Stories, Songs and Walks Elderhostel

Last week we held our Stories, Songs and Walks Appalachian Elderhostel. We had a total of 23 participants and learned about Appalachian poetry, oral history, ballads, music and the flora and fauna of the Appalachian Mountains. One evening, we ventured out to Wind Rock to watch the sunset. Below are a few pictures from the program.

Hiking along Old Turnpike trail

Hazel Beeler describing the differences between rhododendron and mountain laurel

Rick Mullins viewing the sunset

Group shot at Wind Rock

Our next Elderhostel is 'Day Hikes Along the Appalachian Trail' on July 26-31. We are offering a shorter version of this same program on October 4-7 - visit Elderhostel.org
and type in program #16937.

Rhododendron in Full Bloom

Come up for a hike around the Indian Trail, the rhododendron is in full bloom! I ventured down yesterday to try and capture some shots.



The lake level is continuing to stay at the same level as the past month. The extended boat dock almost reaches the edge of the shore.

Sunset over the lake

While working late tonight, I witnessed a beautiful sunset over the lake. I was also able to capture some hummingbirds drinking from the feeders.



It's hard to capture a clear photo ...how can i when they beat their wings 53 times per second!
View from the Lakeview building

2009 Dirty Dawg Mtn Bike Race

Results from 2009 Dirty Dawg Mtn Bike Race

Rank	Name	Time
	Expert Men
1	Derek Dotson	2:22:28
2	Bryan Wender	2:23:55
3	Zachary Morrey	2:24:49
4	Gary Roach	2:25:49
5	Chris Pohowski	2:40:10
6	Robert Drinkwater	2:45:38
7	Chris Dobroth	2:47:23
8	David Tompkins	2:50:40
9	Ashwin Amanna	3:06:34
10	Brad Williams	3:08:48
11	Stacey Simmons	3:33:49
12	Bob Welsh	3:40:49
	Gordon Vadsworth	DNF
	Scott Stone	DNF
	Sport Women
1	Kristin Colonna	1:54:34
2	Magda Kanska	1:57:08
3	Jeni Walke	1:59:34
	Sport Men
1	John Eppen	1:08:39
2	Jon Gotow	1:17:48
3	Todd Fisher	1:21:51
4	Marvin Addikis	1:22:01
5	Richard Brecht	1:23:59
6	Steve Butler	1:24:48
7	Jim Steven	1:25:33
8	Ahmed Qureshi	1:27:44
9	Mark Zhu	1:27:47
10	Paul Johnston	1:27:57
11	Steve Aken	1:28:05
12	Dave Szakelyhidi	1:28:36
13	Michael Brady	1:29:03
14	Jeremy Ferrell	1:29:18
15	Andrew Rogers	1:30:34
16	Kerry Wood	1:30:50
17	Cole Harden	1:31:19
18	Ralph Robertson	1:44:38
19	Thomas Hash	1:51:21
20	Nathan Sharp	2:10:52
21	John McKenna	2:11:19
22	Donald Sharp	2:12:22
	Joe Blair	DNF
	Beginner Women
1	Rachel Higginbotham	0:55:22
2	Naomi Pomrenke	1:10:35
	Beginner Men
1	Ian Million	0:54:50

The lake is continuing to rise from our recent rains. The shore is about 5 feet from the extended boat dock. Here are a couple pics that I took yesterday after work.

And the rain goes on

We have received a record amount of rainfall here at Mountain Lake these past couple months! In May alone, we received approximately 10" of rain! We have been monitoring the lake level too. On June 4th, the lake was 36' below full pond whereas on April 30, the lake was 43' below full pond. That means our lake has risen around 7' in 5 weeks, averaging 1 foot per week! Below are some photos I took this morning.

View from the old boat dock




Only 10 more feet and our pontoon may float!
Standing on the extended boat dock

View from the extended boat dock looking out towards Newport House

Environmental Education program with Harding Ave Elementary

Today, 44 2nd graders from Harding Ave Elementary visited Mountain Lake for their field trip. They learned all about different habitats and the animals and plants that are in this area. Below are a couple pictures I took during their program.

Sarah talking about different tree species

A red spotted newt they found in the wetland

Jack-in-the Pulpit along the carriage trail

Sara identifying a striped maple