Rockwood Road Walk

[Teegate]

We decided to walk Rockwood Road from the ruins on since we have not been there in years. Along the way we passed by where a Wharton monument for Rockwood's property failed to show itself to us in years past. Today, after the fire it was so much easier to find.

A little sandy in some spots as it aways was in this area.

We visited a really nice spot where the fire was at it's fury for sure.

In the middle of this location the snakes are still visiting.

We were near the ore pits Bob and I found years ago so we made good use of the burned woods to easily travel to them.

I was wondering why this was here so far back in the woods. I suspect since this road goes right to West Mill road and the gate, it was decided to try and keep people from traveling the road.

The view along the road is really nice.

 

[dragoncjo]

Guy if you have any more photos of the snake skin let me know, would love to identify it.

 

[Teegate]

Here they are. I left them full size. You may want to download them.

 

[Teegate]

The snake skin and the area around it.

https://youtu.be/fZfw8Oxkj8w

 

[dragoncjo]

Looks like corn snake - spend some more time there Guy, good find.

 

[Teegate]

Jessica saw this bee today. It had dug a huge sand pile but there seemed to be something wrong with it. It just kept moving but not going anywhere.

 

[Teegate]

Dragon and all,

We went to a different area today and we came upon these as well. Looks like someone is working the area. And they have a good spot. We walked almost 4 miles and covered quite a bit of one area.

Closer view for Dragon.

And we also found this.

And on the way out we revisited the Rockwood 1888 (CGR 1888) stone to see if it was still there. Back in 2007 there was a dim road right at the edge of it that at times was used. I know it was walkable because I know for a fact the superintendent walked it with a GPS to create his route for the MAP. Today, it is barely visible so that is good for the stones future.

My "Then And Now" for the stone.

 

[Teegate]

Jessica getting a little overexcited

Notice the board is not burned and burned wood is propping it up. Someone is visiting. So will we.

https://youtu.be/cxExcBNXJYs

 

[Teegate]

Today we visited other locations in the burn area. Our first stop was near Lock's Bridge to look again for rattlesnake root. We did not find it. However, we did run into campers there who appeared to be packing up. That was a risky move with the recent fire that started nearby. BTW, you can see the location the fire started as it is taped off by the Fire Marshal right along Batsto Fireline Road.

Anyway, we walked to the Burlington County monument #62 and revisited it and checked for the date which is on it.

We then walked to a location where Xyris Caroliniana grows. This is a particularly rare xyrus that Bob discovered there. While heading there and almost at the location, we today found a patch of xyris that may interest Bob. It is growing where it seems to me it should not be.

I took a few photos at both locations even though I am not sure if it is the proper xyris.

While at the location Bob found the xyris Jessica yelled out she found an odd plant there and it appears to be Jimsonweed. It matches perfectly to photos on Google except the galls are missing. Can anyone tell me if I am correct? This plant is one you should not touch and should not be where it is.

Unfortuantly, it is injured and will not survive.

I can't tell if this fell from a tree or was left there for the summer. I am going to guess it was left there because of the size of the trees all around there.

Everywhere at this location.

And a final view.

 

[dragoncjo]

Guy now that you showed that I believe I know who is placing the cover out there, good kid. You have found a nice site there.

 

[bobpbx]

Oh hell yeah Guy, that looks like it. Send me the info.

 

[bobpbx]

Most of that green is probably Muhlenbergia torreyana. S3 I think.

 

[bobpbx]

I know why that Jimson weed (if that's what it is) is there. It must have been a bait pile.

I just checked, that's what it must be. The fruit capsules are not ready yet. After the flower.

 

[Teegate]

I know why that Jimson weed (if that's what it is) is there. It must have been a bait pile.

I just checked, that's what it must be. The fruit capsules are not ready yet. After the flower.

I suspect you are correct. A stand was right near there.

 

[NJChileHead]

I suspect you are correct. A stand was right near there.

I teach a high school toxicology course with a poisonous plants unit and the students are always horrified at the stories of what jimsonweed can do (and has done) to people. We've even found it on campus, usually it seems to show up in topsoil or a highly disturbed area. I wonder if it the seeds will drop into the bait pile and still be recoverable by the deer if they get into it? Not sure if jimsonweed would have the same effect on deer, but hallucinating ungulates would make quite a sight on a trail cam. Reminds me of this:

 

[NJChileHead]

Dragon, I'm struggling to see keels on the scales and can't get a count on the body rows or caudal scales. I'm wondering why corn and not black rat, since black rats have weaker keels? Are you looking at the head scales?

 

[dragoncjo]

I could see the Os you typically see on corns snakes. Seen several hundred shed corns over years but also know the spot Guy was at and know they are there. So a bit of piecing it together.

 

[NJChileHead]

I could see the Os you typically see on corns snakes. Seen several hundred shed corns over years but also know the spot Guy was at and know they are there. So a bit of piecing it together.

Got it, thanks!

 

[manumuskin]

Yep Jimsonweed.Tons of it down here. POdd to see it in the Pines though

 

[Teegate]

I was driving down Carranza Road today between 206 and Tabernacle and saw it growing on a property.