The trees know...

 

September, tomorrow!

 

Have another grape!

 

Almost Autumn in the wetlands--- and, yes, there is water under the various plants in the flat areas.

 

Once there was a farm...

 

A secret meeting?

 

Looking into the Mt. St. Helens Caldera. The clouds come and go.

 

Coldwater Peak is on the left, and that's Mt. Adams in the distance.

 

Have a grape!

 

Forest magic...

 

Just sitting in the sun...

 

The storm...

 

Getting ready...

 

A change in the air-- There's a hint of Fall along the Toutle River.

 

Sharing today with Mersad's Through My Lens

Coldwater Peak in the spotlight of the early evening sun. Minnie Peak, far left, is in the shadows.

 

A daisy and a fern--- That's a nice combination!

 

Cloudy, but no rain---

 

For 87 years the Weyerhaeuser Log Train climbed up and down the hills and crossed the rivers and creeks, moving logs, lumber, equipment, and people. But the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980, along with changing needs eventually led to the end of the log train--- It will be 10 years next march since the last train ran on these old rails. I miss seeing the log train.

 

Always the same, always different, this part of the wetlands walk is glowing in the early evening sunlight.

 

I don't care what it is, I just want to hear the stories it could tell...

 

I have no idea what all these little red berries are, but they are lovely to see in some of the corners of the forest. The birds and the critters don't eat them, so I'm not about to try one.

 New information:  Susan, a long-time hiker, tells me that these are huckleberries!  Not very tasty, but safe.  Thanks, Susan!

There's one of the biggest dogs I've ever seen keeping watch up ahead. Keep smiling...

 

This part of the wetlands is glorious as the summer colors anticipate the fall!

 

Chipper just came to say hello!

 

It's very quiet around this barn today...

 

And poof! The day is done.

 

And in the late afternoon light, there's a glow to Coldwater Ridge, with Minnie Peak standing proud in the background.

 

Morning light at Coldwater Lake. Johnston Ridge rises in the distance, with Mt. St. Helens beyond that.

 

Sharing today with Mersad's Through My Lens

Let's sit by this little pond for a while...

 

Deep in the woods, this beautiful fungus looks a lot like a bird bath. Wouldn't it be great if some craft person could make a trickling fountain that looked exactly like this!

 

Summer light in the forest...

 

Isn't it amazing! And I have no idea what this little flower in the woods is. I've never seen anything quite like it.

 Thanks to Helen and Antonia, we have the answer!  Prunella Vulgaris--- Heal All!