Yesterday, Kevin, Katelynn, Sara, Luis and I visited the Wichita Mountain National Wildlife Refuge again. The girls have a four-day weekend. And Kevin took the day off. What’s better than go on a hike on a beautiful Good Friday?! This time, we entered the park from the eastern entrance by Medicine Park. Because first we wanted to go up to Mt. Scott. But for some reason, it was closed for entering by car. We didn’t want to take the long hike up to the peak of the mountain. So we decided to move on and hike another trail. But first, we went to the Holy City. Katelynn and Sara went inside the church, before I went behind the buildings with them. Kevin stayed with Luis in the grassy area by the parking lot. Luis can get a bit excited around people. And we didn’t want to take any chances. Before getting back to Road 115, there is a field where the Prairie Dogs call this place their home. It is fun to watch them, when they bark signals to each other. They seem fine being out and about, when visitors of the park just drive by. But once, we crossed the white line, they became territorial, ran back into their burrows.
Red Wasp on an Atlantic Camas
Bison in the meadow
Cacti behind the buildings of the Holy City
Prairie Dogs on the lookout
Last time we were at the refuge, we went to the Jed Johnson Lake Dam. This time, we wanted to hike and chose to go up to the tower. Katelynn, Sara and I decided to cross the little creek and walked up a “shortcut” along the lake, while Kevin and Luis went the regular trail along the creek. But therefore our trail was a little bit more rugged and some steep boulders needed to be climbed, before we made it to the tower. Kevin just walked the easier, but longer way. Luis could walk, lie in the shade or water for a bit, before he trotted behind Kevin again. Our pup is such a couch potato. π
Jed Johnson Lake & Tower
Luis, Kevin & Sara enjoy the hike to the Jed Johnson Tower
Jed Johnson Lake & Tower
Katelynn, Sara and I hiked a shortcut along the Jed Johnson Lake.
Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) along the trail
A beautiful sight along the trail
Katelynn likes overlooking the lake
Field Mustard
Deer Pea Vetch (Vicia ludoviciana)
About half way to the Jed Johnson Tower
Overlook at the Jed Johnson Lake
jed Johnson Lake with Mount Scott in the background
Standing next to the Jed Johnson Tower, we had a nice view over the lake. In the distance, Mount Scott could easily be made out as the highest peak in the Wichita Mountain chain. There are also several stories roaming the internet about the Jed Johnson Tower and the lake being haunted. Honestly, if there is a ghost, it is definitely not ill intended. I felt no bad presents going up and around the tower at all. But I sure was drawn to it. After walking around the tower and let Luis rest in the shade for a little bit, we took the same way back which Kevin hiked up with the dog. It was an easier way down to get back to the car.
Jed Johnson Lake with Mount Scott in the background
Almost there
From the Jed Johnson Tower, the Wichita Mountains chain can be seen with Mount Scott, which is the highest peak of the refuge.
Another prickly cactus
Another look at the tower from the trail
Raccoon footprints along the jed Johson trail
In Spring, the streams are running along the trails.
Everything is so green in at this time of the year.
Jed Johnson Lake & Tower
Fallen tree at the Jed Johnson trail
Coming from Jed Johnson Lake, we also took a short trip to Rush Lake. Since we had quite a bit of rain the last few days, the lakes are full. The water of Rush Lake is currently going over the spillway and the below creek leads into the Jed Johnson Lake.
Rush Lake Spillway I
Rush Lake Spillway II
Deer Pea Vetch (Vicia ludoviciana) near the Rush Lake Spillway
Rush Lake Spillway III
… to be continued …