Winters in the Pacific Northwest can certainly be dismal and gloomy with all the rain we get. But on those days when the clouds part and rays of sunlight break through, the local parks can get quite crowded. Everyone seems to have the same idea…get outside! Being the nature lover that I am, I headed into the forests nearby to sop up all the green color and earthy smells. It was a very still day and quite mild, almost spring-like! Follow me along the trails as I stop to observe all around me, above and below, strange, twisting branches, species of fungi and lichen, and ferns taking root on bright, green moss covered trees.

All images property of Peggy A Thompson