Thursday
Day Two: On day two at cardigan, this is when we did the big hike. When we started hiking there wasnt a lot to see. We saw LOTS of different kinds of mushrooms. We mostly saw Turkey Tail Fungi. We also saw a variety of trees. Such as, Birch, Pine, Hemlock, and White Ash. As we kept going, those tree roots were what helped us hike a lot of the steepest parts of the mountain. They were like built in stairs made just for hiking. There was so many little streams on the way that there were bridges set up to help you cross them! On the way to the top, we also saw a lot of eroded rocks. These rocks had withered away because of hikers walking all over them, water running down the mountain, and much more. We also saw uprooted trees that looked like they had been like that for a long time. As we passed a certain point. We noticed a change in trees. When you turn to one side, it was all Maple trees, and White Ash trees, etc. When you turn the other way it was Pine trees, Hemlock trees, trees just like that. This is an example of regions. There are different trees in different regions. On the top of Mt. Firescrew, we noticed that there was a difference in soil. Instead of it being dirt, it was sand. Also on the top of Mt.Firescrew, was a beautiful view. This view included a look at Cardigan Lodge where we were staying. But we were told to, Just wait for a better view was coming. When we went down Firescrew there was a lot of Cairns. Or little rock piles made so that you wouldnt get lost. Occasionally we would try to call some birds, only succeeding to get crows. As we started up Cardigan Mountain the hiking escalated increasingly. We started to have to hold on to every branch and root to keep traction. But when we got to the top it was worth the struggle. There was a complete 360 degree view of the land. It was stunning. Then we were told that we could go into the Fire Tower set up to watch forest fires. There we were told all about the purpose of the tower and why it was used. On the way back down the mountain it was almost the same as going up. But it felt much better. Less tiring even. When we got back to the lodge, everyone was extremely tired and rested until dinner, where we had some of the best Mexican food ever!
