Wednesday, April 23, 2008

This evening’s hike was yet another unique experience. It was fantastic! I’ll say it again: nature remains full of surprises, regardless of how often I return to the same location to hike again and again, year after year!

As I write, the movie Transformers is on. Not bad: lots of exciting action, interesting special effects, and beautiful female actors, especially the blue-eyed brunette.

I parked in the nearby church parking lot even though I doubted I would still be hiking after official closing time (“dark”). I’m sure glad I did: I returned to the car sometime after 8pm, and it was definitely dark by anyone’s judgment. Anyway, Lawyer Fred called as I walked from the Granny White Market – formerly known as the Purple Cow – and we talked about our web project Atlanta DUI / marijuana legal services website until I lost service near the hill.

As soon as I started walking up the Otter Creek road hill, I heard multiple barred owls close by. A minute later a barred owl flew from the area below the dam across the road to the south side and perched in a tree. It was hooting along with a couple of others, and one of them was making a sound I had never heard from an owl. Barred owls seem to have a wide range of sounds – far more than I would ever have guessed. I was able to get a couple of decent shots before they disappeared into the forest.

Strolled to the South Cove trailhead and trudged up along the ridge…