Well, this post marks the second gloomy weekend in a row, and the continued back-burnering of a growing list of sunny-day projects. Welcome to north-eastern Ontario’s monsoon season.

On the plus side, the mushrooms seem to be happy. I came across one particularly beautiful specimen growing on the forest floor, and another more stalwart variety atop an old pile of rotten timber and broken windows. At least something’s finding a use for it.

For something to do, I went looking for a decommissioned quarry that is supposedly not far from here. After a brief excursion, however, all I had found were a few wild apple trees. I’ll have to try and get directions next time. Along the way, I startled a grouse – who in turn startled me as it, in a clatter of wings, burst from beneath a pine only a few feet away.

Last week we stopped by the 5^th Annual Open House at nearby Limerick Forest. One thing I learned from this experience was that if you arrive late to a public barbecue, chances are you’ll get stuck with a veggie-burger. Despite the occasional downpours, the visit was as pleasant as usual. Many folks attended, to enjoy the various activities and horse-drawn wagon tours. It’s nice to see the forest bustle every now and then.