I found a huge ant colony, stretching further than I could see. The individual mounds were connected by cleared areas that served as highways for the workers. Some sort of spider had built a web bridging across the top of the highway in places, where it could reach down and scoop a meal at will. Small lizards patrolled the ant highways, on the lookout for an easy meal.

Off the beaten path, but easy to get to. Check the hours before you go, it gets locked up because there's something wrong with half the population. If you only have time for one site, this one ranks high.

I had taken a walk down a trail further than I should have while recovering from surgery. The walk back up was a struggle with pain. An older couple stopped to see if I needed help, I told them, "No I'm fine, just limping back up to the car, now. I promised my wife I wouldn't do anything stupid while I'm recovering from surgery." The man just looked at me and said, "heh, and yet here you are." His wife swatted him with a muttered, "Tom!" He was right, though. : )

Fun off road drive, though. Making Enterprise regret giving me a 4x4, although an awd with high clearance would do just fine. At every site, the rangers all noted my mobility issues and subtly kept an eye on me. It's reassuring to know they are observant. I've never had so many of them cross my path before.

I'll never understand people who can close the window and watch a movie. I paid for this view. Leaving Norfolk.

Meanwhile...... smells of dead fish and old lake mud.

"You're doing great, kid! Just keep going!" "Why is you're hand on the brake, then?" I didn't realize I had the handbrake in a death grip.