Winter Life and Survival on the Blue Ridge, Bullhead Mountain and Locust Knob Trail
Overlook Near Locust Knob
A couple of weeks ago, I went on a beautiful hike along the parkway near Locust Knob. It was a cool clear day and it seemed possible to see forever from this rocky outcropping. With all the greenery of the rhododendrons and evergreens, it still felt so alive up there. As so much suffering is descending upon us, it is important to find places like this to acknowledge that life continues and that there will be other moments beyond this one if we stay safe.
Hemlock with Moss and Shadows
Along this hike, I also encountered these hemlocks that were covered with bright green moss. It was another situation where I witnessed life and death in one image or breath. The hemlocks in the Blue Ridge and all over the eastern United States are threatened by the woolly adelgid, an insect that sucks sap and causes the death and decline of these large shade trees. In some places the only hemlocks that are still thriving are doing so because of inoculations. These trees were still alive, though many of the lower branches were leafless. The moss covering them was so green and vibrant.
Ferns on a Rock, Blue Ridge Parkway
With the landscape so dormant due to the dropping temperatures and changing seasons, it was nice to come across this rock festooned with so many healthy ferns. It provided such a contrast with all the bare trees and really lifted my spirits.
Decomposing Trunk with Ferns and Moss
I encountered this decomposing trunk festooned with ferns and moss soon after embarking on the trail. It underscored how dying things host life and how life and death are intimately interconnected. As we face this dark period of the coronavirus’ spread until it can be brought under control by the vaccine, and as I care for my own mother who is facing her end of life, the remembrance that all stages of life contain death and that the two can never be entirely dissociated brought me peace.
Lichen and Fungi on Tree Bark
Of course, when I think of life, I always think of fungi and lichen. Fungi help so many organisms by sharing nutrients and creating an underground network and lichen only proliferate when conditions are optimal. When the light caught the bark on this tree, it seemed to light up what it means to be alive when we are all helping each other.
Forest with Natural Fire Screen
At one point in the trail, we came upon this beautiful fire pit with a manmade screen of twigs behind it. The fire screen was such a work of art and used natural materials. Seeing this made me want to make my own work more integrated with the environment. It should not be man versus nature, but man recognizing that we live within and need to give back to nature in order to create a healthy and life sustaining balance.
Fire Survivors
This scene almost brought me to tears. In 2016 and 2019 there were dangerous fires in Western North Carolina. Hiking along this trail, I saw may trees that had succumbed to this damage with large black patches on certain parts of their trunks. Yet, these trees were still standing, mostly branchless, it made me realize when we all stand together and work to support one another, we can endure hardships and still survive.
Old Tree Leaning Back But Still Dancing
This tree, I totally identified with and celebrated. Gnarled and twisted, it seemed to be laying back on the support of the universe and dancing, as it branches curved and swayed. Life is challenging, yes, especially now, but we can find moments and strength in our connection with ourselves and true friends to keep opening and celebrating to what is, because no matter how dark the times there are still flora and fauna that are saying yes to life.
Heading Towards the Light
Just before exiting the last upward incline of trail, I saw the sun create a starburst as it hit the trunks of the trees. Truly I felt like I was walking towards the light. Once before, I went into shock due to an allergic reaction to the suspension in an injection, and i did feel I was walking into the light with everyone I’d known lined up on the side. What this all means, I will not attempt to address here, but suffice it to say that when times are tough and when I have felt I might be near the end, the light is what has always drawn me onward. These are challenging times indeed, but I still feel that there is some aspect of life that keeps wanting to sustain itself, whether it is the environment or my own mother. It’s hard to let go once you have lived a full life and know what fullness there still remains to experience, no matter how dire the circumstance. So take each moment and celebrate what you are blessed to see. It will never be replicated in exactly this way.