Glassberg Hike

There's a conservation area in nearby Eureka. We went there once, but did't spend much time there for some reason. Another volunteer at the thrift store mentioned it to me and encouraged me to go back and spend more time.

So we did just that.

[caption id="attachment_4013" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Berries[/caption]

Luke's friend had joined us and of course they ran up ahead of the group. We heard a shout and when we caught up to them we saw this guy:

[caption id="attachment_4014" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Copperhead on the trail![/caption]

Of all of the places we've hiked, all over the U.S., we've been cautioned about snakes, but we've never actually seen one until now! Apparently, Luke walked within a foot of him! Hence the defensive posture.

[caption id="attachment_4015" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Through the field. Look at all of the goldenrod![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4018" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Dry lake[/caption]

The overlook was really neat, but it started to sprinkle and we had a ways back to the car still. I did't have anything to protect my camera and didn't want to be caught in a downpour so we hustled on.

[caption id="attachment_4020" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Overlook[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4022" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Thistle[/caption]



I'm not sure where all the snails came from or what happened to them, but there were tons of these shells all over the place!



We also found three turtles! They weren't thrilled to see us so we snapped a few pics and let them be.

I'm so glad Fall is almost here. Most of the days are still really hot, but you can tell a change is coming. I cannot wait. Summer is by far my least favorite season. I cannot stand to be hot and I don't enjoy the crowds everywhere. I end up hunkering down in summer as much as most people do when it's cold. Fall is the time when we really get out and about and do and explore. I cannot wait!