An Autumn Walk

As it is autumn we're going for a walk in the forest today. I love forest walks during this time of year as there is so much to enjoy. The forest we're walking in today is called the forest of Rucphen, slightly more than half an hour's drive from my place. The weather is nice and sunny today so, if you're ready, let's go!
That path looks very inviting, so take my hand and let's explore all the treasures in this forest. Most trees here are oak as you can see here; oak leaves and little acorns too.
But there are a few other trees as well; chestnut trees. My pockets are always stuffed with chestnuts to take home with me for roasting. Roasted chestnuts are such a treat.
The trees are just starting to show their autumn colours, but most trees and shrubs are still mainly green.
Wild grasses abound, and look very pretty with the low angled light of the autumn sun shining through.

The autumn forest is such a treasure trove, we've already found acorns and chestnuts but there is much more to discover, like these little chaps that can be found all over the place.
Here's a close up of one of them. Fun little thingy don't you think, round as a little ball and such an attractive yellow colour too. Next to it are some pine cones as there are pine trees here too. I always take a big bag with me when I go to the forest and it's usually filled to overflowing by the time I return home. Pine cones and acorns are great for making autumn decorations, something that I enjoy doing. And if I find some edible chestnuts, well so much the better.
Right, I have enough acorns and pine cones now, let's continue our walk. Be careful though, as it has rained quite a bit last Saturday, it rained most of the day in fact.
It's really a good idea to keep your eyes peeled while taking this walk with me. Not only will it stop you from stepping right into that puddle of mud and water, but it will also help you to spot some of the treasures hidden here.
Like this little beauty here or that one over there. I like moss, it's so lovely and soft and green. And it's springy to the touch too.
Careful! Don't step on that toadstool over there. It's rather a rare one and so very pretty too; a bright red hat with lots of white dots and a pure white stem. It's a very popular toadstool in the Netherlands as it's so pretty. There's even a nursery rhyme about it in Dutch.
The forest of Rucphen has more surprises in store for us as there is also a lovely heath.

It's a pity the heather has almost finished flowering because in flower it looks spectacular as you well can imagine.
And there are little treasures tucked away here too. If you click to enlarge you get an even better view of all those little toadstools.
But even when the heath is not in flower, it is still a very beautiful place to be.
We haven't met any people so far but there are a few about.. See that lady over there? Whose hair is beautifully in keeping with this season, don't you think? All in red and gold, very autumn-y. Talk about colour coordination; some people think of everything, don't they?
copyright 2007: Y.E.W. Heuzen

When an early autumn walks the land and chills the breeze
and touches with her hand the summer trees,
perhaps you'll understand what memories I own.
Johnny Mercer, sang by Ella Fitzgerald, 'Early Autumn'