After the big January blizzards temperatures got up into the high 50sºF by February 3. South of Frostburg most of the foot or more of snow on the GAP had melted off but there were still some icy spots.
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GAP south of Frostburg
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The bridge over the GAP was once used by the Cumberland & Pennsylvania Railroad, now by the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
Despite the recent heavy snow a few hardy plants are appearing. Mullein, or witch’s broom, never really goes away in wintertime, but now a few new rosettes are appearing.
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| New rosette of mullein among older leaves |
Green greater celandine has also appeared.
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| Greater celandine |
Green leaves of dames rocket are also out. Dames Rocket is one of the most conspicuous wildflowers along the GAP in summertime.
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| Dames rocket leaves making an early appearance. According to Some Sources the young leaves are edible. |
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| Upper side of dames rocket leaves |
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| Underside of dames rocket leaves. Note the pronounced rib or petiole, one key to dames rocket identification at this early stage of its growth. |
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| Dames rocket in summer |
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Dames rocket in flower
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A few mushrooms are in evidence.
