Tree huggers! (Keith Hammer photos)
Six Swan Rangers hiked hidden glades of western hemlock in Krause Basin on Saturday, November 22, 2014!
These off-trail gems offer everything from big old trees to tiny worlds of lichen and fungi!
A hemlock glade fades uphill into the mist!
A small, rotted stick nurses an entire miniature world of lichen and moss!
An old hemlock stump nurses two young hemolock trees!
Cauliflower mushroom lightly salted with graupel!
According to a Native American legend: A very long time ago, the Great Spirit visited the earth and walked in the forest. In his presence all living things bowed their heads in respect - everything except the proud and mighty hemlock. The Great Spirit noticed and said, “For placing yourself above everything else in my forest, you will bow your head forever.” The result of this foolish act can be seen today as western hemlock trees continue to bow their heads.
The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at the Echo Lake Cafe for breakfast at 8:30, leaving at 9:30 for a partial day outing in the northern Swan Mountains and foothills.
They carpool from the Swan River School parking lot next to the Cafe.
When hiking in bear country, remember to carry bear spray and avoid the 3-D's: dawn, dusk, and darkness.
Big game rifle season runs Oct 25 - Nov 30, so best to wear "hunter orange" while hiking!
Everyone is welcome!