Fungi Alert

 No, this isn't an athlete's foot alert; this is the real cool fungi that is everywhere here in the campground.  Fungus has always been fascinating to me, cause they are neither plant nor animal, but they grow a lot and fast.  They acquire their food by absorbing dissolved molecules, typically by secreting digestive enzymes into their environment - hence they are the great decomposers of the natural world. Fungi do not photosynthesize like plants, and growth is their means of mobility, except if they have spores.  

OK - enough science stuff, here's just some of what's out there on the campground floor.  

They are everywhere, and if one wants to pop up, then no matter what's in the way, it gets moved.  

This one looks fresh -- probably this afternoon's crop!

And then next to all the fungus are about 5 different varieties of mosses which are plants - very simple ones.

But that's not all there is. The forest is teaming with lovely little flowers that are so delicate you wonder how they survive.  

And the best for last.  The best my books can ID is the it's a Butterfly Pea.  Click here for more info.

It looked like an orchid to me, but is related to the pea family, and there's nothing prettier than a sweet pea blossom, but was fun to find this out in the forest today on our walk.  

We tried to do the North Rim, but our goal was to get some photos along the edge of the rim.  Apparently this part of the trail, is far in from the edge.  We'll try again tomorrow from the other end - at the Visitor's Center.  

A Quiet Place For The Summer

 I'm a little hesitant to describe or say too much about this spot because it's refreshing, but I'm not sure I want a lot of folks to know that. It's a little secret gem nestled in what they call the Ouachita Front Mountain Range. It's a state park with a lot going for it because most state parks are delightfully small, secluded, and usually nestled in very lovely surroundings. 

Ooooooo - that's tight!

As usual in a state park, it's hard to negotiate into the space for an RV.  We have a 5th wheel, which is purposely shorter to accommodate these state parks.  Set up is always work, but it is made easier by the shade of the campground's trees, although they did make it harder to get in.  Even though we plugged in the A/C the first day, we didn't need it.  It's a bit warm outside, but there's a good breeze, and it's not all that bad.  

The first day was reconnoitering around the area to see what's what.  Just off the paved path for the vehicles is a short path to the "Amphitheater," a lovely spot to watch the sunset or, some mornings, the sunrise.  I sat down and just enjoyed the mid-afternoon view. 

A good shot of the view from the Amphitheater.

Bruno says it's time to go home and time for dinner!

More coming.