13 December

 Another dark morning in the Forest and Wetlands, with mist softening the immediate distance.




Initially, rain was promised, then materialised.  It's interesting to realise that despite dark days, there is abundant new growth in the Forest.  Fungi proliferates,


as does a wealth of biodiversity on snags. This is a very productive alder snag, with slender carbon antlers, moss, and a commodious spiderweb.  


Oregon beaked moss proliferates on the forest floor.


Recent winds have brought trees down.


Rain has nurtured the numerous small pools and streams within the forest.


It remains, if wet, unseasonably mild, and the garter snake that we found unusual last week was still keeping watch beside the path.


He's definitely slow-moving, but managed to make his way back into the salal.  

The water level in the Marsh continues to rise.


Small flocks of ducks gathered at the southeast end of the Marsh.  At the most distant point, very vocal mallards and buffleheads shared the open water.


Ringnecked ducks flapped and groomed at another point.



As I sat out on the dock, eating my cheese sandwich and enjoying my coffee, it began to rain, softly at first, then more heavily.


Even in rain, the Marsh retains its holiness.  There's a stillness, and even though dark, it's quietly accepting the rain's nurturance.  And even though it's dark, and wet, it remains hallowed.



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