A feast for the eyes!

Monday
The cool temperatures continue, but at least the sun was back today. Today, we ventured east to Ohio River Bluffs Preserve, which comes under the Arc of Appalachia umbrella, and was new to us. The Ohio River Bluffs is an outstanding example of a classic Ohio River corridor forest with its high density of spring wildflowers – a distinctive mix of species that was once the hallmark of the Ohio River’s steep bluffs lining the river corridor where Silurian bedrock is exposed on the south-facing slopes. Most of this corridor was affected by tree clearing and agriculture, leaving this short, but wonderful display. It is unfortunately short-lived, as they only last for a few weeks, until the leaves come out on the trees, cutting out the light. Centre in my collage is a small section of Virginia bluebells. Left, top to bottom, Toad trillium, Dwarf larkspur, Celandine poppy. Right, top to bottom, close-up of Virginia bluebell, Dutchman’s breeches and Blue-eyed Mary. From the pictures I have seen from previous years, they are not yet at peak bloom, but of course different species bloom at slightly different times, so I think we hit a good compromise time.
On our way home, we followed the river road, stopping in the town of Ripley, for a walk along the river, and watching a large grouping of barges, three across, and five front to back, make its slow laborious way up river. See extra collage.
Step count: 9914