We didn’t immerse ourselves in the rain forest last week when we went out west. Our loss. I am convinced that the rainforests of western Washington are where God invented the color green…and, probably, moss. It is a world carpeted in moss, muffled, softened, and damp – if not downright spongy.
This is the chimney of the massive fireplace at Lake Quinault Lodge. It, like so many other surfaces, grows abundant moss, and ferns anywhere they can gain a toehold. When I first saw the wooden carving that runs up the chimney I thought it was a totem pole. Then I discovered it was a rain gauge. It’s marked in feet. There is a plaque marked by a small red cross that notes record rainfall. It rests at about 15 and a quarter feet.
The beak of the bird on the gauge, by the way, is covered in moss.
I can’t think of or see moss without thinking of Elizabeth Gilbert’s (sp?) book, The Signature of All Things—one of my favorite books of 2014. After her insipid novel, Eat, Pray, Love, I didn’t expect to read a book of such high quality and interest from her, but read a review and loved the book. Your photos intrigue me and I love all the greenery. After my first trip to the state of Washington years ago, I told anyone who would listen about the gorgeous shades of green I saw there. Lucky you; if I were younger I would relocate. Enjoy your magnificent state!!
The textures of the moss stand out. Beautiful shots, Kay!
My back “lawn” is currently half moss and mushrooms.
Great shots, I like the weathervane.
I just love the mossy woods in Washington. So many interesting shapes and colors. That rain gauge is amazing – so much rain there.
That mossy roof reminds me of the utility shed’s roof back in West Hartford. I let the moss grown because I thought it had charm, and now I worry that it will be just one more negative to buyers when I finally get around to putting the house on the market.