Sunday, the weather was warm, sunny with temperatures in the sixties. We took 2 hours to do a quick hike to the vernal pool and back.
This was the weekend of the Third Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage, sponsored by the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System. After spending 3 days cooking and cleaning for the large crowds, it was refreshing to finally be able to stretch one's legs and rest one's eyes on the wildflowers carpeting the forest floor on either side of the path leading to the hilltop. There were two tours in progress, and we tagged along for a short time before heading up the path at a good clip, destination vernal pool. It was fascinating to witness firsthand how enthralled a group of receptive pilgrims can be while under the spell of a master naturalist.
2 comments:
There is one very important archaeological investigation that should be undertaken now that the site is in proper hands and not in private ownership. This concerns the use of the area that forms the backdrop to the avenue in teh nearby Baum Square, The baum Square avenue points to the summer solstice sunrise. As pointed out by Christopher Turner with similar sightlines at Hopeton Earthworks, the horizon location of such calendrical sightlines may be marked with concentrations of fire cracked rock. Turner suggested searching the area that corresponds to the baum Avenue sightline way back in 1982. This area is just west of the entrance area of the "fort". It is relatively easy to calculate and plot this location on a USGS topo map, or to verify it from the Baum site itself.
Thank you for your genuine interest in the possible alignment feature of Spruce Hill with Baum Earthworks. The things of which you speak are not my field of expertise. Frankly, I wouldn't know a fire-cracked rock if it came calling. As I walk the boundaries, I primarily focus on documenting the flora and fauna of the site but have become increasingly aware of other features, both tangible and intangible. Despite being an amateur, I am fascinated and excited by the myriad theories within the archaeological and paleo-astronomical circles that point to Spruce Hill being a truly significant site. In accordance with the guidelines set forth by Highlands Nature Sanctuary and its partners, there is no excavation, digging, collecting or disturbance allowed within the preserve boundaries at present, and all the surrounding property remains in private hands. An extensive survey of the property is a high priority for all archaeologists involved, and those survey results are of extreme interest. Stay tuned. I will document any such results as they become available for public consumption.
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