Elbow Falls Trail

Occasionally, I come across a mushroom whose cap seems to shred and crack, as in the posted image. I don't know if it is a particular species that always does this, or whether various species can do this under certain conditions. Photographed (macro) these two at Maclean Pond, off Elbow Falls Trail, Kananaskis, on August 29th.

These small, native wildflowers are exquisite. The stamens are thrust out with the sepals bent back. Every now and then, I need to add a splash of a totally different colour in my photostream, so, even though I did post a similar photo ages ago, I thought this photo would do the trick, ha. Photographed at Maclean Pond, off Elbow Falls Trail, on June 10th. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodecatheon

Always a lovely combination, Fireweed with a backdrop of Aspen. This was taken in the forest near Maclean Pond, off Elbow Falls Trail, Kananaskis, on August 16th.

Found this very small fungus growing in the forest at Maclean Pond, off Elbow Falls Trail, on August 16th. It looked strange somehow - and not very photogenic, lol - and when I checked under the cap, I discovered that it had pores, not gills. I do have a photo looking right underneath, that I will try and remember to post sometime : ) Even though this macro photo was taken in August, which is supposedly the peak month here for fungi season, I think I only found two mushrooms that day. Other people from various places, have said similar things - that this has not been a good year for mushrooms. About 10 months to wait, but maybe next year will be doubly good : ) If anyone has any suggestions as to what this might be, I would appreciate it - thanks!

There were very few deciduous trees in this small area (along Cobble Flats road), but the colours just seemed to glow in contrast to the dark green of the evergreens. Unfortunately, we don't get the autumn reds in Alberta, just yellow and orange. Seen yesterday afternoon, when I drove out west of the city to Elbow Falls Trail, Kananaskis. The colours everywhere were gorgeous, but Mother Nature's fall-time magnificence is very short lived and will be over in a blink of the eye. Meanwhile, Jack Frost is itching to arrive and get to work on his incredible artwork.

I know so very little about mushrooms, and I think this is the first time I've really seen one with its veil still intact like this. I'm curious as to whether the pattern I see on the underside is just the pattern of the veil, or whether that pattern will remain instead of gills. Macro photo of this very small fungus taken at Maclean Pond, Kananaskis, on August 16th.

Horribly out of focus, like a previous image I posted of this Deer Fly, but I just love its eyes (and there is a bit of focus there). Photographed at Maclean Pond, Kananaskis, off Elbow Falls Trail. "Deer flies are a genus that belongs to the family commonly called horse-flies (Tabanidae). They are smaller than wasps, and they have coloured eyes and dark bands across their wings. While female deer flies feed on blood, males instead collect pollen. When feeding, females use knife-like mandibles and maxillae to make a cross-shaped incision and then lap up the blood. Their bite can be extremely painful, and allergic reaction from the saliva of the fly can result in further discomfort and health concerns. Pain and itch are the most common symptoms, but more significant allergic reactions can develop." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deer_fly

One of my favourite places to go to for an afternoon drive, Forgetmenot Pond is actually a man-made lake, at the far end of Elbow Falls Trail (Highway 66). Very roughly an hour's drive from home, all but about six minutes of it surrounded by beautiful scenery. Makes a very pleasant stroll on flat ground around the edge of the lake. The emerald water is so clear. Unfortunately, they close the winter gate across the road by Elbow Falls on December 1st, so you can't continue as far as this pond for about six months.

More often than not, I don't see any sign of Gray Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) when I drive west of the city to the beginning of the mountains, to Forgetmenot Pond, Kananaskis. However, I was lucky to have this one join me at my picnic table on October 13th, even though I had to part with some of my Granola Bar : ) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_Jay