Fifteen hearty souls took a rainy-day hike Saturday, July 13th, 2013 from the Luce property to Kay Environmental Center. The rain cooled off the summer heat, but made the trail slippery. Former Chester Township Mayor Ben Spinelli led the hikers through lovely woods to the impressive rapids in the Black River Gorge. Lovely wildflowers highlighted parts of the route. Enjoy these photos, courtesy of Ed Ng.
Ben explains the route and we head out in the mist.
“The trail may be a bit rough….” How True!
Bit of bushwacking at the start.
Onward! (That is southwest ward)
Upward climb plus downed tree hurdles slowed our progress.
Jon talks about the state of the forest community.
Fungus emerges from the soil.
Actaea racemosa (black cohosh, black bugbane, black snakeroot, fairy candle) is suppose to have medicinal qualities. Quite a sight on the hike, emerging from the low shrubs.
Large trunk, shallow roots, no match for Sandy.
Ben describes the geology.
Lichens and moss had a glow.
Rest at the summit.
Lots of tree seedlings.
Cairn surrounded by ground covers, some native and nitrogen fixers.
Black bugbane field, but I like fairy candle name better.
Wineberries were tasty.
We vote to head to Black River gorge.
Mushroom emerging from the leaf litter.
Fast flowing Black River at the gorge.
Recent rains swell the Black River.
Downed trees can’t stop the flowing waters.
Tranquil above the rapids.
Finally the trailhead at the Kay Center.
Orange milkweed flowers in a meadow welcome us back to the start.
