Roan Mountain, Frosted

[mole]

Had a good wintry hike on Roan Mt a few weeks ago. Down in the valley it was cool and damp, but up on the Mt it was much colder and damper. Fog and wind worked together with the cold to create some frost and rime magic!

[mole]

Roan Mt is a rich and delightful place at any season. High elevation (much of it over 6,000 feet), massive rock formations and grassy balds make for great views. Unique flora with many rare and endemic species make for exciting discoveries. And the weather is often quite dramatic at these heights!

[mole]

There wasn't all that much snow on this trip from Carver's Gap to Grassy Bald. Some drifts of a foot or so, but mostly inches or less. But the fog & low clouds froze to inches of frost on the trees and shrubs, and even on the fence. (PS - this fence was placed a few years ago after a trail re-route, to protect a sensitive habitat from erosion).

[gjtoth]

Pure magic! While I'm not a fan of cold weather, I certainly enjoy series like these.

[mole]

It was fascinating to see how high up on the spruce trees the frozen fog could reach, and how wide the frozen fog could spread!

[mole]

There were also amazing little details - like azaleas encased in ice, frozen drips on the spruce twigs, and frozen fog on the trunks...

[mole]

Roan's rocks held of the most interesting frozen patterns. Perhaps it was because of varied surface textures, or maybe the way the rocks affected the wind patterns across the rock faces...

[mole]

Was hoping for some sun and clearing sky to brighten the views. Only got a few glimpses between the clouds, but enough for some interesting lighting...

[mole]

Hope you enjoyed these frosty views of Roan Mt. Perhaps they've wetted your appetite for a hike on the Roan. If so, you might want to check out their Winter Naturalist Rally, to be held on February 16th.

Thanks in advance for any comments, critique & suggestions!

[mole]

Gary - You are too quick for me! I missed your kind comments in the midst of posting. Thanks!