MISSION ACCOMPLISHED AT GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK

Our first trip to Grayson Highlands State Park near Mouth of Wilson, VA, ended when we were caught in heavy thunderstorms.  We got within sight of the wild ponies that reside on the hillsides there, but they moved for cover when the rains came.  We were determined to see these ponies up close before we left the Blue Ridge area. 


Paul stopped at the Rhododendron trailhead sign as we are about to climb towards the Wilburn Ridge.  You can see the trail begin its winding path upwards behind him.

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After hiking about a half mile, we could see the ponies grazing in a grassy field.  We were able to get very close to these wild ponies.
 

We found several baby ponies, probably about 3 months old.  These two always stayed side-by-side.  Could they be brothers or sisters?

Paul got close to this brown pony, who turned to take a look at him.  A storm was brewing as evidenced from the darkened sky and the blowing wind.  Notice the hood on Paul's windbreaker is blowing, as are the legs on his shorts.  Very breezy up on the mountain!

The ponies were very tame.  Here two adult ponies go wandering past Paul to see who else might be on the trail.

The most photogenic pony, with his cream-colored mane and dark brown body.

Is he posing in this photo?

Look how low the clouds are.  This part of the trail is about 5000 ft. above sea level.

Each year, usually the last weekend in September, the ponies are rounded up for a veterinary inspection.  After the inspection, sometimes as many as 50 ponies are auctioned off, with the proceeds used to help pay for the veterinary care of the remaining animals and to support the area's Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department.

We were surprised to find so many wildflowers still in bloom in September.  Here are some of our favorite flowers from this hike.

Sneezeweed,

Deptford Pink,

Joe Pye Weed,

Purple-stemmed Aster,

Stiff Gentian,

White Snakeroot (do not ingest, as it could kill you),

Wild Basil,

and lastly, Tall Goldenrod.

The rain held off and we were able to complete our hike without getting soaked.  Ann's ankle held up during this first real hike "ai" meaning after injury. 

This hike is one of the most memorable we have taken this summer.  The wild ponies were so accessible, letting us get within touching distance.  A sign at the beginning of the trail warned hikers that the ponies could bite or kick, but we didn't see any of this activity during the time we were admiring these beautiful animals.