Where the Moss Grows

One of the best parts of hiking in the maritime forest

is seeing the various flora that make their home under the canopy of trees.

The acidic soil of the old Shire supports a number of different moss varieties,

which I find particularly beautiful.

Here's a steep bank covered in clumps of emerald green moss:

Here's some soft moss growing near a wonderful ancient tree

with gnarled roots:

We saw this plant and weren't at all sure what it was.

The bottom leaves at the base of the plant

lay flat against the earth, and there are tiny fringed seed heads

branching off from the end of tall, narrow stalks:

We didn't go too far along this trail because the morning was waning,

the mosquitoes were hungry, and the humidity was growing oppressive.

Tidewater Virginia is a hot and humid place in the summer.

A steamy haze generally hangs over everything.

In the winter, the humidity causes our weather to stay cool and damp.

But in autumn, well, autumn is when the skies turn clear blue and bright, 

and the sun remains strong to warm the days.

For those who are counting down till then--

it's only twelve more days.

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