After being cooped up in the cabin for too many days, wondering if my wood supply is enough to last out the wet spell, especially as the tin cover blew off the woodpile – I seize the chance to go for a walk in the forest as soon as a likely long fine break occurs.
I know I am bound to find something interesting or beautiful or both. My first stop is always where the dam overflow crosses the track and heads down the gully.
First treasure found: water sliding silver over rocks, moss glowing green and tiny plants as pretty as jewels.
Next I walk around the dam, squelching over the grass where the hidden spring higher up is running across the clearing. Few trees have seeded here, no doubt because the wallabies and kangaroos love this spot and graze here daily.
But at the base of the one large shade tree, I spot a bright splash of colour against the dark trunk, and head towards it.
Second treasure: a clump of fat fungi crowded together, orange to amber on top, flesh to salmon to brown below, upcurved bowls for catching leaves.
Light rain starts to fall and I hurry home, grateful for the brief outdoor time. And for the fact that here on my mountain I am always assured of finding at least one treasure.
I do have Greenhoods but not sure if they are on that rock; mostly on cut banks I find them. Will go back and check when I am there next.
Hi Sharyn
Your moss beds look to have rosettes of Greenhood Orchids growing in them.
Worth keeping an eye on them over the winter and early spring – to check for their pretty little (strange) hooded flowers.
The leaves are distinctive – they have a slightly grainy appearance, when examined up close.
Cheers
Denis
Still haven’t seen anything this year to equal the shock of the slime moulds, that led me to your web site Gaye!
Hi Sharyn,
ah, fungi and mosses! What wonderful treasures indeed. I have not seen a lot of fungi this season, and I envy your opportunity to find such delights as you go about your every-day life in your mountain environment. I never tire of viewing, or hearing about others’ finds.
Regards
Gaye
Wow! A pity I am away from home or I’d be out there with the torch tonight. Thanks for that Trevor.
These fungi look a lot like ones I saw on and near an ironbark stump at Bucketty. For about three nights they glowed in the dark. It was amazing. I wonder if these will too.
Regards.
Trev