backyard hike

We have not been up to the top of our property for a long time. Sunday was beautiful so instead of a walk in the neighborhood or trip to the gym, we decided to see what was growing on the mountain.

The only flowers in bloom were small -

We have never managed to be up on the ridge when the massive rhododendron were in flower - everything green in back of Cheryl is rhododendron.


At the top of the ridge, the violets came in a second color -


We also saw this little flower, but only at the top. It was windy up there, so a little assistance was needed to keep the bloom in focus.

Of course we wanted to check up on the old chestnut. Norris posed beside some of the sprouts from the roots, just starting to show leaves.

Here's a closeup of the leaves - the little teeth of Castanea Dentata already evident. These were only a couple of inches long - they get to be more like 8 to 10 inches.

We were sad to see the chestnut log itself is finally giving up to decay.


Not everything we came across was natural. This barbed wire at the top of the ridge grabbed Cheryl's pants and ripped them near the hem.

But we don't want to leave you with that ugliness - it was a gorgeous day to take in the sights and sounds - here's the view to the other side that we don't see very often.