Bass Lake - Cone Manor in Blowing Rock, NC: Part 1

We took a number of late afternoon hikes at the Bass Lake in the first two weeks of October.  We were there for our usual fall vacation.  The first two days were foggy and rainy because of the rain system the southeast had for two weeks.  After that, though, we had some of the most beautiful weather we've ever had there.  

 October 4, 2015

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DSC08012They were rebuilding the heart ponds last year so it was great to see them this year.

DSC08017The stream was very full.

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October 6, 2015

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This was the first year we'd ever seen crayfish in the heart ponds.

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DSC08158aThere were a lot of wonderful mushrooms after all the rain.

October 8, 2015

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Mushrooms and a box tortoise

Last weekend, we got lots of rain, which has resulted in lots of mushrooms.  We went for a hike at Occoneechee Mountain this morning.  I didn't want to try anyone's patience so I didn't take photos of every different type of mushroom (close to a dozen), but here are a few that were very unusual, and a box turtle which had been eating one.

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You can get a better view of the partly eaten mushroom in this one:

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Riverwalk - Hillsborough, NC

The second phase of Hillsborough's Riverwalk recently opened so dear husband and I took a walk there this weekend.  It's very well made and quite lovely.  We will walk there often!

DSC01038sI love boardwalks! (view from the parking deck)

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View of the Eno River from the bridge

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View back towards the parking deck

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View of the river from a bench.  It's wonderful to have this so close to the center of town (we had breakfast at the Weaver St. Market before our walk).

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For now, this bridge is the end of the walk.  There's another boardwalk that will connect it with the trail at Gold Park, but that's not finished yet.  Eventually, the Riverwalk Trail will go to Occoneechee* Mountain to the west and to Ayr Mount and the Occoneechee Speedway to the east.

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The unfinished part of the boardwalk connecting the bridge with the Gold Park section - which is covered here because it is near the railroad (left, upper corner of the photo).

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 Trail heading back

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 The boardwalk heading the other way from the parking deck

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Graffiti under the one lane, Exchange Park Lane bridge

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Fencing under the Churton St. bridge to keep birds from nesting

 

* Two "c"s, four "e"s, and only one "n."