Friday, September 13, 2024
Today's hike in Ridley Creek State Park was for 5 miles and 50 flights of stairs.
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A gap in the bushes led us to the Blue & White Trail
from the farthest south parking lot at Picnic Area 9 |
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| It was downhill until we reached Ridley Creek |
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| Ridley Creek |
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| A fallen beech tree with carved initials |
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| Kent on the high-step bridge to cross a tributary to Ridley Creek |
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| The "rapids" of Ridley Creek |
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We continued following the White Trail
past large boulders (KSS) |
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From the White Trail, we turned left
on the Yellow Trail |
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Beyond the crossing with the multi-purpose
trail, the path appeared not to be used as much |
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| Trametes elegans/White Maze Polypore, a bracket mushroom |
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| Branches arch over the Yellow Trail at the multi-purpose trail |
We made a wrong turn and ended up at Area 17!
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| Crossed a couple dry streambeds |
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Grylloprociphilus imbricator/Beech Blight Aphids, aka
Boogie Woogie Aphids because they appear
to be in constant motion (KSS) |
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The aphids produce a honeydew, which is then covered
in black by the Scorias spongiosa/Sooty Mold Fungus,
produces a spongy, golden-yellow heap that may rise
1-2" or more above the leaf or twig surface (KSS) |
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Back on the Blue Trail where this fallen tree
had two large branches to cut through steps
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| Boardwalks and bridge |
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| Plenty of roots on which to trip |
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| Back along Ridley Creek, a nice long bench |
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| Once again over the high-step bridge |
