A rarely visited place here, I am happy for that and yes I am selfish when it comes to my mountain secrets. This is not off of the beaten path however but many pass it by. That little water fall is not as little as it appears but is quite high and behind it is a large pool. Should I have slipped from where I am standing, it would have been a pretty good plunge. This is another place where I take some of my samples of protozoa and a few crustaceans. Also this area is under the protection of the Dept. of the Interior, which is in charge of everything out of doors. Does that make sense? Certain plant life and some wildlife is protected here. The Nature Conservancy also has areas that are adjacent to this one and no one is allowed in them. This is a freestone mountain stream, teaming with small brook trout, perriwinkles, crayfish, and fountain moss. It is the fountain moss which holds the prize that I seek.
These waters are clear, cold, and clean. Microscopic organisms abound in these waters and offer an entire day of exploration and discovery with a small hand lens or field microscope. But as in any mountain terrain here, one must be especially careful due to slick rocks and loose rich soil, which by the way also holds a multitude of creatures for observation with a stereo microscope or hand lens. Mountain Laurals abound here also, along with numerous types of ferns and fungi. For macro enthusiasts this place cannot be beat during any season of the year. Hope you enjoy this post.
