Mountain Lake Conservancy

Tracer Dye Test and Frozen Lake

2012-01-19T14:57:00.002-05:00

Research on the lake has continued for Virginia Tech Geological Sciences Masters student Luke Joyce, along with Engineering Geologists Skip Watts and George Stephenson from Radford University. Exciting developments include the implementation of a tracer dye test to determine outflow of water from the lake - how much water is flowing out and where exactly does it go? Earlier this week, one pound of harmless Fluorescein dye was injected into each of the large holes in the lake floor (see image below). About 3 inches of solid ice on top of the lake had to be hacked through! Coal traps have been set all around and down the mountain at water outlets and streams to try and "catch" traces of the dye that originated at the lake bed. After about a week's time the traps will be collected and replaced with fresh ones. It will be several weeks before results are configured. "The dye seems green to orange to red to invisible depending on how diluted it is and what background it’s on when you see it" says Dr. Watts. Residents of the mountain will be on the look out for where the dye shows up, and any instances will be recorded for the project. Very cool stuff! If you are in the New River Valley area mid-March, consider attending a presentation "HYDROGEOLOGIC INVESTIGATIONS INTO WATER LOSS AT MOUNTAIN LAKE" as part of the Radford University Museum of Earth Sciences Public Lecture Series. The above mentioned scientists will be presenting an overview of their work thus far at Mountain Lake on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 7:00 pm. The lecture series flier with more information can be viewed here.

Luke setting the charcoal traps

Locations of dye release

Happy Winter Solstice

2011-12-21T12:24:00.001-05:00

On this First Day of Winter Season the mountain is in a cloud of fog - wet, misty, and mild (about 50 F). I took a walk along the Indian Trail around the lake, it's a beautiful hike on days like today. The colors outside really stand out against the white fog, plentiful lush greens with the rhododendron, mountain laurel, hemlock, moss, and persistent ferns. To me, the Solstice is a day to appreciate the "reasons for the seasons", and that can sometimes be a hard thing to do when anticipating the long Winter ahead! One thing I enjoy about this time of year is being outdoors and observing the environment in just one of it's many "layers", that of bare branches and leaf-littered forest floors. I can see things in a different light, and not be distracted by the eye-catchings of blossoming wildflowers, mating and migrant songbirds (although the resident birds are certainly a welcoming sight in this season!), and the constant activity of life sprouting, growing, and flourishing. Winter allows for a time to soak in the quiet, dormant, replenishing part of the energy cycle, and take notice of simple attributes that you may not have given much thought to in the past few seasons.

Cheers to the Winter Solstice, and Happy Holidays to you! Wishing for "layers" of Winter snow to cover the landscape in the coming months.

Lake Update and Go Green NRV

2011-12-08T14:49:00.002-05:00

The recent precipitation has brought some water back in to the lake, and the mountain is currently blanketed in just under 2 inches of snow (and ICE!). The fluctuations in water level here in the past few months have been very responsive to the amounts of rain and snow due to the fact that the growing season has slowed and the forest is retaining less water. Here's to hoping for a very wet winter season on the mountain, from which we'll benefit in more ways than one!

Lake on Dec. 8, 2011

Gorgeous blue sky

As you may know, the Mountain Lake Conservancy & Hotel is a participating member of Go Green New River Valley (which you can learn more about here!). This morning I attended the Go Green NRV Breakfast Series which featured a presentation on energy efficiency in the home and in the workplace, given by the folks at Community Housing Partners in Christiansburg. The presenters did a great job explaining how a building, whether it be your home or your workplace, works as a system when it comes to maximizing resource efficiency. One point in their discussion that really stood out to me was the difference between efficiency and conservation. Efficiency speaks in terms of technology, while conservation is behavior-driven. This distinction was very re-energizing for me in terms of Mountain Lake's sustainability effort. Our organization's management team strives to provide energy and resource efficiency by technologies used within the business. Additionally, the Conservancy & Hotel must work together to encourage conservation-minded behavior on the mountain by both employees and guests. It makes me very excited to re-assess the progress that Mountain Lake has made in 2011 in terms of our sustainability plan, to set goals and outline ideas for improvement in 2012, and to renew our affiliation as a Participating Business with Go Green NRV for the upcoming year.

If you work or live in the NRV, I encourage you to check out the Go Green NRV organization. Events like the Breakfast Series are educational (and fun!) and provide a great resource to community members and businesses seeking to decrease their impact on the environment. Stay tuned by checking the ggNRV website for news and events in 2012!

A Stroll with Bruce Parker

2011-12-06T13:31:00.001-05:00

On the beautiful afternoon last Friday, Bruce Parker came up for a visit on the mountain and to check out the current lake level. We were joined by Tom from the Mountain Lake Biological Station on our stroll down White Pine Road along Pond Drain. Dr. Parker is a Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech, and has studied the lake and ecology here on the mountain for the past 40 years. Dr. Parker pointed out many super-neat geological features along our walk, and talked to Tom and I about his past research and ideas about the lake. It was a very fun and informative afternoon, we'd like to thank Dr. Parker for sharing his knowledge and experiences with us on the walkabout. Be on the look out for a new display in the Conservancy Visitor Center this spring - it will include samples from carbon-dated, mature tree stumps from the lake bed, and updated historic account of the lake fluctuation levels, a new geological rock formation display, and more!

Tom and Dr. Parker near a stream conversion along White Pine Road.

Ice wonders and stream crossing White Pine Road

A mild yet snowy walkabout at Mountain Lake

The Eastern Divide Ultra

2011-11-30T10:37:00.001-05:00

A brand-spanking new trail run event will take place in Giles County next year in June. It's a 50K Ultra Trail Race put on by your a couple of extreme dreamers down in Blacksburg. The race course will take runners "From the Falls to the Lake", starting at the Cascades down in Pembroke and ending at Mountain Lake! The last 10 miles or so of the race will be on the MLC trail system. This amazing event will bring in up to 200 extreme runners from all over the states, quite a spectacle whether you're a racer or cheering on the runners! We'll keep you updated on Mountain Lake's involvement in the race, and you can find more info. and follow the race website at http://www.easterndivideultra.com/index.html.

The Mountain Lake Conservancy & Hotel is very proud and excited to be a part of this extreme challenge!!

Snow on the Mountain & Research in the Lake

2011-11-18T11:21:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since our last post and a lot has been going on at Mountain Lake over the past few weeks. The mountain saw snow on the Halloween weekend and again just this week. We're shaping up for a white wonderland of winter here on the mountain-top in the upcoming snow season! Hoping to see you up here doing some winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing when there's snow here and no where else!

In other news, the lake level has continued to drop and most recently has been reminiscent of 2008 water levels. Once again, exploring the empty lake bed provides a rare and unique experience. It's not every day that you can stand at the bottom of what would be a lake up to 120 feet deep!! The extreme water levels allow for researchers and students from locals colleges and universities to conduct some pretty neat studies that they wouldn't be able to observe any where else. Currently professors, field experts, graduate and undergraduate students from both Virginia Tech and Radford University have been exploring water drainage sites and the lake bed. You can see some awesome pictures and get an idea for just some of the field research that has been done over the past few weeks here. There is still much to be learned about this truly one-of-a-kind, natural, mountain-top lake!

Last but certainly not least, the UVA Mountain Lake Biological Research Station (located right next to Mountain Lake's property) has just recently installed a live-feed webcam << check it out!!

At the Old Golf Course overlook during Halloween weekend.
Photo submitted to the Guest Photo Contest by Mrs. Thomas!

Ice-covered berries.
Photo submitted to the Guest Photo Contest by Mrs. Thomas!

A wintery Halloween vacation.
Photo submitted to the Guest Photo Contest by Mrs. Thomas!

As always, the Mountain Lake dining room goes all out to decorate for the holidays.
Our dining room manager, Fran, is so creative!

Snow again on November 16.

The snow makes a hike uniquely serene and peaceful.
The birds and wildlife seem chipper and bring life to the winter wonderland.

"Welcome to the Top of the World"

Lake Level Update

2011-10-24T11:33:00.000-04:00

October water levels in the lake bring us to a view reminiscent of Fall 2008. The lake has continued to recede over the past month, and the bottom of the lake bed holds a small "pond" of water. Fortunately, this drop in water allows for some very cool, relevant studying of the very bottom of the lake bed. Current researchers examining the lake bed include several professors and experts in their fields from Virginia Tech and Radford University. Graduate projects and undergraduate research projects are underway, exploring the unique geology, hydrology, and geophysics of the lake atop Salt Pond Mountain. Very exciting stuff! We will keep you posted with new findings and information concerning the lake, and please be advised that over the next few weekends there will be groups of students and researchers working out on the lake bed.

An autumn vista from the Rt. 700 overlook

Mountain Top Trot Results

2011-10-03T18:01:00.005-04:00

We had a great turn out at the 1st Annual Mountain Top Trot Trail Race at Mountain Lake this past Saturday. A total of 76 runners hit the trails in harsh weather conditions. Sleet, snow, mid-30's temp, wind..it was Extreme!!

Thank You to all of the participants who came out to run, jog, or walk; their friends and family who cheered them on; to all of our sponsors and prize donators - East Coasters, Run About Sports, Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, TriAdventure Multisport Training, and the Mountain Lake Hotel; and to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped out so much!! This event could not have taken place without you!

The proceeds from this event will benefit the Mountain Lake Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Mountain Lake's unique environment and immersing YOU in the magical place we call Nature. This fundraiser will help the MLC continue to host fun-tastic, family-friendly, outdoor events each and every year. Your support means the world to us. Kowabungaaahhh!!

Thank you for bearing with me through the "hiccups" during race results, displayed below in overall fastest order by men and women. For those who didn't get a t-shirt, the 2nd order has been placed and will be available for pick up at BRMS in Blacksburg on October 14.

5K Results
Matt Layman	17:04	Brooke Sumner	23:26
Tom Sconzo	20:17	Hilary Leake	23.53
Jacob Slyder	20:29	Irene Gardner	25:17
Marvin Gates	21:12	Margot	25:42
Dylan Tarrant	21:43	Katlyn Williard	26:48
Jack Hencke	22:07	Suzanne Occiano	27:07
Will Stacy	25:00	Jan Hencke	27:29
Mike Pedigo	28:10	Missy Bennett	29:58
Alex Bier	28:49	Maria Garcia	30:11
Mike Bennett	29:50	Whitney Bonham	31:06
Samuel Williard	30:14	Heather Totty	31:40
Edward Williard	30:28	Jessica Jewell	33:49
Bryce Holland	31:01	Stacey Jewell	33:50
Dave Kennedy	35:02	Lauren Kennedy	35:02
Joe Andrews	35:45	Jenni Walke	42:07
		Debra Banning	42:07
10 Mile Results
Justin Morrison	1:17:33	Emma Betz	1:36:52
Ignacio Moore	1:17:42	Jen Schaeffer	1:40:37
Mark Lattanzi	1:18:52	Aarnes Gudmestad	1:42:10
Paul Rutemiller	1:19:01	Hanna Parsons	1:43:20
Brad Atkins	1:19:37	Mary Baugh	1:51:44
Kirby Walke	1:23:29	Connie Pierett	1:54:10
Brice Collamer	1:23:54	Courtney Griffin	1:55:17
Phil Holland	1:25:13	Michaela Galya	1:57:10
Harry Hudson Jr.	1:25:58	Sarah Abbott	2:02:14
Scott Cardwell	1:26:24	Mandy Mach	2:11:36
Andy Reagan	1:27:55	Megan Ihfield	2:13:36
Kevin Andrews	1:28:02	Amber Sholl	2:13:37
Tyler Beach	1:28:15	Anne Pagano	2:14:04
Erik Olsen	1:28:34
Guy Love	1:28:40
Joshua Norris	1:28:41
Chris Evans	1:31:29
Cliff Hatchett	1:32:02
Chris Pohowsky	1:32:43
Anthony Murray	1:32:58
Greg Pfister	1:33:59
Michael Tietz	1:34:58
Kevin Courtney	1:37:03
Douglas Dandro	1:41:31
Tony Hulbert	1:42:44
Ivan Garcia	1:44:10
Edward Colvin	1:48:58
Aaron Pierett	2:03:29
Jay Raymond	2:04:28
Taylor Mach	2:11:37
William Motley	2:19:10

Wyatt's rainbow on the drive up to ML morning of the race!

Where it all went down

Awesome volunteers from VT!

Pre-race meeting with Kirby

Pre-race meeting - 76 runners total!

Warming up next to the fire

10 Milers ready to start

And they're off!

5K first place Matt Layman

Autumn on the Mountain

2011-09-28T11:28:00.001-04:00

Fall is finally settling in on the mountain, and the turning colors of the leaves are beginning to peek through. It looks like the temperature will be dropping a bit this upcoming weekend to bring that true autumn crisp to the air. Perfect for a run, jog or walk on the trails! The lake level remains low this month, allowing for some neat finds in the lake bed!

Colors for days to come

Fire bushes lining the walkways

Asters accompany you on the walking path through the lake bed

A lovely pose by the monarch butterfly!

Beautiful, bright mountain ash berries

A garter snake sunning in the lake bed

Signs of a thirsty raccoon!

Deer tracks frequent the lake bed

Current lake level

Thanks to Kat Sherman from the Recreation Department for the great photos!

Celebrate Family Hiking Day!

2011-09-23T11:04:00.000-04:00

Saturday, September 24th, is an especially awesome day to get out on the trails. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is sponsoring Family Hiking Day in conjunction with National Public Lands Day! Hoping that this picture, taken this time last year during a hike to McAfee Knob in Roanoke, will motivate you to get outside and play tomorrow!

The perfect reason to visit your favorite trail in the area or explore a new one :)

More information found at the links below!

http://www.publiclandsday.org/

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/who-we-are/events/2011/05/04/family-hiking-day

Hemlock Hero Treatment

2011-09-14T11:14:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, Virginia Tech foresters Tom McAvoy and his associate were here at Mountain Lake to treat all of the adopted Eastern hemlocks from our Hemlock Hero MLC Membership program! A total of 14 adpoted hemlocks were treated, plus several additional trees near the Newport Cottage and the Hotel. The treatment consists of a pesticide, imidacloprid, that is injected in to the roots of the hemlock trees. The tree roots absorb this chemical and subsequently any feeding on the tree by the wooly adelgid aphids ceases. This chemical control is one of two tactics that are currently employed as a defense from the wooly adelgid pest at Mountain Lake. You can read more about our hemlock treatment program here: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid at Mt. Lake: 2010 Report.

Thank You to all of our MLC Members, Hemlock Heroes, and dedicated foresters! We put your generous donations to work with your support of the Mountain Lake Conservancy.

Lake Update: September 1st

2011-09-01T21:11:00.009-04:00

The water level in the lake is continuing to drop as the dog days of summer come to an end here on the Mountain. We were all wondering if the recent earthquake would affect the lake, but it does not seem to have had any major impact that we can discern as of yet. Never the less, we are excited for the fall season to begin. Stunning foliage and cool, comforting temperatures make for great hiking and exploring on the mountain-top!

The lake on September 1st, 2011

Neat water ledge marks left in the mud

Colorful grasses in the lakebed add to the scenery

Beautiful Mountain Ash berries

Check out the upcoming events happening this fall at Mountain Lake!

September 9-11: A.T. Hiking Weekend http://www.mountainlakehotel.com/Section_Cat_Content_Detail.asp?SID=28&SCAT=83&ID=80

October 1st: Mountain Top Trot 10Mile & 5K Trail Run
http://mountainlakeconservancy.blogspot.com/2011/08/mountain-top-trot-trail-run.html

October 16-21: Astronomy Road Scholar Program
http://www.mtnlakeconservancy.org/programs-roadscholar.html

Oktoberfests!
http://www.mountainlakehotel.com/Section_Cat_Content_Detail.asp?SID=28&SCAT=41&ID=37

November 4-6: Zumba & Bellydance Weekend
http://www.mountainlakehotel.com/Section_Cat_Content_Detail.asp?SID=28&SCAT=108&ID=108

Mountain Top Trot Trail Run

2011-08-23T22:55:00.035-04:00

The Mountain Lake Conservancy
presents the 1st Annual...

Mountain Top Trot Trail Run

10-Mile and 5K Race

When: October 1, 2011

Registration 7:30-9:30am

10-Mile Start Time 10:00am

5K Start Time 10:30am

Where: The Mountain Lake Conservancy Trail system in Pembroke, VA. Both the 5K and 10-mile race course will encounter forested trail terrain varying from gravel to rocky and a climb to one of Mountain Lake's scenic vistas.

Some minor changes have been made to the courses as of Sept. 26, please view updated and final course routes below:
Click here to view the 10-Mile course

Click here to view the 5K course

Kirby from East Coasters in Blacksburg, VA, recently ran the 10-mile course. You can check out the stats from the run here.

Why: To savor the magical fall foliage and cool mountain-top temperatures of Salt Pond Mountain. This is also a fundraiser event to benefit the Mountain Lake Conservancy, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to immersing you in nature, where you belong.

Entry Fee: $25 Pre-registered - Pre-registration ends Sept. 28!

$30 Day-of race

The Goods:

Race T-shirt

(Guaranteed to all racers registered by Sept. 16, limited shirts available day of)

Post-race Meal & Refreshments

Adrenaline Delights

Prizes awarded to fastest overall and category male & female racers

Categories: Men's and Women's

Age 10 and under, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 60 and wiser

Limited to 200 racers! Register on-line or via mail:

On-line at :
http://www.active.com/running/pembroke-va/mountain-top-trot-2011?int=29-6

Mail-in :

Mail-In Registration Form & Waiver

On-site lodging available at the historic Mountain Lake Hotel, rate includes Oktoberfest!

http://www.mountainlakehotel.com/

For more information please contact Jess Coker at the Mountain Lake Conservancy at 540-626-7121 ext. 444 or email the mlc@mountainlakehotel.com.

See you on the Mountain!

Lake Update

2011-08-03T11:11:00.001-04:00

The current lake level is estimated at 52 feet below full lake, 12% full by volume, and 29% full by total area.

Naturalist Hikes & New Friends of the Conservancy Nature Center

2011-08-01T12:12:00.000-04:00

Meet Hazel, age 16, Naturalist Extraordinaire.

This summer season, Hazel volunteered to lead naturalist walks throughout the week for visiting hotel and day guests. She is the daughter of two scientists and her family spends a good part of the summer staying at the Mountain Lake Biological Station here on the mountain. Miss Hazel has acquired a great wealth of knowledge over the years of the mountain ecology and many studies that take place here every year. The guests and staff have truly enjoyed learning from Hazel, and are most appreciative of her volunteer effort and passion for environmental stewardship.
Thank You, Hazel, for your wonderful walks this summer season!

We have a new friend of the Conservancy, Sylvia, the corn snake. Sylvia is a 4'6", female corn snake, age unknown. She was originally taken in by a Reptile Rescue Center in Christiansburg, VA, and then adopted by the Wildlife Society at Virginia Tech. Sylvia was housed in the lobby of Cheatham Hall in the College of Natural Resources. She is a fairly shy creature, however, and was recently taken out of Cheatham Hall and in need of a new owner. Sylvia's new home is now set up in the Conservancy Nature Center. She is adjusting nicely and we will keep you updated with pictures of her indoor habitat and reception from our visitors.

The Corn Snake, Elaphe guttata, is native to the mid- to south-eastern United States. The corn snake's range is from southern New Jersey south through Florida, west into Louisiana and parts of Kentucky. However, this is not a common snake of Salt Pond Mountain. Corn snakes may be found in wooded groves, rocky hillsides, meadowlands, woodlots, barns, and abandoned buildings. This snake is not poisonous, and as pets they are generally docile and relaxed when handled. More information about the corn snake can be found here:
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Cornsnake.cfm

Dirty Dawg Results

2011-07-28T21:59:00.001-04:00

Congrats to all of the mountain bikers that rode in the Dirty Dawg Race this past Saturday! The mountain provided nice, breezy temperatures, a couple of downpours, and a superbly muddy ride! Big ups to East Coasters for putting another awesome race on this season at Mountain Lake, and many thanks to all the volunteers who prepped the course, marshaled the road intersections, and served up refreshments and food!

Kirby briefing riders before the race

And they're off! Only 6 hours to go!!

Duos ready for the switch off

Cheering on the racers!

6 hours later... grill and chill time

Sweet jersey!

Brought to you by:

Results:

Duo

1 Brice/Kyle
2 John Mckenna/Eric Carlson
3 Mark Zhu/Spencer Riddle
4 Scotty/Doug
5 Nathan/Donald
6 John/Caleb
7 Wake/Beth 1st Coed
8 Geffrey/Emily
9 Dave/Eric
10 Thomas/Nathan
11 Patrick/Susane
12 Alex/Lindsey
13 Gregory/Michelle
14 Brian/Jonathan
15 Brandy/Melissa 1st Womens
16 Kevin/Daniel

Solo Men

1 Dave Reid
2 Ben Brown
3 Andy Reagan
4 Andrew
5 Steve Howard
6 Dave Williams
7 Damon
8 Bob Wright
9 Steve Bulter
10 Ryan
11 Craig
12 Jeremy
13 Cecil
14 Jay
15 Jarrod
16 James
17 Greg
18 Jerry
19 Walter
20 Chris

Solo Women

1 Laura
2 Emma
3 Kyrstin
4 Amy
5 Gabrielle

Single Speed

1 Brian Marshall
2 Steve Hertherington
3 Cliff Hatchett
4 Christian Probst
5 Thomas Hash
6 Seth

Survivor Mountain Lake Weekend

2011-07-22T16:22:00.000-04:00

This weekend is themed "Survivor: Mountain Lake", and the Recreation Department and Conservancy will be hosting a variety of activities to engage the mind and body.

In addition to normal Recreation activities, Survivor: Mountain Lake activities include:

FRIDAY

8:00 pm: How to build a fire
8:30 pm: Campfire and S’mores. Time to share your wilderness stories!

SATURDAY

10:30 am: Hike on White Dot to Old Golf Course overlook
11:00 am: Introduction to Knot Tying
1:00 pm: Scavenger Hunt
8:30 pm: Night Hike- meet at Conservancy

SUNDAY

9:00 am: Introduction to Orienteering- meet at Conservancy
11:00 am: Introduction to Shelter Construction and the Leave-No-Trace ethic
2:00 pm: Intro to Geocaching
3:30 pm: Hike on Indian Trail and talk on “What to do if you’re lost: Wilderness Priorities”

We hope to see you up here learning something new or polishing you skills this weekend!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A bunch of pictures from the 2011 season have been added to the Facebook site, check us out!
http://www.facebook.com/index.php?lh=929cae6bd1c82e43fab6b1976e11cd0f#!/TheMLC

Among those pictures include a local artist from Roanoke, VA - Eric Fitzpatrick. Eric was at Mountain Lake last Thursday creating some beautiful landscape paintings. A lovely scene for a summer afternoon on the mountain indeed!

The lake bed and wetland

Classy!

Bald Knob

The folks from East Coasters have been busy up on the mountain getting geared up for the Dirty Dawg mountain bike race tomorrow. Come show your support for these tough riders! The mountain top breeze accompanies this perfect escape from the summer heat down in town.

Dirty Dawg Mountain Bike Race - this weekend July 23rd!

2011-07-18T12:24:00.000-04:00

It's that time of the season, the Dirty Dawg 6-Hour Enduro Mountain Bike Race will be held this weekend, July 23rd! Sure to be an event of epic fun for all, whether you're biking in the race or cheering bikers on. More race information can be found at http://dirtydawgmtb.blogspot.com/. It's not too late to register! - solo, duo, and single speed categories. This is a family-friendly event, play a round of disc golf on our course that surrounds the Start/Finish meadow, or take a hike before the race gets started. Camping is available for registered racers and family on the evening of July 23rd, concessions will be available after the race, please remember that Mountain Lake property has a NO PET policy!

Special discount rate in the hotel for registered racers and family - $99.00 per night, double occupancy, includes dinner and breakfast! Special valid Friday, 7/22 and Saturday, 7/23.
http://www.mtnlakeconservancy.org/special-dirtydawg.html

Some photos from previous Dirty Dawg races:

Lake Level Update & A Snapshot of Life on the Mountain

2011-07-07T18:45:00.002-04:00

The hot summer temperatures have led to a decrease in water levels in the lake. We're seeing a pattern similar to last season, when water levels peaked during the third week of July.

The peninsula on the left slowly surfacing

A water level marker pictured in the previous post

On the bright side, the lake bed boasts a bounty of beautiful blooms. The water may come and go, but the forest and trails remain steady.

Gems of the lake bed

Rhododendron in bloom, all around the lake and along the Indian Trail

A lovely night on the Mountain...wish you were here!

Hanging out around the fire

Everyone loves roasting marshmallows!