The dead of winter forecast called for snow followed by a deep freeze.  I don’t mind cutting with a little snow and if it turned into a blizzard, well, then I’d just have to quit and enjoy it.  So I made my way out to the Springs without a care in the world; happy and at peace.

The work site was, again, the cut-off trail.  This land of oak giants by the riverside is thick with buckthorn, and it was gratifying indeed to give them a good whacking.

The snow started falling immediately after I took that video and it didn’t take long until I was pretty thoroughly soaked. The work is strenuous and kept me warm despite the wet. I cut my limit of 6 tankfuls and called it a day.

After changing into some dry clothes, I did a little sight seeing.  Below is where the trail first breaks out into the main prairie.

Now that we have hiked the river from the Scuppernong Spring all the way to Hwy N, I finally know what I’m looking at and can see where the Scuppernong River threads its way through the hills to the west.  Below we see the Marl Pit and the Indian campground.

River shots.

Below is along the north side of the river, along the cut-off trail, just upstream from the bridge where the ground water monitoring station was installed.  This is where we will be cutting next.

Continuing down the cut-off trail.

Here is that huge oak that looks like it was lifted right out of the ground.

New views of the river are opening up along the cut-off trail.

Below is an old cranberry bog where the cut-off trail joins the main loop.

The old barn site.

Looking across the river from the hotel site at the work in progress on the cut-off trail.

The water is up a bit!

Thanks for taking the time to enjoy the Springs with me, and I hope to see you there soon!