I Was Chasing The Sun…
Today was an unusually warm and bright November day, here in Devon.
I yearned to be in the woods, in the fields, in nature, in the sun but I had other things to do. Boring, uninspiring things but to be done nonetheless.
I made my way through them hopeful to catch the last bit of the afternoon’s golden rays, and finally, I was free to roam!
Just as the sun dipped below the hill…
I could still see it shining on distant peaks though and once again, I wished that I could teleport or, at least, fly.
But I only had my legs and it was likely to be a losing race… At least I could Try!
I tried to find the quickest way, braving the busy road with no provisions for pedestrians until finally it was within my reach!
Feeling triumphant, as I basked in the fragile light I gazed ahead, planning my next move.
I headed for a cemetery just ahead. I like cemeteries, I find them peaceful and interesting (and often good for foraging). I’m not so keen on churches, I find them cold, dark. Sometimes interesting, even beautiful but always with an air of oppression to me.
As I stepped inside, my gaze was drawn to a tombstone, glowing, as the falling sun bounced off the rusty memorial.
When I am foraging or Mushroom Hunting, I like to follow my senses; if I’m drawn to a particular tree, flower, or something else that catches my eye, I go there. Look closer. More often than not I find something wonderful! As though nature were guiding me…
So I approached the tombstone.
I took a moment just to look at it, tilted to one side, no visible scripture of a life remembered… and perhaps forgotten.
Then I looked down…
I was surrounded by Mushrooms!
A vibrant flash of red told me I’d found my first Scarlet Waxcap!
Encouraged, I headed for the hills!
Having suitably admired the impressive mushroom, I made my way around the tree and gazed (rather foolishly!) at the glinting sun peeping through the branches, and noticed something else…
This is enough,
I thought, as I stood basking in the late Autumn rays. Below me, home. Above, the lure of the woodland. Darkness on it’s way…
I continued climbing.
In The Woods
So, finally,
it came to be,
that here I was,
against all odds,
in the woods!
I stood and breathed it in and felt it. You know what I mean.
That magic… That Otherworldly-ness!
The Fungi Faeries peeped out at me. From Ferny caverns and mossy banks.
There wasn’t enough light for taking photographs, so I put my camera away and just walked. Gazing up at trees with awe and scanning the ground with casual hope. Happy!
I began the slow descent homewards, my eyes feasting on the remains of a glorious sunset, with a smile on my face, a spring in my step, one unidentified mushroom in my basket and a handful of photos on my camera…
I felt renewed. Invigorated, Peaceful, Happy, Hungry! Thankful.
This Post Has 2 Comments
That’s a beautiful story Liza. And great photos too.
Thank you Dave. 🙂