Not the Mall

So.  Yesterday I wanted to get the heck out of the Willamette Valley.  I would have loved to spend the night somewhere completely different.  I wanted my train to break down, so I could just see what I could see.  But that didn't happen.  Instead I ended up wandering through the mall for too long and then I went to see the new Harry Potter flick.  Oh, I'm not complaining at all.  The movie was worth seeing and I had good company through the whole day making everything fun and amusing, so it wasn't a complete wash.  And the train did break down long enough to just let me breath.  There wasn't anything pressing to be done, no time line, well, except for making the movie on time but that wasn't a problem...at all.  It was good.

 But I did wake up today feeling the need to redeem myself, to myself.  I took a quick trip out to Baskett Slough.  Had me a little walk.  It was nice.  Chilly/cold.  Had to wear a hat to keep my ears warm.  It was sunny when I set out, but before I knew it, the fog had rolled in.

Here, I'm not sure if anyone cares who doesn't know their birds, but these are American Coots.  You'll have to click on the photo to get a better look.  I just love them.  For their actions and style and for their name.

Geese are coming in more and more.  Last time I went out there were so few, if you remember me mentioning that .  This time, there were many, but not as many as I've seen in the past.  I like the reflection in my side mirror.

 There were black-tailed deer all over the damn place today.  I took a ton of photos, but chose one that makes the deer blurry, but shows how close I was.  There's no zoom for this pic.  I could have given you all of the pictures, but really?  They're deer.

I think I might have a photo of Henry in this tree.  It's a good tree...carcass.

Mossy branches.  Licheny branches.  Make sure you click on these photos to get a larger picture.  You'll see better why I took them.

I like the feel of all the moss and lichen surrounding me.  And it grows so well here...so abundantly.  I think I still like Maine better for its moss, but only because the seasons are better there than they are here.  Still, both places are similar in many respects.

Look at how thick and lush that is.  Like little ferns.

And what is this?  I am guessing lichen.  It looks a hell of a lot like spanish moss, but it isn't.  It's not an independent entity from the branches.  It's  attached.  It's just out of control.  The growing season for this kind of stuff lends to crazy amounts of...growth.

All in all, a good start to the day.  A couple miles walking around at my own pace, which ain't slow, out there in the quiet, alone.  It was good.  It was nice.  I'd say, wish you were there, but that would have defeated the purpose, right?

Love to all and all to love,
Beth