Hiking the Barlow Trial (Part One) 7/18/13

This is the beginning of a series of three hikes.
During these three hikes we will cover the entire Barlow trail



A couple of eager hikers, getting ready for the long hike


At the beginning of the hike, the hike leader gave a short lecture on the history of the Barlow trail.

Here is Joan listening intently


At what are called the "chutes" the wagons had to go down some very steep banks

Unfortunately, the pictures do not show the steepness of the banks

The banks were so steep that it was very hard to hike up these rocky banks
Notice the placement of this hikers boots.


This was known as the longest hill in the entire 2000 mile journey



We started our hike at the grass meadow where the pioneers rested before starting down the journey's longest hill.



Most of the trail was a wonderful hike through a beautiful forest


However, it was still important to be certain that ones boots were tied tight



With boots tightly tied, Joan is ready and eager to get going.


The builders of "Old Highway 26" were considerate of hikers.

They provided a tunnel for hikers on the Old Barlow Road.




Joan and Elmer getting ready to enter the tunnel

Joan made it through the tunnel




A couple of happy hikers



We saw an old mine

Maybe some lucky miner found lots of gold here



This hike was a wonderful opportunity to have some fun and
at the same time learn some fascinating Oregon History



We saw many interesting flowers

It is interesting to note that many of the flowers we saw lacked chlorophyll.
These plants obtain their nutrients from other plants or fungi that are attached to their roots.
At this time of year (when it is dry) these plants can thrive whereas others can not. The reason these plants can survive when it is dry is that they are attached to deep rooted trees which obtain water from deeper in the ground.



Allotropa virgata
Common name
Candystick

Candystick lacks chlorophyll and thus it must obtain nutrients through a mycorrhizal (fungal) association.

Matsutake mushroom mycelium are reported as the mycorrhizal associate. Thus where you find this plant you may well find Matsutake mushrooms.
(see http://fieldguide.mt.gov/detail_PDMON01010.aspx)


The candy colored stem makes this plant easy to identify.



Monotropa hypopitys
Common names:
Pinesap, or
Dutchman’s Pipe

The US Forest website says:
"Pinesap is a rarely encountered wildflower"



We saw lots of them

This is another plant that lacks Chlorophyll and thus must obtain nutrients by a mycorrhizal association.



Pterospora
commonly known as pinedrops

The US Forest Service Web site states that: "Pterospora andromedea is listed as threatened in Michigan and endangered in New York, Vermont and Wisconsin."

However, it is not listed as threatened in Oregon.










Here is a Pinedrop a bit later in its life cycle


Corallorhiza
Common name
Coralroot orchid

This is a leafless plant that relies entirely upon a symbiotic relationship with the fungi on its coral-shaped roots for sustenance.

This is another plant that does not produce chlorophyll, and thus it does not depend on photosynthesis for energy. It gets its energy from the fungus on its roots.

Because of the dependence on specific fungus for energy this plant cannot be successfully cultivated.


Goodyera pubescens
Common Name:
Rattlesnake Plantain

Downy rattlesnake plantain has striking leaves marked with The Rattlesnake Plantain gets it name from the broad, rounded leaves, that have a network of silvery veins and a broad stripe down the center, resembling the skin of a snake. The leaves are somewhat similar to the leaves of the common lawn weed, plantain.

Interestingly, Rattlesnake-plantains are evergreen. The leaves generally last about four years.

The Downy rattlesnake plantain is listed as endangered in Florida and exploitably vulnerable in New York.


Lilium washingtonianum
Common Names:
Washington Lily or Cascade Lilly

The US Forest Website says:
"Washington lily is a very attractive and aromatic plant and a desirable addition to cultivated landscapes and gardens. Those interested in using Washington lily as an ornamental should only collect limited amounts of seed from native populations or purchase seed or mature plants from reputable seed suppliers or native plant nurseries. Collection of plants or bulbs from the wild is never appropriate and strongly discouraged".


Cornus canadensis
Common Name:
-- Bunchberry
--Creeping Dogwood
Makes red berries in the fall



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