A big hello to everyone on this sunny autumn Friday!  How would you like to join me for another walk through the forest?  This walk actually took place on Monday when it was a bit warmer than today.  But still, it’s autumn in the north, so don’t expect it to be too warm.  Dress warmly for this walk and you will be comfortable enough.  Most of the path is in the shade this time of year.  The sun has gotten quite low in the sky already, casting shadows across areas that would be sunny in the summer.

This first part of our walk is a bit wet, flooded really.  But we can still walk around it quite easily, just follow in behind me, or get wet feet.  Once past this area there is no more problems with water, though the ground is still very wet.  Look over there, on that dead tree.  It’s a black-backed woodpecker.  One of two 3 toed woodpeckers we have here. Most woodpeckers have 4 toes.  If you look close you can see the yellow spot on his head.  These woodpeckers have yellow instead of the normal red.  They are a more seldom seen woodpecker as well.  And to our right is a curious red squirrel keeping an eye on us.

Further down the path is one of those bright orange mushrooms.  They are quite large, this one is 4.5 inches (11cm) across.  They are always an odd shape and they last for a long time as well.  Now we come to a very steep part of the path, covered with rocks, which actually make it easier to walk.

  Then it levels out to a nice leaf covered path and usually there are a lot of mushrooms along here.  But the heavy rain on the weekend seems to have finished them off except for a few.  Here is a nice mushroom, white with bumps, 6 inches (15cm) tall and 4 inches (10cm) across.  That is a real beauty and the only one I have seen along here.

Now we get to another steep part of the path.  This part kind of winds it’s way down to the river and a perfect spot for a cup of coffee.  The path here is now covered with a fresh, and thick, layer of pine needles making it very soft and quiet for walking. 

Ah, here we are at the river.  Just look at that peaceful, calm scene before us.  If you have any worries or anxiety, they should just float gently away down the river.  You must agree that is totally beautiful.  And this is a good spot to sit for a while and enjoy our coffee. 

Well, we will stop part 1 there and pick it up next time.  There is just too much to enjoy for one post!  I hope you are all having a wonderful Friday and God bless!

Steve and Muffin

© 2019 Steve McLeod.