Hocking County, Ohio

I have gotten behind on my posts, for which I apologize to those who may be reading.  I need to do a better job of this since these posts provide the basis which I will eventually write the One Thousand Flowers book from.

Last weekend my family and I made a trip to the Conkle's Hollow area.  I did not realize that a big "Shoot the Hills" event was happening.  In this event photographers were encouraged to take photos from throughout the Hocking Hills, which means Conkle's Hollow was crawling with photographers.  I had to reign in my tendency to go off-trail.

While I had already recorded the red form of Stinking Benjamin (Trillium erectum), I was able to photograph the white form (pictured above).  Also photographed Miterwort, a dainty little flower that I think is seriously misnamed.  I think it should be called Spring Snowflake!

After a quick stop at Grandma Fayes for batteries and sandwiches, we continued on to where the Buckeye Trail crosses Big Pine Road, perhaps a mile down from Conkles Hollow.  Apparently this Saturday was a big work day for the Buckeye Trail Association.  Parking area was completely filled and had to park on a pile of sand.

We normally take the equestrian trail north out of the parking lot and did so again, finding several new species for the year.  Among them was one of my favorite spring flowers, Long-spurred Violet (Viola rostrata).  Just something about the color with the dark streaks that just really works for me!  I also found my first Jack-in-the-Pulpit, which I guess takes on new meaning for me now that I am a pastor!

We finished the day on our own five acres, about three miles north of Conkle's Hollow along State Route 374.  Was able to get pictures of one of my favorite trees, Sweet Birch (Betula lenta).  I enjoy this birch because when the twig is scratched it has a strong wintergreen odor.  I was also able to get good photos of Sassafras flowers and American Elm.  We concluded our day with a nice visit with my mom and dad!  The sour cherry trees that grow in our woods were in full and glorious bloom.  The only thing better will be fighting the racoons for the cherries here in a few months!