Rhododendron Cove and Rockbridge, Winter Hike

On a warmer mid-January day Joan and I laced up our hiking boots and ventured down to two state nature preserves, Rhododendron Cove and Rockbridge, both also documented at a warmer time of year here (for Rhododendron Cove) and here (for Rockbridge).

We started at Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve. Accumulated snow and sleet lingered in pockets.

We soon discovered critter tracks.

Not all were from the same creature.

There were plenty of sandstone features on the climb to the ridge top.

Amazing interactions between the stone and trees. Click on the image to enlarge.

At the top there are views into mini canyons, formed by blocks shifting downhill after splitting from the main mass.

Much of the ridgetop walk looked like this.

I'd say there's been some soil loss, or perhaps a log rotted away, since this tree sprouted.

After finishing our walk at Rhododendron Joan and I drove a short distance to Rockbridge State Nature Preserve. The trails were less crunchy here; we enjoyed the warming day but spots on the trails were treacherously muddy. In other, shadier and less trodden places, ice and snow lingered.

This tree and slope combination caught my eye.

I apologize for no photo from above the rockbridge, but there's one here from another visit.

At the viewpoint for the rock bridge, which we were underneath.

Let's apply a little blush with the Deep Dream Generator.

Joan and I added the rock shelter loop to our hike. Here Joan provides some scale for the rock slabs, center top.

We were treated to a few hawk sightings, but I was able to catch only one distant photo.

Joan and I have met a lot of folks taking hikes for the first time in these less well known state parks and preserves. We're all eager to be outdoors in a safe space.

Today was great; it was therapeutic; it was invigorating. So rare to have a day outdoors in January!