Ozark Mountains - Ozark National Forest of Arkansas

Several miles down a gravel Forest Service Rd I was in search of a lake I had identified with Google's satellite view. The infamous Brock Lake of Arkansas has been attracting hordes since it was created in 1973.

Drove North of Jerusalem, Arkansas a few miles more than was reasonably safe.

Saw an armadillo. Neat.

Neat until the beast reversed course and "attacked" me.

They use their long, sharp teeth and claws primarily to intimidate

I found the damn that held the lake that was no longer much of a lake

A second copy of the empty lake for dramatic effect.

Some views from Virginia

Nice view from Skyline Drive

Another view

More from Skyline Drive

This was close to the highest elevation in VA
as Grayson Highlands State Park

One view is never enough so here's another

Road to campsite

More rough road (not sure where I was going)

Ended up camping 2 miles in at the "spot" on the right

This marker gave me some confidence that I wasn't lost

Not sure if you can tell, but giant azalea type bushes lined the road

Stalking its prey before pouncing

Epic Encounter - Mantis vs. Stinkbug

-- Mantis prepares to engage --

Engaged...

Signs of the Apocalypse - part iii

Brown Stink Bugs (AKA: Euschistus servus)
After a fortnight (actually a "third" night) of steady stink, a lull in activity.  It was determined that window screens were no match for the foul brood. Only double-locked, triple-paned vinyl replacement windows slowed the onslaught.  In the past three days over 100 of the insects were disposed of and at least one ingested.

Not Recommended