Yesterday was the first day of autumn. It was also the first day Montreat has had in about a week without rain. The mountains were saturated and the sky still threatened rain but I went out anyway.In the mists that followed the rain, it seemed later than it was. The crickets had begun their nightly serenade, despite the fact that it was only 4:30. However, in this artificial twilight I ran across a rare treasure: a chestnut.
For those who don't know, the American Chestnut used to be prevalent in our area. In fact, some claim that a squirrel used to be able to travel from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic touching nothing but Chestnut branches. About a century ago a blight was introduced that devastated the population. Now, while their skeletal boles still dot the forest, it is very rare to run across a live chestnut tree.
Laying on the forest floor were several of the spiny husks that protect the actual chestnut. Amidst the litter of its brothers was a single green spiny sphere. I took my knife and gently cut into it, and there inside the husk was a flawless chestnut. Despite over a century of blight, there are still remnants of the species here in the sheltered valley of Montreat.
The Montreat Wilderness is more than just a series of trails and a few good views. It is a vibrant area that is a host to all kinds of wonders. Next time you are in the woods, slow down, and look at the world around you. All too often people dash up to the overlooks and ignore their surrounding. So slow down, drink in, and rediscover the Montreat Wilderness. around you.
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Jason Nanz comes to Montreat from Roanoke, VA. He is a 2006 graduate of Roanoke College, an Eagle Scout, long-time Montreat Ranger and a highly experienced outdoorsman.Jason can be reached at montreatwilderness@gmail.com
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