Blue Wall Weekly: June 17, 2019

By chance, a seed landed on the sun-facing end of a tree whose life was cut short by some unknown force of nature. The seed sprouted, and roots reached into damp rotting wood in the center of the stump, anchoring a growth of short, strong shoots with leaves that are soaked in sunshine. Years past a time when these shoots should have grown tall and strong, they remain short, shrub-like.  Stunted, probably, by happenstance of birth on a stump protruding from the clear, cool water of Lake Jocassee, but apparently healthy, hopefully happy, sustained by what nutrients it gathers from a long dead host-tree. How did this random piece of host-wood come to be in the middle of a lake long since cleared of such obstructions? How long will it sustain the life of a sprout which wants to be a tree in its own right? Such are some of the many mysteries and wonders waiting to be discovered on Lake Jocassee, for anyone curious enough to slow down and look.~K  

It’s been an interesting weather week on Lake Jocassee. Blazing hot at the first of the week (by mountain lake standards, not Florida standards), then we promptly had a cold front blow through on Wednesday and Thursday. In mid-June, for Pete’s sake. It blew like crazy out of the north on Thursday, and by Friday it was in the high 40’s by first light. Out came the sweatshirts to go with the shorts, an odd but not uncommon attire to wear when you live along the base of the Blue Wall. Friday was windless and clear, with the afternoon temperature reaching way up to the mid-70’s! Despite that, lots of folks were swimming away, not to be deterred by this bit of unexpected low temperatures. And on this Saturday, another day of clear skies and moderate temperatures, reaching the low 80’s by mid-afternoon. Some would call this perfect weather. Paradise found. 

EAGLET REPORT: Finally, the youngsters are out of the nest and out on a limb. Zach spotted them Saturday stretching their wings, with the parents circling overhead.~B