While I had intended on camping through Friday I ended up changing plans this morning. Between the weather starting to go south and just a general feeling of the moops I just packed everything up and came home one day early. Along the way I did manage to get a few decent shots even though I regret not going up to Monogram Lake. Overall it was a good trip and I did accomplish my first star trails photo.
What was kind of odd was not seeing much wildlife. I saw maybe two squirrels, no sign of anything larger than that. Lots of American robins. I'm fairly certain while waiting for the light to fade I saw some bats flying overhead. Other than that it was strangely devoid of animals. There was the one spot where I decided to go off trail and explore the creek beside my camp.
Just after taking this I noticed what was left of a bee/wasp nest. While looking around trying to find out where it came from I discovered I was standing on/near the nest. The bees (or wasps) didn't like this intrusion and let me know post haste. Luckily I escaped by running, jumping, and hurdling out of the forest back onto the road to camp while only getting stung 5 times.
Overall it was a good trip in spite of not really being close to anyplace to go hiking other than up Lookout Mountain. My next trip will definitely be to the ocean. I miss the ocean.
