Nobody wants to hear “Take a hike!”. But there is nothing wrong with taking one anyway. Even more if the hike is in a place where you can take plenty of pictures in the process.
So taking a hike for me is a matter of pleasure. And no, nobody made me do it.
This is one of those things that come on the moment. No particular preparation for a hike or anything. The only thing I need to do before going somewhere is take my hiking boots as I have no idea of the terrain I will encounter. I still remember a search for a specific orchid in Manitoba that left plenty of the group with ruined shoes from having to walk in a bog-like area, me included.
Colourful
To that, I said “Never again!” and got myself a pair of hiking boots that can resist anything I throw at them. One of their first trials was 45cm of sea water from an incoming wave I couldn’t avoid. It turned out that they were waterproof only from all sides except from the top.
Tiny bridge
Ever since, they have served me well for all kinds of terrain. The hike I was about to take was in an area that was lit in a “bizarre” way. None of the light was direct, all came through the leaves. Some of the trees looked as if they had just started to get leaves and were brilliant to say the least.
Flowing to bigger areas
Other places were a bit more muted like this river or stream in the above picture. A few steps further led to the lead picture of this post.
Mossy wall
Then it was time to go and walk some more. A small path though thick woods. That is the type of hike I like. I don’t really fancy the “off-road” kind. Little walls and streams are my favourites on those walks, although smaller subjects will not pass unappreciated.
Butterball mushroom
Small mushrooms get a crouching down from me, with the camera nearly on the ground for a more interesting view. This little mushroom apparently called Butterball couldn’t escape my lens.
Radiant False Death-cap
Another one, that had a greenish glow over it was a first for me. Apparently this is a “False Death-cap” as if I were going to try if it were a real one or not. I just photographed it and was on my way again. This one looked as if it were filled with old-fashioned radium like on clock hands from 50 years ago.
Keeping the feet dry
Boardwalks have a special place for me. Not only do they show that we are not supposed to be “walking” there as it is too wet, but they also allow us a glimpse into an area that otherwise would be inaccessible. Oh, and they also make for nice photographs…
Paddling through colour
Fall colours in a national park are really the best. I guess that is because there are not enough humans or cars to spoil the landscape?
Hiking through this unspoiled land is really a great pleasure. So next time someone tells me to “Take a hike!”, I will do so with pleasure. Even if I don’t need any encouragement to do so.
Until next time…