Sunday 7 October 2012

Seasonal Changes

O C T O B E R.
Where did the warm September sunshine go? It's getting colder. The furnace has had it's fall cleaning and maintenance and is already warming the house. And there's a frost warning tonight. Brrrr....
I took Tessa the mad DoodleDog for a gentle walk top speed romp through York Regional Forest, and even though it was a dull day, the fall colours were glowing.
I'm so lucky to be able to enjoy this beautiful public place and it's just a ten minute drive from my house. And Tessa's a lucky dog to get to go there with me! I hope she appreciates it.
There were quite a few walkers with their dogs out enjoying the brisk fall air. Most of the dogs were splashing in the pond. Of course, Tessa didn't want to be left out and she joined in the fun. That water must have been very cold but she didn't care! This pond is home to frogs, fish and turtles. The water is flowing all the time, and it freezes over in the winter.
 
I was just focusing the camera when a jogger suddenly appeared and made me jump.  He must have been hiding in the bushes!!!
I think I'll have to return to this tree with my camera on a sunnier day... the colour was stunning.
 And any amateur mycologists out there, who can ID this mushroom?
No, I didn't pick it, someone else picked it and discarded it. And no, I don't think I'll try it for dinner.... looks a bit dodgy.
Update: after "mushroom picking" through the internet, I think this might be a species of amanita, and definitely poisonous. Pictures here.

14 comments:

  1. I can just see myself tearing through that forest on my mountain bike scaring dog walkers witless.

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  2. Awww, this walk looks gorgeous. I love the colours at this time of year.

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  3. It is occurring apace now. Although still glorious here, I feel that we are past the peak already.

    %^$# this word verification. Third try coming up.

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  4. I love woods at this time of year. In fact I love woods most times of the year!

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  5. what a beautiful fall post. You are so lucky to be able to go to such a wonderful place in such a short drive...

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  6. What a BEAUTIFUL Park this is...! Your pictures are just lovely...And it is almost impossible to believe that FALL is upon you there---(We have had three digit days last week---a little cooler now, but...NOT Fall, by any means....!

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  7. Yes, we get red nubby mushrooms like that here at altitude and they are poisonous - long ago they were used as fly spray. Your leaves are gorgeous there on York. Lucky you to be close to those massive trees.

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  8. I think we needed to see a picture of your Doodle Tessa after the Pond romp....
    Our Grand-dogger is preggers for the 3rd and final time.
    After she gives birth the breeders relinquish all rights to her and Snickerdoodle is officially my Granddaughters dog.
    Beautiful Fall exploding all over your area.
    We are going to the mountains tomorrow. The Aspen are suppose to be doing their thing. Got to make sure the camera is charged and ready to go.
    Fantastic mushroom photo.

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  9. Lovely fall photos Shammickite. That last one under the leaves is specially nice - Dave

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  10. We're a bit behind you, Sham, in the changing of the leaves, but surely the next couple of weeks will catch up. This is my favorite time of the year, for all your reasons. I bet Tessa DOES know she's lucky! :)

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  11. Only 10 minutes away? What a great thing that is! Thanks for the beautiful pics. Good call on the shrooms. Be safe.

    I wonder if that jogger was a stray from our (Chicago) marathon. ;-)

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  12. Pity the *mushroom* is so beautiful and yet so poisonous.
    I love that leafy lane ....... it looks so inviting to walk along.
    Maggie X

    Nuts in May

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  13. I am absolutely green with envy at all your beautiful fall foliage! Even that mushroom is very cool. What a gorgeous walk and what a lucky dog.

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  14. Finally broke down and turned on the furnace for the first time this weekend!

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