Tag: hiking

Pipsissewa:Chimaphila umbellata

On By Mike and Christy6 Comments

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Pipisissewa is a beautiful and distinct wildflower found on the forest floor not to mention a fun name to say. With its long stem and single umbrella shaped flower it is  hard to miss while hiking through the woods and native to much of cool temperate forest across the northern hemisphere. A member of the wintergreen family Pipsissewa has green leaves year-round, it receives a significant portion of its nutrition from fungi in the soil.

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Pipsissewa, as much fun to observe as it is to say and wonderful companion on any forested walk.

The big box

On By Mike and Christy18 Comments

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This summers bounty of Indian Paint Brush was like getting that big box of crayons you always wanted as a child. So many colors, so much fun to be had.

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And the best thing about getting the big box is that there are plenty of crayons to share.

Happy Friday and wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Harebells: Campanula rotundifolia L.

On By Mike and Christy9 Comments

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Harebells, or Bleubells if you prefer, have been a constant and happy companion of our hikes this summer. From sunny meadows to forested trails to hikes above tree line these flowers were always with us.

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Harebells were Plant of the week on the USDA website and the linked articles contains some interesting facts describing the plants, it habitats and propagation methods.

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A fairly ubiquitous flower yet one that really stands out.

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While crossing the stream bed

On By Mike and Christy6 Comments

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The summer sun has melted the snow up high reducing the flow in this streamed to no more than a trickle. Even so, this stream bed was a place where butterflies met perhaps to get a drink of water or maybe a taste of the minerals on the rocks lining the stream bed.

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While crossing the steam we took a long break to watch the butterflies do their thing. From Fritillaries, to Admirals and Skippers the stream bed was the place to be that day for butterflies and humans alike.

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Across open spaces

On By Mike and Christy19 Comments

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A day spent winding your way through open spaces is indeed a day well spent. From morning encounters with resting Elk to views of the mountains beyond.

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The mid-day sun shines bright but a gentle breeze blows to cool things down.

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As mid-day passes to afternoon the clouds begin to build and signal it’s time to go down.

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Wishing you a wonderful weekend and perhaps some time in your favorite space.