8. Fall in the northwoods of Wisconsin

The northwoods of Wisconsin, in October, near the border of Michigan - the upper peninsula. When I'm not some place else.... I'm here!

Walking down an old timber road with my son's golden. Doesn't get much better!









While there are not many flowers remaining, perhaps a few asters here and there, the forest itself performs its annual color show.














The aspens, birch, oaks and maples all present there fall coats for all to see. And, in contrast to the various greens of the evergreens, it is a fabulous show.
















While there might be a lack of pretty flowers, the northwood in the fall has its own "flowers".... fungi, or mushrooms. From tiny ones, (about 1/8th of in inch across) growing on a log....













to bright red,



















and yellow.











clustered together at the base of a dead tree
















here and there,


















to fairly large (about 3 inches across) and cupped, a dark brown in color.
















Delicate ones on long stems,












to white, cone-shaped ones.











Then, there are the shelf fungi. Those large bracket fungi you see growing on dead trees. Most are edible, but tend to be somewhat woody. But you want to be absolutely sure before you eat any mushroom. Some are deadly poisonous.











Growing on a fallen tree...

















in clusters, around a dead stump...












and, occasionally by themselves, and adorned with interesting patterns.