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| Crustose lichen and moss |
We had a rainstorm from Thursday to Monday which dropped more than eight inches of rain…forgot to dump my rain gauge so I don’t have an accurate total. The rain was so very refreshing and brought a measure of relief to my dry yard. I know we still need more rain but it is nice to have a break now to enjoy the sparkling air, the warm sunshine, and the revived plants and bushes.
Sunday we took advantage of a small break in the rain to walk to the river, probably about a mile’s hike. The woods there are mostly oaks with a few pines and a couple of old madrones. Madrones have such wonderfully smooth red bark and perfectly leaf-shaped leaves. They are not common enough for me to pass by without taking note of just what a pretty tree they are. I didn’t stop to take a photo of a madrone this time but I promise to next time we are on this particular trail.
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| Cold gray winter day at the river |
The river was roaring down the canyon and we didn’t stay long to enjoy its beauty since we weren’t sure how long the rain was going to hold off. Besides, it was really cold…much colder than I expected and my fleece jacket really wasn’t enough.
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| Foliose lichen and bracket fungus |
We stopped along the trail coming back to inspect and appreciate the many colors and textures of the lichen on the tree trunks and rocks. Can I call the fungus beautiful too? It was.
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| Fruticose lichen |
We made it back to the car and home just in time for it to pour rain again. I am glad we didn’t miss the chance to experience the winter rain in this little woods…it was quiet, green, and refreshing.
Interested in studying moss and lichen more? You can click over to read a past Outdoor Hour Challenge:
#42 Moss and Lichen
Very beautiful!!
You’re right – it is beautiful! I heard someone tell a story once of how lichen is actually a combination of two other things – Anne Marie Algae and Fred Fungus, who took a “lichen” to one another. He provided the home and she did all the cooking (photosynthesis.) Sadly, it ended with their relationship “on the rocks.” Hee hee! Cutesy, but very memorable!
Most certainly you can call fungus beautiful! I so enjoyed your walk – your views. I agree that those in between rain shower times are wonderfully refreshing. 8 inches! Wow.
we have no milkweed in our neighborhood….