The Pacific Northwest is being hammered by our first November windstorm, along with plenty of rain. Any weak leaves left on trees will, no doubt, be ripped off before all is said and done. Fortunately for me, I had the foresight to get out one last time to photograph the last of the autumn leaves the day before the storm. I had wanted to return to the beautiful Bloedel Reserve located on Bainbridge Island to view the autumn colors in the Japanese garden. The previous time I had visited, the Japanese Maple trees had not yet turned their flaming colors. I lucked out this time. They were gorgeously colored, but truly on the way out. It was cold within the forest area and the light was very dim and grey—not the best photographing conditions. Nevertheless, I was happy to have visited at this time. The following images were taken around the Japanese garden pond area.
I came across some interesting mushroom finds. Here is an orange species I found.
And then I came across an astonishing find of a huge cluster of mushrooms I had never come across before. These were found along the one of the forest paths in the reserve. Even one of the reserve volunteers exclaimed that she had never seen such an abundance of mushrooms before. I spent quite some time photographing them. Here’s a few images.
I took careful notice of all the flora in the forest that was undergoing changes: leaves and blooms decomposing, leaf color changes, mushrooms flourishing, etc. I took photos of all these botanicals in their natural state of being. I hope you enjoy their natural beauty as much as I did during my visit to the forest.
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© Peggy A Thompson
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Rather haunting colours for this time of year!
Yes! Now, I look forward to the spring colors of next year!
Nicely done.
Thank you Hanshi! I know that a few, short words from you indicate a strong approval. It is much appreciated!
Beautiful images! I’ve meant to visit our Shore Acres, but haven’t found the time yet. Your reserve looks far larger and has more varied specimens than our little park. The storm hasn’t reached us, but it does look threatening.
Stay warm and dry and safe!
Thanks! It was pretty rough here today. Power knocked out in places and a bridge closed in Seattle over Lake Washington. Some wind gusts to 60mph. Such is November!
An outstandingly beautiful place, perfectly captured 😀
Thank you very much for your kind words!
Ingen problem! 😀
Peggy this collection is so lovely, some delightful compositions you found! I have not been there yet, someday! Glad you made it there.
Thanks Darlisa! You would love visiting this private reserve. A bit out of the way for you, but perhaps some day in the spring or fall when there is a lot of color.
not so far really, in the big picture. I lived in Port Townsend for 15 years, and need to get back up there to visit and take pics!
There are so many lovely images here – I can’t wait to get to the Bloedel. One of these days – and clearly the day you visited was a beautiful one, and you captured that well.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the photos. Yes, you must visit the reserve one of these days, perhaps in the spring, although anytime of year is a great time to walk through the forest. Just bundle up, since it is cold in there.