This week I've had the opportunity to experience the fulness of a West Virginian spring! I had the chance to visit Dolly Sods with Rochelle, which is a wildlife preserve high up on a lonely mountain indeed! The drive up was quite the thrill as there was the steep mountain precipice but feet from my car! I admit, I was a bit nervous. Here's a photo of the view at Dolly Sods. Dolly Sods early spring 2012 As you probably notice, the leaves had not yet blossomed on these trees. In fact, I must have been at a higher elevation then my little town in the mountains! Rochelle was with me of course. We roamed about the mossy open area that you see in the photo. I didn't stay long as admittedly, I felt a bit afraid of this mountaintop experience. I think that is odd, since I thought I would have felt safe in the folds of the wilderness. I guess I need to get out into the wilderness more and not be such an alien to it! I also managed to visit my sit spot. It's so nice to see the landscape change from a dull brown to a pale green as the foliage begins growing on the trees and plants. I have discovered a lovely patch of Dame's Rocket in my backyard as well, a welcome treat. I took photos of this purple wildflower both before the surprise snowfall and thereafter. Yes, we had an early spring snowfall here in the mountains, which is not to be a big surprise. In fact, no weather should be a surprise here in the mountains. I quite enjoy it's variety! The lovely Dame's Rocket in my backyard Snowy Dame's Rocket Another lovely early spring snow scene to behold! During Rochelle and I's travels this week, I saw the most beautiful, quaint, old farmhouse! I could not get a closeup from the front as I was afraid of trespassing. Although it appears no one lives there, there were signs of upkeep of the property. It looks like a historic site. Oh, I hope to be brave enough to park my car and at least walk up to the gate's entrance to take a photograph next time I'm in Petersburg, which should be soon! The old house from behind. I had driven up a road behind the house and was able to photograph it through the woods. Tantalizing delight, indeed!
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There are so many great opportunities to connect with nature up here in the mountains. Rochelle and I are really having so much fun here in WV! I haven't gone to my sit spot as much as I probably should but I sure explore other place in nature - mostly Abram's Creek and the Mt. Storm park. It's going to get even harder to visit my sit spot because now a family has moved into the house that I had my sit spot next to. They have two young and curious sons, so I'd have to strike a deal with them to let me alone if I still decide to sit in the spot near the house. I may move my spot more to a nearby field. I'll have to see. Rochelle and I really enjoyed the October snow storm. I got great video footage of her with the snow sticking to her legs, making it look like she had knitted white leggings. She looked so cute! Here's a photo of her below. After the snow, there was a new dimension of this small town to explore, the town in white! At the park, Rochelle and I discovered great beauty in a prickly wildflower called a teasel. You can see what they look like with the nice snow caps. I also found a very small version of cattails. I have been used to seeing corn dog sized cattails back in Maryland. These ones are quite small. Check out the fourth picture below. Lastly, after the snow, one of my favorite discoveries has been finding different types of moss and lichens around Abram's creek. Look at the beauties below.
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AuthorI'm Natureglo, founder of Natureglo's eScience! I'm an avid nature lover, photographer, hiker, full time camper and an online teacher. Categories
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