On the Path --- May 12th, 2011

Just a few from my walk yesterday.

Horsetail goes back a 100 million years or so. Botanists tell us they used to grow 300 ft tall and 2 ft Dragon Flies that were around at the time rested in them. Here's a link if you're curious about the medicinal side or more info on Horsetail...http://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/

All this from a bud! And the entire tree (Norway Maple) from a tiny seed. When you think about it, it does boggle the mind.

There's a creek thru the woods on the path, a perfect spot for Marsh Marigolds. They like their feet wet as the saying goes. My plan was to get a few shots without getting my feet wet. My plan failed.

Algae in the creek-- pretty or ugly, depending on your point of view.

The Coltsfoot seed heads are whiter and fluffier than those of Dandelions. Next comes their larger-than-life leaves. Their blooming period is now pretty well over for another year.

Not something that would be of interest to all but when I see tree roots above ground it emphasizes to me how trees can adapt and cope. The tree would have to be better off if the roots were underground where they would absorb more nutrients.

An afterthought. This shot isn't from the path-- it was the other day at Lynde Shores CA. No dogs allowed-- this guy is the enforcer.