Into the Damp

If you want to see the colors change in Southern California, you need to look closely. Our local hills are covered in moss, mushrooms and various fungi during the winter. After a good rain, the damp sets in and the forest comes alive. During a recent mountain bike ride, I grabbed my camera backpack in place of my usual hydration pack. I knew I would be in for a treat after a solid week of rain. My iPhone wouldn’t cut it. This area up Silverado Canyon into Maple Springs, is littered with bountiful colors, if you pay attention.

This stump looks like it could be a good 12-inches wide. Nope, it was barely an inch across. The intricate spiral shapes caught my eye.

How many colors can you spot?

I haven’t been able to spot what I call, “Natures Eyelash”, since this day.

My favorite image of the day. This bright yellow and orange mushroom lit up like a flashlight as I passed.

I was thoroughly impressed with my Fuji 35mm f/2 lens getting up close. It is not a macro lens in any way. However, I think it did a fine job showing its capabilities. These little yellow fungi soldiers were mere centimeters in size.

Fresh mountain lions tracks. Stay alert out there.

Camera: Fujifilm X-Pro2 with 35mm f/2 lens.