I just hiked through part of the moss Rock nature preserve in Hoover this evening, and there are some really pretty stands of mountain laurel in full bloom. I would highly recommend hiking around this 250 acre or so preserve if you have never been. There is a sloping rock-glade with a stream and little waterfalls, and around the area is an intersting mix of plant life-- prickly pear cactus, lots of moss, and ferns. Its pretty. There are also boulders the size

of small houses with ferns and oak leaf hydrangeas growing on them. Except for the occasional loud teenagers who like to climb stuff and carry-on, its always a real nice peaceful walk. I have seen deer there before, probably displaced from all the development downhill around that Robert trent Jones golf course thing.

todd