Extraordinary Funghi

 Yesterday, on a whim, I drove to one part of Mt Crawford forest at the southern end of South Australia's Barossa Valley. The forest contains several campsites and walking trails with terrain that was undulating, grassy and punctuated by huge rock formations here and there.  A number of brave campers had set up their tents (brrr!) and caravans in various locations, well spaced from one another. Upon leaving my car, it wasn't long before an astonishing number, and variety of funghi became obvious ....

Sizeable collections of funghi could be seen in every direction

This shot gives you some idea of the size - some were as large as dinner plates!

It was a pleasurable outing on a brisk but sunny early afternoon.

Frost & Funghi

Embracing the wonderfully cooler season of Winter on

Vancouver Island recently, the icy temperatures produced some

pretty scenes . . .

. . .  frosted bark

 and "spray painted" leaves

 

 I chose not to "take the pause that refreshes" on this bench!

and on another less icy day, observed some fascinating funghi

during a walk in the woods

Not posting to any particular themed blog today.

Happy and safe weekend to all.

Comox Lake

One adventure during my recent visit to Vancouver Island

was a drive to Comox Lake

.... and on that particular day, there was little wind and reflections were in abundance

. . . while on the lake's shore, in this particular inlet, was an

extraordinary collection of fallen trees and very old, bleached roots

- the variety of shapes sent one's imagination into overdrive!

  

The one below resembled a calf's head

  

. . . while this one looked to me like flames leaping skyward from a campfire

 

and yet another unusual sight - artistically growing funghi

It was a fun outing, for which some local couples generously

allowed me to join them. (Another example of spontaneous Canadian friendliness)

Linking up, with thanks, to James' Weekend Reflection

Happy, safe weekend all.

Bubbles

While out on a walk last month in Comox, I spotted these bubbles . . .

and here's the same shot treated with Picasa's Auto Contrast option . . .

 The snow and ice began to melt

 

. . .  and in nearby woods I saw this funghi on a tree wearing a crystal crown!

 



Joining in the fun at Macro Monday 2,

with thanks to Gemma for hosting.

Island beauty

This view was captured in the Brentwood Bay area of the southern part of the island

 

but, heading further north, the Campbell River marina came into view



 

and this colourful landing enticed would-be water taxi/tour customers 

Further inland I encountered the Campbell River en route to Elk River Falls

 

. . . and a couple of intrepid fishermen in the rejuvenated Campbell River Second Island

salmon spawning and rearing habitat

The riverside walk was delightful

Wait til you see what happened when I saw this guy on my way back to the car park ! ....

I loved the sound of those rushing, powerful waters

The beauty of the rainforest environment fills my senses every time!

. . . as promised, here's that fisherman proudly showing off his catch - which he subsequently released

 

Linking up with my fellow bloggers at

Skywatch Friday and

Weekend Reflection

(with grateful thanks to our hosts)