23 February, 2009

Congaree Swamp National Park

On February 20th, Matt and I embarked on a journey to visit the largest old growth flood plain forest in eastern north america- the Congaree. It was a gorgeous day without a single cloud in the sky. It was windy and a little cool, but nice none-the-less. Here's an account of that trip:

boardwalk over the floodplain
Photobucket

Matt at a 250 year old, 15' circumference former champion Loblolly
Photobucket

As soon as we arrived, we headed straight for the largest tree of the Pinus genera east of the Rockies- the Riddle Pine (Loblolly Pine- Pinus taeda)
Photobucket

The climbers had already been in this tree for hours- measuring the total volume of the tree was quite a task
Photobucket
Photobucket

we all had sore necks from gawking up at the 169' Riddle Pine!
Photobucket

The pine beside it was no slouch either- other climbers scaled it to get pictures of the main group climbing the big pine. This tree had a wicked curly-Q limb unlike any other Loblolly I've seen too
Photobucket

Some nice late day light on the gut beside the monstrous pines
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
PhotobucketPhotobucket

The spires of dead pines were impressive as well
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket

This beard was a lifesaver that first night
Photobucket

Little did we know the mercury would drop to 19 degrees (or colder) that night!
Photobucket

Ice! Cold! Jake's face says it all
Photobucket

That morning we started the fire back up to try and thaw out from the frigid night. I made a nice stack of mini-pancakes for us as well.
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket

Next it was off to the visitor's center to rendevous with the Eastern Native Tree Society and then off for a 6.5 mile hike to find some big trees of our own. This park has the highest concentration of state and national champion trees anywhere in the country!
Photobucket
Photobucket

Another monster pine
Photobucket

Even Jake started durkin' out with us
Photobucket
Photobucket

Red (Swamp) Maples were in full bloom
Photobucket

More big trees and scenic shots on our dayhike
Photobucket
Photobucket

Big oaks were everywhere as well
Photobucket

Jacob exploding in sunlight
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket

One cold anole
Photobucket

It's neat to see the canopy of a tree after it recently fell like this monstrous oak. You can see the aerial resurrection fern garden up close and personal.
Photobucket
Photobucket

a nice quiet spot to hang out
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket

Most impressive cedar we noticed (see Matt for scale). I used Matt's arm span to get a rough idea of the diameter of this tree and came up with 7.3 feet diameter and 23 feet circumference at 4.5 above the water level! This is the largest diameter (eastern) tree i believe i have a ever seen.
Photobucket
Photobucket

We did one last jaunt into the muddy forest of giants before heading out
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket
Photobucket

Quiet spot near a giant bald cypress
Photobucket

This photo sums up our trip and shows how being in the Congaree makes you feel
Photobucket

11 February, 2009

Winter Wandering...

Some random pictures of various interesting spots and things throughout Atlanta this winter along with a pictorial update of my life as of late

Sweetgum in the sunrise on my walk to work
Photobucket

Wesley Woods at Emory (Sunday stroll with Bethany)
Photobucket
Photobucket

Hepatica blooming in winter- Wesley Woods
Photobucket

Witch Hazel blooming (native planting behind Fernbank)
Photobucket

Scaly White Oak bark at Woodlands Garden- visit this spot in Decatur!
Photobucket

my crazy niece
Photobucket

the fam
Photobucket

my bald head leading a recent urban hike
Photobucket

me and the head of the house
Photobucket

planning world domination
Photobucket

mini-machine gun party
Photobucket