As the PNW settles into Fall, one must go hiking if they have the time, between rain showers. The fungi and mushrooms are at their best, brightening up the evergreen forests, making up the short days and minimal sun as we wind down to the Winter Solstice in the coming months.
Fungi isn’t something I am good at ID’ing outside of a few ones, but I can admire them.
Wandering a wide path in Fort Casey State Park.
Tiny mushrooms were hiding in the grass.
A tree stump full of life.
If one slows down, they can see the world at their feet.
Snowberries.
The views were the Salish Sea and the Olympic Mountains across the water. The small white tuft is the paper mill, on Port Townsend Bay.
As I finished the trail, I saw more life: mushrooms, ferns, red huckleberry, moss, and more, all growing happily on an old stump.
Maybe it wasn’t wilderness, but does it need to be? Sometimes, you only need a bit of time to get a stroll in—fresh air and sights to relax your mind.
~Sarah