What is more heavenly than a walk through the woods?

I set out on familiar pathways...one in particular being an old stage road that ran from Pyramid to Eagle Lake. It ius a trail now...one that is ever-changing and always fascinating. Feeling the spongy ground beneath my feet - the result of years of accumulated and composted pine needles, beech and birch leaves (among other trees and plant life) it is natures finest carpet.

This year, popping up everywhere are the mushrooms and various fungus. From yellow pipe-like ones to clumpy brown ones that almost look like scat of some sort the variety and color range seems infinite. From a huge mushroom half the size of my day pack down to the tiniest bright orange color caps that are such a striking contrast to the deep green mosses they spring out from. The knees on my jeans get wetter and dirtier as the trip goes along. I have to examine them from every angle, perhaps take a picture or ten.

This particular path is interesting in that it goes from pine forest to deciduous and back again - several times. You don't hear many birds back here but the paths are alive none the less. Some spots are wet - I always wear my hiking boots on the trails as low spots become mud holes. I stop, take a sip of water and watch the shafts of sunlight filter down to illuminate areas like a spotlight on a stage.

In walking back, I stop to consider some of the enormous boulders that sit just off the path. Silent, often lichen-covered, or sporting small habitats they are a living world unto themselves. How long have they been here? Where did they come from? Standing scattered in the woods like blocks left by a giant's child.

From giant trees to tiny fungus - it's a vanishing world worth protecting.

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