Oaks Bottom Nature Reserve

 The weather person said it would rain on Saturday, but for some reason I wanted to go in search of mushrooms. Having painted mushrooms recently and at this time of year I just knew there were mushrooms and lichens to be found. It had been many years since I had hiked through Oaks Bottom Nature Reserve right here in the city; so off I went. No, it wasn't raining, so I thought I would be fine.

At first I didn't think I would find any mushrooms, but as I watched more closely I found wonderful lichens and other fun surprises.What I thought we would see was birds, but only one bird was spotted. At the bottom of the hill was a train track and much to my "live-in gardener" and my surprise the train was coming down the track. There were waves of greeting to be had and then they had passed us by.

I felt like I had found the mother lode of mushrooms when I found this cluster just sitting under a tree.

                                                                      Aren't they beautiful?

                                 There were some individual mushrooms hiding under leaves too.

Beside searching for mushrooms and lichens I knew I would see a fairy or two, but alas there were none to be found. Next time I will go more quietly and maybe I will find them then.

And fun discoveries growing on the trees. By the end of the hike we were soaked, but I learned what to look for and where to look too. Even the rain couldn't deter me and I loved every moment of this adventure.

Walking at Oaks Bottom Nature Reserve was pure delight. Now I can't wait to go on a sunny day and maybe I will discover more birds or a frog at the tadpole pond.

                         What fun to escape to nature right in the middle of the city. I will be back for sure.