May 7, 2019
Up and down and up and down we went, steadily making our way through the forest. Today’s weather marked the first day for shorts, so along with a t-shirt I hit the trail. I tied a long-sleeve around my waist just to be on the safe-side, knowing the unpredictability of Oregon and the cooler temperatures found along the creek. It felt great to have the sun against my skin, as we hiked beneath the canopy that shaded us from direct exposure. The warmth was welcoming as we trekked through the Douglas-fir, Western hemlock, and Sitka Spruce. The rays snuck their way between the tree’s branches, penetrating to sections of the understory and forming leafy patterns against the path as the wind pushed to and fro. This movement was mesmerizing, as the dapples of sunlight danced about. The trail embraced us with fresh greenery growing inches from our feet and heavily leafed boughs arching overhead. Thick and luscious leaf-branch-frond forming tunnels to pass through.
We stumbled upon a few new mushrooms pushing their way through the soil. I was surprised to find this as I was expecting the shift to summer would be unwelcoming for such moisture-loving organisms. I suppose the dense vegetation provides a helping hand in ensuring a damp and dark niche. Among this vegetation were ferns, and they housed thousands of fiddleheads- each stretching upward to the light. There were sword, bracken, and deer fern; all mixed together and growing in clusters throughout. I couldn’t help but touch the new growth- it was incredibly soft yet hearty at the same time. Just being near them evoked vibrancy and health- and I couldn’t help but smile each time I saw a tiny curled fern-tip, naturally symmetrical and packed full of life. Ferns were a staple ingredient of my childhood, along with moss- and the two of these combined not only spark memories but conjure images of whimsy.
The shelf-mushrooms grow haphazardly up the older trees, the spindle-legged spiders busily weave their webs, the black-armored ground beetles scurry across the soil, and the millipedes march by- not wanting to be bothered. Life is on display all around us. Itty-bitty bird’s nest cup fungus persists in the wooded detritus, nestled alongside the discarded needles, hemlock cones, and fallen leaves. The spittlebug nymphs adorn the huckleberry branches, at home in their self-formed bubbly froth. Pieces of a wasp nest lay alongside the trail, forgotten after falling from a weathered and abandoned home. An owl pellet is found- dropped from a great height beneath a perfect branch for such a denizen of the night. Delicate Pollen cones are scattered about, crumbling upon contact with yellow dust spilling forth. Beautiful Scouler’s corydalis was discovered only once along the trail- making the sighting even more special. It stood tall and obvious amongst the lower veg, it’s purple flowers radiantly glowing in a stream of light.
Everywhere we look there is something new to see, as spring brings with it abundance and strength. Tapping into all our senses; the smells, sounds, and tactile explorations are endless- within this spot, on this day. We are but two hikers- one gal and one pup- invigorated to adventure as we fulfil our love of nature. Thankful for this lovely outing we say farewell to the forest, knowing of course it won’t be our last. We return to this place time and time again as well as fellow forests near and far- to find peace and spark our inner fire of exploration and learning.
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