Fall colors, friends and mushrooms

Having just learned about this trail, I was determined to hike as much of the trail as I could in the next few weeks.

This is white baneberry or “doll’s eyes.” They were everywhere along the forest floor. I walked up the observation tower to take in the Kettle Moraine South region and learned all about kettles, moraines, kames and eskers. Also got in a bike ride on a well groomed trail

This giant puffball was one of many kinds of mushrooms that thrive in this forest.

I was introduced to so many new wildflowers. This is Yellow Toadflax or ” butter and eggs.”

Lots of bicycling options in the Northern unit of the Kettle Moraine forest. This gorgeous tree is near Long Lake.

This bike trail winds through the dense forest and then through the prairie and farm lands

The Kohler-Andrae State Park boasts marshlands and the crashing waves of the Lake Michigan shore. More chances to see new wildflowers along this boardwalk

This structure I have never seen before. It is a bat condo. It as built to provide shelter for the bats during the cold winter months !!!

On my way north, I stopped in the Kohler Arts Center. They have a small sculpture garden and several rotating exhibits.

Pat joined me at Potawatomi State Park for invigorating hikes along the Ice Age Trail. We actually hiked to the trail head.

I bored Pat along the way pointing out all the mushrooms on the forest floor and on the dead trees. This one is spectacular and the photo does not do it justice. It is called ” Lawyer’s Wig” but looks more like a delicate lace creation.

Ann joined us at Peninsula State Park for hikes and conversation and laughter

This tower looks out over Lake Michigan. There is a newly installed wooden pathway that makes the tower ADA accessible.

These massive rocks are part of the “Niagara Escarpment” Some of the oldest trees appear to grow out of the cracks in the rock.

We could not miss the opportunity to partake of the local fish boil at the White Gull Inn.

Newport State Park displayed the poems of local poets along the trail

And on our hikes, i could not resist pointing out more mushrooms. This is Tremella or one of the “jelly fungi”

Pat and Ann weathered a thunderstorm and we dined on delicious tamales. We had to indulge in a smore as the campfire was fading. There is nothing like spending time filled with laughter with good friends.