Two magical fall walks in a post-hurricane Matthew mycelium wonderland – October 6th and 7th, 2016
EXPLORING WITH JUDY
With Halloween in mind, Judy and Camille decided to trek up the hill and see what was going on with an abandoned shed.
HMMMM…
We weren’t sure what to make of the packing peanuts and chemistry magazines inside the well-ventilated shed.
Here are more photos of this irresistible ruin from a walk with Shane five years ago: November, 2011
CARL’S BENCH
Of course we had to stop and see that handsome beech, Carl.
SHROOMS
After days of rainy weather, the woods were full of mushrooms in every shape and color.
TURTLE ROCK AND THE BOWER
Camille walked out to the turtle rock on the northwest passage crossing over Stinking Creek. Later, we came across Trip, praying for god only knows what atop the Bower where he is deep into a remodeling job.
RIDE THE DRAGON
Judy found Lyle’s metal sculpture with the chain reins and tractor seat saddle irresistible and fed the dragon steed a branch of Autumn Olive.
TIGER AND A TURTLE
As if all that wasn’t fun enough, we were accompanied by Tami’s dog Tigger. We also saw a beautiful box turtle.
BUT WAIT
It gets better! The next thing we saw was this unusual sight on the hill overlooking Tami and Lyle’s house. We thought it was another crazy mushroom, but after research learned it’s a flower, although unlike other flowers it feeds on a specific fungus. Monotropa uniflora a.k.a. Ghost Plant, Indian Pipe, or Corpse Plant is known for its healing powers, especially regarding trauma and grief. The coincidence was uncanny.
GHOST PLANT
The next day Camille went out to look at the weird flower again with Haruka, Jason, and Doug.
WINKING TURTLE
Jason thought he’d seen this fella before. He recognized the damaged shell which gave it a jaunty appearance.
WET WORLD
Haruka and Doug dressed for this drippy day. We felt transported to another world with so much moss and mushrooms. It was like walking through a work of art.
EVERY SHROOM A MASTERPIECE
Nature is quite an artist. We were humbled by the range of color and form we saw in the woods on these two days.