sink into the mud. Hurricanes and the Waccasassa River The Waccasassa River has seen 6 hurricanes since 2014. Fallen trees and twisted palms are a common sight along the river. Photo by Sally White This region of Florida’s Nature Coast takes the brunt of many strong storms. Six named storms have struck the area since 2014. The landscape here has been shaped by the weather. Near the mouth of the Waccasassa, fields of yellow marsh grasses bend to the fierce winds, their tangled roots capturing debris in the saltwater storm surges. Then cabbage palms rise, tall and slender. Many with their tops torn off from hurricanes. Red cedars join next, sturdy sentinels with a shallow yet fibrous root system that spreads out to prevent erosion. Some of the cedars have been recently uprooted by Hurricane Helene, and now their vibrant greens have turnedto autumn browns. Their needle-like leaves will fall and the trunks and roots will face the sun and salt washes, bleaching with time and elements to the color that even Sherwin Williams paint can never truly recreate. Trees have fallen, bushes blown away, but a marker warning in the river still stands. Photo by Sally White No Gulf Channel Markers Wildlife is not always welcoming, and the quiet along the river tells tales of a post-storm aftermath. Trees and logs jut out of the river, and branches float by or catch on other debris, shifting the current. Although the rock warning sign is still standing, all but two coastal markers remain in the Gulf Channel. In an area of oyster beds and shallows, unless you have the old channel marked on your boat's GPS navigation system, the Gulf of Mexico remains unnavigable, in this modern world. If you do venture out with a motorboat, use caution, a depth finder, and reduced speed. Bugs, Bugs, Bugs There are tidal creeks to be explored by boaters in the water-based Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park on the Waccasassa River. Photo by Sally White The no-see-ums and mosquitoes vie for attention once the sun begins its descent. With wilderness comes wild things of all sizes, and beastly bugs become a painful nuisance on the river. Between you and the native animals, you are the sweet treat for them. Should you decide to explore this wild slice of Florida, be warned, there are no facilities, just you and the wild elements. Arm yourself with bug spray. You will use it. Bring sun protection & keep hydrated. The sky may look more crisp and bluer, but the sun is brighter, especially once you leave the protection of thehammock. Make note of the tides and the weather and let someone know where you are going. The Waccasassa River Boat Ramp is located on SE County Rd 326, Inglis, Florida by the Gulf Hammock Fishing Club. There are toilet facilities and a floating dock at the boat ramp for mooring. Sources:https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/waccasassa-bay-preserve-state-parkhttps://floridadep.gov/https://myfwc.com/ Read the full article