Lilac Way

[vaneramos]

This morning I hiked down a path that my daughters christened Lilac Way several years ago. It passes over a hillside totally overgrown with lilacs. I wanted to get a picture of them just coming into bloom, but the views are still unspectacular.

The wild apple blossoms, on the other hand, are at their peak. so I started to shoot. Then I noticed lichen crusted on the branches. These symbiotic organisms have always fascinated me, partly because of their importance in ecosystems, partly because of their understated beauty.



Here are a couple links. The first is an article I wrote several years ago. The second is a website devoted to lichens. If you like nature photography, please visit that site; you will be astounded.

Mysterious green crust on a blasted planet, by Van Waffle

Lichens of North America

The great thing about Lilac Way is it leads into countryside. Within a five minute walk from my apartment, I can leave the city limits and ramble through many acres of abandonned meadow along the Eramosa River. A rail line cuts through it. I took some more photos along the tracks that are worthy of posting in texture over the next couple days..

Comments

[ruralrob.livejournal.com]

Hey - today I learned alot not only about lichen (which was a subject I knew practically zero about before) but you too, because I just read your bio. Very interesting reads, both of them. I'm impressed.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Which bio did you see: the writer's profile on Suite101 or the personal bio on my website?

I hoped you like the stuff on lichens. They are one of my favourite obsessions.

[ruralrob.livejournal.com]

Suite 101, which I see is more complete - but I just looked at the other one and, read together, they are pretty complete. Nice work.

Methinks I should go and look at some lichens now. And moss. I like moss too.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Moss is awesome! Andokles had a wonderful moss image a few days ago.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I am a biologist. I try to keep abreast of things. :-)

[lotuspoet.livejournal.com]

thats a very beautiful picture!!!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

thank you!