Calm in the Middle of the Storm on Bearwallow Mountain in Mid-Jun
The View from Bearwallow Summit During a Break in the Storm
A little over a month ago, Dave, Takoda, and I went for a walk on Bearwallow Mountain. No rain was forecast, but suddenly a big storm appeared. Weather systems are often unpredictable in Western North Carolina and can be diverted, blocked, or glide over mountaintops. On the hike up, the three of us got drenched. I was hoping my camera bag was waterproof, as I didn’t have a rain cover. We considered turning around, but there was no lightning so I thought we should continue since we’d gone so far and there weren’t many people. When we got to the summit, we had it all to ourselves and there was a break in the rain. Though there were dark clouds hanging across the sky, a halo of light beneath white fluffy clouds appeared lower to the ground. I made this panoramic from two stitched photographs to capture the feeling of standing on that knoll looking out over the landscape beyond. Bearwallow Mountain is 4,232 ft above sea level and forms the upper rim of the Hickory Nut Gorge, offering expansive views of the Southern Appalachians. The summit is also shared with cows, in keeping with the region’s history. Conserving Carolina protects this mountain in partnership with a private landowner, with an 81-acre easement at the summit. The family of the current owner bought the property in the 1930s and has been raising cattle there ever since.
At the time, I appreciated the break in the weather and was drawn to the lone tree in the midst of the bald. Now looking back, this photograph seems so symbolic of that brief window in time. We lived through 18 or so very difficult months and suddenly it seemed things might be getting better. We reconnected with families and began venturing into the world more. Now suddenly things are shifting again. The dark clouds created by people refusing to get vaccinated and the evolution of more dangerous variants is creating anxiety and worry again. How the next few months will unfold is difficult to predict, but the news seems worse every day. Somehow we have to marshal our strength and care for ourselves, so we can stay healthy in both body and mind. For me that is always helped by walking in and appreciating nature.
Red Columbines
On this rewarding if wet hike, we were met with beautiful wildflowers, ferns, and flame azaleas along the way up and back. These red columbines were so graceful. It always astonishes me when I realize how such delicate plants are able to keep their blossoms in tact even in the midst of pounding rain. Not only that, wildflowers are great for preventing erosion. These delicate perennials come back every year, establishing roots that survive the winter and help keep the ground in place. Like perennials, we need to focus on endurance, and establishing roots close to home to keep ourselves healthy and safe as conditions shift and we learn what this virus and its new variants will challenge us with next. Perhaps we have to retreat again before we can fully bloom once more. Re-masking at the very least is probably a must. Nature teaches us about how to pace ourselves to perpetuate life even in the midst of adversity.
Ferns and Boulders, Bearwallow Mountain
The geology of Bearwallow Mountain is rich. Part of the Hickory Nut Gorge, which separates the Piedmont from the Blue Ridge Escarpment, it is home to great biodiversity. Gneiss is the primary rock type, and there are outcroppings and domes throughout the landscape, although sadly the chestnuts and now hemlocks are gone. Their disappearance has impacted the landscape beyond just the loss of these trees, as what can exist here without the shade and sources of food for the forest that they provided has changed. Ferns proliferated just below the summit. When we began walking down, the rain started up again making the ferns appear even greener. It felt lush and seeing these healthy looking plants filled me with hope, even though I knew it is not as healthy here as it once was.
Bearwallow Mountain Green Oasis on a Stormy Day
The slopes are covered with more than just ferns and wildflowers, there are azaleas, rhododendrons, and many other plants and trees. According to a document prepared for a Clean Water Management Conservation Easement, “A minimum of 387 species have been observed onsite including 249 plant and 38 wildlife species (surveys not comprehensive).” In addition, seven rare natural communities have been documented including “High Elevation Rocky Summit (two subtypes), Montane Cliff, Rich Montane Seep, pasture, and Southern Appalachian Bog.” (https://www.blueridgenow.com/news/20171031/conserving-bearwallow-mountain) The diversity of what can be see on a mere two-mile walk is really quite astonishing and made me realize that there is so much to appreciate right where I live.
Flame Azaleas, Bearwallow Mountain
This strand of flame azaleas really vibrated in the forest and filled me with awe. I was surprised to see them still blooming in mid June, as the ones near my house and on the Blue Ridge just north of where I live had already dropped their flowers. It must be more sheltered and cooler and/or higher here. I was so grateful to have had one last unexpected sighting, and hope to make it through another long winter to see spring wildflowers and Flame Azaleas again. For now, I will continue to enjoy the bounty of my vegetable garden, which I’ve been growing on my back deck, until fall brings another explosion of color. Be well and stay safe.