Congaree Swamp, November  2004  (page 2)

I had the privilege to spend three days in Congaree National Park (formerly Congaree Swamp National Monument) with Ed Coyle, Jess Riddle, and Jason Childs. The weather was cold but reasonable and graciously mosquito-free! We revisited several known trees and hunted new areas. We found new height records and lost former champions. Much has changed in the swamp since my last visit, and the influence of hurricanes was more and more evident. Much of the area we traversed was pummeled, with very few large trees left.  However, the gems are to be found here and there, and we managed to locate a few. 

Will Blozan,  Nov 14-16, 2004  Full Trip Report

Congaree Swamp, November 2004 (page 1)

 

  gnarley_ones_a.jpg (43121 bytes)

The Gnarly Ones

 the_gnarly_ones.jpg (57661 bytes)

Gnarly ones with Jess Riddle.

jess_giants.jpg (51314 bytes)

 Jess Riddle and one of the giants.

jess_160_cherrybark_oak.jpg (55758 bytes)

 Jess Riddle and the 160' cherrybark oak.--The second tallest tree is of all things an oak! The incomparable cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda) is one of the fastest growing, widest and tallest trees in the east. Jess and Ed confirmed one to 160.2' tall, making it the 6th hardwood species to join the "160 Club", joining tuliptree, sycamore, pignut hickory, black locust, and white ash. - Will

mule_oak.jpg (63492 bytes)

 Mule oak.  likely a  (phellos x pagoda) hybrid.  11' 8", height ~130'

mule_oak_leaves.jpg (52300 bytes)

 Mule oak leaves.

munch_art_palmetto_leaf.jpg (34481 bytes)

 Munch art on a palmetto leaf.

bitternut_hickory.jpg (63417 bytes)

 Potential new SC record bitternut hickory.

swamp_scene.jpg (55927 bytes)

 Swamp scene.

swamp_stitch1.jpg (69672 bytes)

 Swamp stitch1.
the_leverett_holly.jpg (61643 bytes) The Leverett holly.
riddle_pine.jpg (62865 bytes) The utterly immense Riddle Pine!.  cbh 15' 7", height 167.8" Current National champion.
riddle_pine_sw.jpg (72169 bytes) Riddle Pine southwest view. Note 65' long limb over 6' in girth.