More Mohican

A day of serious hiking along the ridge top of Mohican yielded spectacular views-

The Black-gum tree, Nyssa sylvatica leaves have already begun to turn into the brilliant reds that give them away. Finding the elusive Black-gum is generally a challenge, but this leaf is a beacon against the browns and greens of the forest floor, alerting us to the "nice-a" tree.

Botanizing in the nature preserve (across from the firetower) produced this Downy Rattlesnake Plantain, Goodyera pubescens. Although this orchid was not in flower, the heavily veined leaves are always a delight to the eye.

A sky-blue sky at the Gorge Overlook produced regular views of Turkey Vultures riding high upon the thermals with their buoyant flight, while a lone Osprey made quick work of cruising through the valley and on southward. Ready or not, fall and migration has begun.