I missed the live event--actually didn't know about it until it was over--so just now viewing a day later. My thoughts, for what they're worth, on a couple of things discussed: Armadillos: They definitely have expanded northward in their range. The first ones I remember seeing were along I40 in Arkansas maybe 45 years ago. Then started seeing them in Southern Missouri and finally in Southern Illinois. Armadillos have low body temperatures, making them susceptible to leprosy, but also to cold weather. Their presence, to me, is pretty clear evidence of an overall warming climate. There are probably die-offs during particularly cold winters. Saw a dead one along I57, I'm thinking north of Rend Lake. Black bears: There sure seem to be more sightings in SI. It probably comes from increasing populations in the Ozarks leading to younger males having to go farther trying to establish a territory. The SNF has places that look like good bear habitat, but are they big enough and remote enough for a permanent population to become re-established at some point? Bears seem quite adapted to human presence in places like the GSMNP, but there are lots of really remote areas they can retreat to where people almost never go. The SNF is a patchwork with houses, farms, and roads scattered about. Bottom line, our bears will likely just be ones staying for a while as they pass through. Clingman's Dome: I didn't have any problems with breathing on the walk up to the observation deck, but I wasn't prepared for how cool it would be. Had a long sleeve shirt bought for me at the gift shop, but I got warmed up enough to take it off by the time I got to the top. Our hiking on the AT was for maybe 50 feet or so to pose in front of the sign. Mount Le Conte would be the hiking challenge at GSMNP. Don't know if I would be up to it. Snake Road to GOG in same day: Did a biology field trip in highschool to Snake Road, then back on the bus to GOG, then back home to Clay County.
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Promoting Shawnee is a good thing. I live in Dallas, SIU alum, and enjoy your videos. I'm living the dream through your dedication.
I appreciate that!
I missed the live event--actually didn't know about it until it was over--so just now viewing a day later.
My thoughts, for what they're worth, on a couple of things discussed:
Armadillos: They definitely have expanded northward in their range. The first ones I remember seeing were along I40 in Arkansas maybe 45 years ago. Then started seeing them in Southern Missouri and finally in Southern Illinois. Armadillos have low body temperatures, making them susceptible to leprosy, but also to cold weather. Their presence, to me, is pretty clear evidence of an overall warming climate. There are probably die-offs during particularly cold winters. Saw a dead one along I57, I'm thinking north of Rend Lake.
Black bears: There sure seem to be more sightings in SI. It probably comes from increasing populations in the Ozarks leading to younger males having to go farther trying to establish a territory. The SNF has places that look like good bear habitat, but are they big enough and remote enough for a permanent population to become re-established at some point? Bears seem quite adapted to human presence in places like the GSMNP, but there are lots of really remote areas they can retreat to where people almost never go. The SNF is a patchwork with houses, farms, and roads scattered about. Bottom line, our bears will likely just be ones staying for a while as they pass through.
Clingman's Dome: I didn't have any problems with breathing on the walk up to the observation deck, but I wasn't prepared for how cool it would be. Had a long sleeve shirt bought for me at the gift shop, but I got warmed up enough to take it off by the time I got to the top. Our hiking on the AT was for maybe 50 feet or so to pose in front of the sign. Mount Le Conte would be the hiking challenge at GSMNP. Don't know if I would be up to it.
Snake Road to GOG in same day: Did a biology field trip in highschool to Snake Road, then back on the bus to GOG, then back home to Clay County.
Thanks for the input. I’m gonna try to announce live shows sooner.
streamed an hour ago? How did I miss this?
I was editing and uploading...
You must have been in the zone!
@@HikingWithShawn The Twilight Zone. 🤣
I was editing my Halloween video. 🎃