We planned to spend this day hiking and enjoying all the sights but Mother Nature decided to send us rain. Like yesterday when we arrived, the clouds hung low and the air was thick with mist. We could not even see the glacier just behind where we were parked. Since we only had this one full day to see the area, we dressed for the weather and headed out.
All the streams here in the forest are very important to Salmon of all kinds. The Salmon come up the streams to spawn at different times during the summer depending on the type. There is a Fish Trail that has been developed that allows visitors to see the Salmon in the shallow, clear streams. Unfortunately, it would be another two weeks before any of the Salmon come into this area. Well no matter, we could still enjoy walking the trail and who knows what we might see. As we walked along, the colors and patterns of the plants and flowers began to catch my eye. I started to really look at these small things that are beautiful in their own right. I saw how the rain drops glisten on the leaves and flowers. Now, I am not a real photographer but perhaps you will enjoy my pictures anyway.
At the beginning of the trail, there was an area with placards explaining the life cycle of all the different types of Salmon. It will be another ten days before the Salmon arrive here in these streams. I bet that would be something to see. The trail wound beside this stream and crossed back over it many times. Overhead, the clouds hung low and the rains came and went.
I began to notice how the moss grew on the bare limbs of trees and bushes that overhung the stream. It was as if the moss formed a sleeve on the branches.
The ground was covered in many places with lichens. The texture and coloration was a perfect backdrop for these delicate, green plants. Simple yet complex in color and texture.
The raindrops formed delicate jewels on the leaves. If we brushed against them or the wind disturbed them, the water would cascade down the surface and pour into the thirsty ground below.
These tiny, yellow flowers grew beneath the bushes. Here, the rain had formed tiny droplets on the stalk of this plant. I wish I knew the names of them. So tiny, yet very hardy to survive in this environment.
These tiny berries were all around. They promise meals for the bears I suppose.
This plant had tiny cones. Their rust color stood out against the deep greens.
Here is the same plant. You can see the immature cones with some of the mature ones. They were everywhere. I wonder if they can be eaten by the bears?
Fireweed. This is a common plant seen all over Alaska. The plant flowers beginning at the bottom and gradually moving upward until the top has blossomed. The locals say once the top flowers, it means winter is just around the corner.
These tiny white clusters of flowers grew on bushes close to the ground. There were only a few of them and their stark, white flowers really stood out.
This tiny flower reminded us of Orchids. Jim had quite a collection of Orchids in Singapore so this little guy amazed us. Interestingly enough, Orchids grow in all kinds of environments even in the cold North where there is lots of snow. It looks so delicate but is actually quite hardy.
These tiny berries grew close the the ground beneath the protection of the trees and bushes. They look like tiny strawberries or raspberries. I asked what kind of berries they were and was told they were Salmon Berries. Hmmm, not sure I buy that one.
Scattered here and there were these plants. They look as if their leaves have already begun to change colors signaling that fall is not far away. But then again, perhaps this is how they grow.
These leaves really caught my eye. The perfect, tiny rain drop nestled in the center of the clusters looked like jewels. Even when the wind blew, the droplets did not fall but stayed firm in place. Amazing.
When I was a child, my Father would take me fishing on lazy summer days. We often would see turtles lined up on logs sunning themselves. The moss on this log evoked images of such turtles. You can see the reflection of other bushes in the still water.
Another variety of berry glowing among the bushes.
As the trail ended, we found ourselves standing before a lovely lake. It was so still that the water reflected the trees perfectly. A peaceful end to a lovely hike.
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