In The Greenbrier River

The Greenbrier is formed at Durbin in northern Pocahontas County by the confluence of the East Fork Greenbrier River and the West Fork Greenbrier River, both of which are short streams rising at elevations exceeding 3,600 feet (1,100 m) and flowing for their entire lengths in northern Pocahontas County. From Durbin the Greenbrier flows generally south-southwestwardly through Pocahontas, Greenbrier and Summers Counties, past the communities of Cass, Stony Bottom, Marlinton, Falling Spring, Ronceverte and Alderson to Hinton, where it flows into the New River. The Greenbrier is the only major undammed river in West Virginia.

All of this background is fine, but the true test of the river is from the Seebert campers. As the river flows only a few yards from the Schuda cabin, it is easy access to our family excursions. Grandma first trys out the bank area.

It was not long that Flora found the joy of wading in the clear waters.

Soon Flora shed her clothes and became immersed in the waters of the Greenbrier. Grandpa and Dad are checking out the area to assure Flora's safety. No sharks, jellyfish - everything should be OK. Note the waterwillows in the background. Waterwillow may form dense stands in shallow water areas along shorelines. It reduces erosion along shorelines and stream banks subjected to wave action and flow and provides habitat for fish and invertebrates.

Mom Rachael was the first to find fresh water mussels and these black snails.

Grandpa, still interested in the flora, discovered the Turk's Cap Lily in bloom. The Turk's Cap Lily is among the largest members of the Lily family, reaching heights of nearly 3'. Bright yellow and orange with reddish-brown spots, the Turk's Cap is a standout. Early Native Americans used its bulbs to make soup.

Here is a great closeup taken by Grandma. She is getting good at the art of photography.

These bright berries are of Morrow's honeysuckle.

Morrow’s honeysuckle is a native of eastern Asia and was first introduced into America in the late 1700s. It has been planted widely as an ornamental and for wildlife food and cover.