Copyright: Jurgen Brauer, Augusta, Georgia, USA

1. Photos from a couple of weekend jaunts to Pisgah National Forest. Temperature was C-O-L-D, hence the gloves (below). For the first time, I used hiking sticks. To my surprise and delight, the transfer of weight from the legs to the arms really does work, and I found that the use of two sticks, rather than just one, is crucial.

2. Here we are early into the hike on Looking Glass Rock Trail. Starting at about 2300 feet, the climb was 1,700 feet. Brilliant sunshine.

3. Pine straw and moss along the way.

4. A bit higher up, still snow on the ground.

5. The ground itself was frozen. These bundles of icicle strands stuck out from the earthen banks along the trail.

6. The creek was flowing strongly but long icicles hung from a fallen tree trunk.

7. Self-portrait. Well-equipped with hat, gloves, sunglasses, and water, taking a break.

8. On Looking Glass Rock, at nearly 4,000 feet, a majestic view. Blustering wind swayed the grass that somehow clings to life here.

9. Far-off hills nicely framed by a gnarled tree on Looking Glass Rock.

10. Along Coontree Loop Trail, a fallen tree gradually returns to earth.

11. A rock outcropping offers shelter; the height at the front is not quite six feet.

12. The Davidson River along the North Slope Loop Trail. We also walked a few miles on the Art Loeb Trail that splits off from the North Slope.

13. Son Jonathan on Looking Glass Rock.

[The end.]