Columbus Day Hike

 In honor of Columbus Day, we went out to do some exploring.

It was re-exploring for most of us.  Everyone but D2 and I had climbed this trail before.  But with changing seasons, there is always something new to see.

I love the mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees in this forest.

 These trees look like they belong in a Dr. Seuss book,

 as does D2 with his moss-stache,

 

while I could see this stump in a tale from Grimm.

 This tells a scary story, too.

I'm glad I wasn't in the way when this tall tree splintered down the mountain.

 But all was peaceful when we visited.

 This stool should hold a good-sized toad.

These little fungi look like trumpets in a forest band.

 Moss covers boulders,

 and bigger boulders,

 while delicate vines decorate the banks of the trail.

 We didn't quite make it to the lake,

but there was plenty of water along the way.

On our way back down, the sun broke through the clouds.

I'm grateful for the trailblazers who made it possible for us to enjoy this beautiful day in such a beautiful place!