A walk in the neighborhood

Oz and I went for a walk today, through the neighborhood and down by Providence Creek. There, we enjoyed looking at the exquisiteness of an Asclepias tuberosa aka Butterfly weed. The orange flowers on this plant are full of nectar that attract butterflies and Monarchs in their northward migration. And while we did not see any butterflies today, I was stunned to see the brightness of the orange color in the star shaped clusters. 

We followed the trail under canopies of pines and alders listening to the rippling creek as water tumbled over rocks and fallen branches. Then as soon as we entered the bog, just before the wooden bridge, permeating the area was a malodorous distinctive odor that I recognized immediately as a skunk. A light sprinkling of rain thickened the ‘bouquet’ the closer we got to the bridge.

And then, just below in the water, I spied the culprit: Lysichiton americanus aka Swamp Lantern (for it’s luminosity at night), and Skunk Cabbage (for it‘s smell). The unpleasant odor soon faded though, as the beauty of it’s large green shiny leaves, and yellow spathes filled my camera lens.

All in all this was a very pleasant walk.