Friday, April 29, 2011

Amazing April Showers

Recent rains have raised the lake levels - our extended boat dock is floating again. This morning we walked around the perimeter of the basin and picked up trash.  Many of the springs are gushing into the lake and we are expecting more rain next week! 



Our pontoon boat is floating again!





All this trash was found at the north end of the lake below "Rest Rock"

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Spring Orienteering

Earlier this month, Noah and his family from Radford, VA were up at Mountain Lake orienteering in a late spring snow. Noah was fulfilling his Map & Compass requirement for his Boy Scout Troop in Radford. They completed the "Beginner - White" course, and found a couple of additional controls along the way!


"Working on my map and compass skills was a whole lot more FUN than I thought it was going to be! I think that everyone would enjoy this orienteering course because there is fun and a different challenge for everyone - I can't wait to come back for more!" - Noah, age 11 

Measuring distance to convert to paces

Measuring tree diameter







Friday, April 22, 2011

1% For The Planet - Free Music!



As a 1% for the Planet non-profit partner, The Mountain Lake Conservancy works every day on behalf of the planet we all call home. This Earth Day, we want to thank you for your support with the gift of free music. Download and enjoy 1% for the Planet: The Music, Vol. 1, a benefit compilation featuring 41 rare and exclusive tracks from artists like Jackson Browne, Josh Ritter, Grace Potter, and Jack Johnson—simply click the icon above and enter code EARTHDAY11.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Lake Level Update

Frequent spring rains have kept the lake level up, and more rain is in the forecast for this week! The current water level is just touching the extended boat dock, and we estimate that the lake is approximately 12% full by volume and 29% full by total area.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Nature's Throne

This beautiful spring weather makes for excellent trail work days up on the mountain. I came across this spectacle yesterday afternoon:




"Whoa, is that what I think
it is....?"
















"Why YES! A stone love seat complete with backrest and fern cushion!!" 












Atop a magnificent boulder, accompanied by a fantastic view. Fancy that!





I won't tell you exactly where this au naturel gem is hidden,
but I'll give you a clue:
You truly can discover something new and exciting every day, 
in all shapes and forms, at Mountain Lake!