Rockinrog's Rural PA Ramblings

I got out for a evening ride.

I saw several white tail buck, but wasn't quick enough with the camera. I was on my way home when I crossed the mnt and realized it would only be a short time till sunset, so I turned around and got the camera out.
There is an alter on top of the mountain:


There is also a marker memorializing an apparent rider named Grizz:

Then the sun began to set.

Same place, on 5/25 :). I recall the breeze blowing across the top.

Yep, its a popular stop for looking over the valleys. Ferguson Valley on one side and Big Valley on the other. I was surprised I was the only one there Saturday night for the sunset.

I got out for another Stone Valley ride Sunday evening.
Stopped at Allan Seeger Natural Area.

I went out Coopers Gap road and then cut over Kettle road. I as surprised how the Laurel is just now blossoming in some areas.

I was just in time for another great sunset at the unnamed overlook on Kettle road.

Thats it for this weekend. Not sure how many are following, but I hope you enjoyed the photos.

I feel the need to respectfully inform you that is wild Rhododendron in this picture. I been waiting for that to bloom! Time to hit the low lands of Central PA for some beautiful views! (and happens to coincide with my vacation next week).

Well now you have gone and made me read/learn. Apparently we have both in PA.

Mountain laurel is evergreen, with pointed oval leaves, while rhododendron's leathery round-tipped leaves curl up like cigars in sub-freezing temperatures. Small mountain laurel flower buds look crimped, while rhododendron buds are plump and pointed. A laurel flower resembles a tiny cup or bowl with five points or minuscule lobes. Rhododendron blossoms are larger, with obvious five-petal lobes.

Read more: Difference Between Mountain Laurel & Rhododendrons | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7704495_d...ntain-laurel-rhododendrons.html#ixzz1ypIAWZz1

I took this one earlier this month. Is this one Laurel or rhododendron?

That one is the state flower, Mountain Laural.

Laural is mostly found on the tops of the mountains and the northern exposures, and Rhododendrons seem to like the damp bottom lands of the mountains along the stream edges.

In PA we also have hybrid rhododendrons in front of people's homes.
The Hybrid's bloom in the early spring along with the Azalea.
But the native Rhododendrons bloom Late June early July (after the Mountain Laural)

We to make it even more confusing, we also have native Azaleas in PA, but they call them Rhododendron Atlanticum, so I guess Azaleas and Rhododendrons are related

Anyway, how many "other" types of "bikers" stop and look at the flowers

Nice pix, amigo.

Thank you kind sir. I used the "sunset" scene on the FZ150 and I was pretty impressed with how they turned out.