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.
Natures Secrets
Moderators: nzmacro, Ken Ramos, twebster, S. Alden
Natures Secrets
Site Admin.
Kenneth Ramos
Rutherfordton, North Carolina
Kens Microscopy
Reposts of my images within the galleries are welcome, as are constructive critical critiques.
Kenneth Ramos
Rutherfordton, North Carolina
Kens Microscopy
Reposts of my images within the galleries are welcome, as are constructive critical critiques.
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- Location: Issaquah, WA USA
- gpmatthews
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- Location: Horsham, UK
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Your welcome Charlie. A guy could spend a lifetime just studying the biodiversity of just this one area here and never venture far from either the macro or micro ecosystems found here. I visit this place quite often and as I said, there are seldom times that you find anyone else here, not to say that no one ever visits here. I have spend entire days here and not seen a single person come by. I agree, overviews can be quite helpful. There are just some things you cannot get on a slide and under an objective.
I am with you Graham. It is interesting to see some of the other places that our members do there collecting, photography, and research. I really have to get around to visiting some of the other members web sites. Danny has some very good photographs of NZ on his. The volcano I found to be quite interesting. Reminds me of a Jules Vern novel.
I am with you Graham. It is interesting to see some of the other places that our members do there collecting, photography, and research. I really have to get around to visiting some of the other members web sites. Danny has some very good photographs of NZ on his. The volcano I found to be quite interesting. Reminds me of a Jules Vern novel.
Site Admin.
Kenneth Ramos
Rutherfordton, North Carolina
Kens Microscopy
Reposts of my images within the galleries are welcome, as are constructive critical critiques.
Kenneth Ramos
Rutherfordton, North Carolina
Kens Microscopy
Reposts of my images within the galleries are welcome, as are constructive critical critiques.
- twebster
- Site Admin
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- Location: Phoenix "Valley of the Sun", Arizona, USA
Between you and Graham...I am jealous For the time being I am limited to park ponds near my home. Our desert park ponds in Phoenix, AZ are pretty limited as far as "micro-critters" go. Be grateful for the beautiful locations in which you live.
Best regards,
Best regards,
Tom Webster
Administrator
Phoenix "The Valley of the Sun", Arizona, USA
Think about this...maybe Murphy is an optimist!!!
Administrator
Phoenix "The Valley of the Sun", Arizona, USA
Think about this...maybe Murphy is an optimist!!!
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