Exploring the Woods

I love finding secret streams off the beaten path full of emerald gems of green, green moss.  Dappled sunlight streaming down, creates a magical fairy land forest.

 We stumbled upon this old iron - it was full of fire ants when we picked it up to inspect it.  It was promptly thrown down and left to be admired by others and to continue providing a retreat for said ants.

This swampy area is our favorite spot to forage cattails.  They are gathered in the spring when they are about the size of leeks - they look a lot like leeks too.  Just grab them around the base and pull gently.  Cut the tops off and peel the first layer of leaves off the plant.  What is left is a white, tubular shoot that is quite edible.  

It tastes like a mild cucumber and perhaps a little "foresty".  You can find out more here.  Oh, it's also important to remember to wear shoes that can get wet and muddy!

If you are lucky enough to live close to a forest, don't take it for granted.  I am so blessed to have these gifts of trees and land at my fingertips.