Chapter 3

The first quote that stood out to me was “The river, famous among kayakers and rafters, looked untouched-a white-water delight ripped to porcelain foam by the rapids and lined with tall tulip trees and maples.” (Weidensaul). This quote hit me in the heart when I read it because the author was talking about the Nantahala River and that is where I went White-water rafting for the first time with my family. That day was one of the most magical days of my life. The water was so crisp and clear; I was mesmerized by it. The white foam was my favorite part, hearing the sizzling sound as it settled back into the clear water. The nature around us was also remarkable, something you can only see in that area. I completely agree with the authors description in the sentence I quoted from the book.

http://pinterest.com/pin/422845852485348276

The second quote that stood out to me was “Like the red-cheeked salamander, it is restricted to this small corner of the Appalachians.” (Weidensaul). This sentence stood out to me just like any sentence that has to do with animals does for me, but more so than usual because salamanders hold a special place in my heart because when my sister moved out she let me get a salamander as a pet to keep at her house and I fell in love with the creature deeply. Though this was not the same type that the author speaks about in the book, I fully understand his excitement and fascination with salamanders. The most interesting thing I find is the uniqueness each different salamander has due to change in location on the planet.

http://www.californiaherps.com/noncal/misc/miscsalamanders/pages/p.jordani.html

The quote that really hit home for me in this chapter was “Gray squirrels, which have strong jaws and teeth, reduce a hickory shell to pieces, leaving edges scalloped with tooth marks.” (Weidensaul). The reason this one hit so close to home for me is because my sister and I rehab injured and abandoned baby squirrels with a local Florida wild life group. The way the author describes the way the shells look is so incredibly accurate. Although, we don’t get to see our squirrels shell nuts until they have had fur for a while it reminds me of such an amazing and unique talent they have.  One of the most incredible things to witness and think about is how all squirrels are wired to know how to eat and shell a substance as hard as a nut in a shell.

http://www.furrytalk.com/2010/10/15-adorable-baby-squirrels-cute-pictures/


Weidensaul, S. (2016). Mountains of the Heart: A Natural History of the Appalachians. Golden: Fulcrum Publishing.