Orange False-dandelion / Agoseris aurantiaca

I was so happy to see my very first Orange False-dandelion during out brutal hike to Picklejar Lakes in Kananaskis on 6th August. This wildflower, Agoseris aurantiaca, is native and grows on grassland slopes, open woods and prairie. A member of the Aster family, Asteraceae. Flower heads are 2-3 cm across, with no disc flowers, but many ray florets Blooms June-August.

Spent the day out in the forest at West Bragg Creek, with three friends whose main interest is LIchens. I know practically nothing about Lichens, but do enjoy trying (and occasionally succeeding!) to photograph them, and I'm hoping that very gradually I will pick up (and maybe even retain!) some information about them. It gave me a great opportunity to search for fungi. Quite a few about, many not really photogenic enough for shots. Light was really bad and we got caught in the rain and accompanying thunderstorm for the return half of the day's walk. I was absolutely soaked through to the skin - every single piece of clothing was drenched, and it was kind of cold, actually. Not going to complain about the weather, though, as I prefer cool to really hot - and rain makes the mushrooms grow. Got a few odds and ends worth posting, so what more could I ask? Thanks to my knowledgeable friends for pointing out so many neat little things : )