Well, this week has definitely been a busy one, but in the best way. With only a couple of weeks left here, I’ve been enjoying every chance I get to go out and do something new. I was able to go see one of the Grow Wise gardens this week, and it is definitely looking good. It’s exciting to see a garden right after planting, then come back and visit when things are getting ripe. Sunflowers, tomatoes, okra, jalapenos, and carrots were all either ripe or well on their way. Since I’m mostly without a garden this year, it’s been good to see others, and maybe get a few ideas for what I would like to do next year. I also have the opportunity to do a presentation with the Grow Wise participants about backyard poultry tonight. While not the first poultry conversation I’ve had this summer, this is the first one that I’ve been able to prepare for, so I’m excited to see how it goes. Hopefully it won’t end up being boring…

I also spent a day on Pine Mountain this week working to determine a direction for a new section of trail. I saw some beautiful places while we were hiking, but I have to admit that after making my through as much rhododendron as we did, I like it a little less now. I came home hot and sore, but it easily ranks as one of my top three favorite days of the internship. I’m hoping that I have at least a couple more chances to do something of that nature before I have to leave. Either way, though, it has certainly been a memorable week, and one of my favorite this summer.

These are a few pictures from my garden visit this week. I was so happy to see some sunflowers!