Is this a heron?

Spring flowers are popping up outside the Admissions building!!!

Landscape Photo

This is a photo of Whiteface Mountain from the top of Killburne Slide in the Adirondack High Peaks. I like this photo because it is simply a great view of one of the highest peaks in the Adrondacks. The habitat is alpine hardwood forest.

Walking through some desolate woods, a mossy rocks nestles into itself for warmth. Moss is a category of soft, photosynthesizing plants that have a non-vascular system. Unlike most plants which use a vascular system, moss does not have any vessels to transport water and sugar. Instead, the structure of the moss is such that it can trap water all throughout itself to prevent it from evaporating. Moss can survive in conditions with limited nutrients, and it would make for a wonderfully comfortable lawn.

Finding green plant life is rare in a North Country winter unless you are looking at one of the conifer tree species that populate the area. On my hike along the Stone Valley trail from the Colton side, I was very surprised to find green plant life if a wet area just off the trail. The plant pictured here—Water Crest, completely engulfed the wet area that was surrounded by a deep snow pack. The water was no more that 3'' deep, allowing for easy access for pictures, but was enough to provide a throbbing habitat for the plant species.

Mid-way up an unnamed slide in Giant Mountain's east cirque, I spotted this small garter snake sunning. It was less than thrilled to see me, however.

The heat and dry weather in the summer of 2012 increased local bear activity. This one was drinking from our sprinkler after taking a short nap. Thanks to my wife Deb for the shot.

Evening in the woods with a barred owl hunting voles. Incredibly 'friendly', barred owls often let people get fairly close without becoming alarmed.

This was part of a 4 slide route on Dix Mountain on a perfect summer day. This slide was created in 2011 by Tropical Storm Irene and is more of a rock climb than typical slide climb.

More details at: http://forums.adkhighpeaks.com/showthread.php?t=18747

Look for this encounter featured in the January/February issue of Adirondac Magazine!

This was the perfect Adirondack winter climb...cold temps, cobolt blue sky, a trusty partner and a picturesque mountain. Route was about 12 miles with roughly 4,150 feet of elevation gain. The red line is for photo inset reference ONLY, not as a defined route; conditions change by day.

Full details at: http://forums.adkhighpeaks.com/showthread.php?t=20607