Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Canyon Hike!

 Looking below to the Canyon highway from up in the cave.


Woody mosses growing on the rocks.  
It's a rock moss,
in cushions, very branch-like underneath.
 I'm trying to figure it out.

Here is a photo closer up from another source.
If you know this moss/plant, please let me know in the comments.




Son, Sasquatch and Me.

While Hubs went golfing on Monday, I took a hiking trip with Sasquatch who lives near Spearfish Canyon.  He's a lover of the Canyon and hikes all over it, mostly with his dog, Hope.  He tries to find new paths and places to hike instead of always taking the established trails.  We went to what he calls No Name Cave, and we hiked almost an hour straight up over fallen rock and trees mostly.  It was hard work for me, but Sasquatch climbs like a mountain goat.  It was exhilarating and so fun to be hiking with my son.  He grew up learning local plants, grasses, and tree names and he has continued to discover and learn in the Black Hills.  I enjoyed talking with him about the plants as we went along.  Poison ivy was one that was abundant and so was the choke cherry.  There were many flowers just coming up, but not yet in bloom.  I told Sasquatch to send me photos when they are in flower.  He pointed out mountain snails among the limestone rock that only live in the Black Hills.  He easily popped off the name, Oreohelix cooperi, without even thinking!  We saw several along the way which indicates a healthy ecosystem, so the scientists say.  

Above all else, it was just great to be together.  The hike and sharing our love of nature was a bonus!

Now I'm feeling all that leg work, two days later!


13 comments:

  1. What a great day for you and Sasquatch man! Full of beauty, terrific vistas, good snacks along the way (right?) and conversation. So precious in these years adult children.
    Joyce

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    Replies
    1. Just a little leftover trail mix, but plenty of water.

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  2. What a great hike!! You look so happy!! It is nice to do things with our sons isn't it? How nice he gets to go hiking in that canyon. Its a beautiful place.
    I bet you are still feeling it. I like the no name cave.

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  3. Amazing pics! What a place! Aww, so great to have quality time with your son. (you still have amazing hair...soooo pretty!) :) Xxx

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  4. Looks idyllic- hiking with our sons still involves lots of chocolate bribery and incessant complaining!

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    Replies
    1. Quite idyllic really. You have something to look forward to...no bribery, no complaining!

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  5. You look so cute Jody! I had no idea there were canyons near you -- I thought it was mostly rolling-type hills!

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  6. Wow! You really are amazing, Jody. That's quite the hike. Glad you could enjoy it with your son!

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  7. How satisfying. Glory to God!

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  8. Aw! You guys are so cute! Way to go, Mama!

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  9. Your wonderful son shares your smile! That moss really is odd, but very cool! So glad you had this good time with your boy. :)

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  10. In college, I was all over Spearfish Canyon. Maybe that is where I need to take the nieces on their next hike. It looks like great fun with your son. Glad you had fun. There is always somewhere to go and something to do here in the Hills.

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