I took a delightful walk through the forest. These are the first few friends that greeted me. I did not expect to see much due to the persistent cold weather, and I was more surprised to find them growing right in the middle of the path. I would imagine that's the hardest place to survive due to all the traffic, both animal and human. Nature always finds a way though.
The next close encounter happened with a yellow jelly fungus. These look pretty neat. I usually see this on branches that are still attached to the tree (though dead). This specimen was on the ground amongst the leaf litter. It was sight for sore eyes after a long and unfruitful part of the expedition. Perhaps a different sort of expedition should be sent out to these parts...
The forest was unfamiliar to me. So many fallen trees that obscured passages or even blocked them entirely. I took a detour near the fallen mulberry, searching for a path that was hidden somewhere beneath the blanket of leaves. I almost ran my head straight into this branch with considerably large jelly fungi on it. It was the American Amber Jelly Fungus (Exidia crenata). A great find.
After that, I got my bearings and found the path. It lead me to the paved pathway and I followed that home. I will be back soon, come the arrival of certain spring ephemerals.
Until next time!