Herriman Lake Trails
My girlfriend and her daughter were up to Crane Lake this weekend for a little hiking.
Whew, it was windy on Saturday, but we braved the high winds for a little afternoon hike on the Herriman Lake Trail. We were on guard for any “widow- makers” as we made our way through the woods. (widow-maker is a loggers term for a tree that’s fallen the wrong way, if you know what I mean)
Leatherleaf Flower
The Leatherleaf, Chamaedaphne calyculata, is in full bloom. The little white flowers hang down from the branches like little bells. The leaves of the Leatherleaf plants stay evergreen all winter. This plant is abundant in the bog.
Leatherleaf
Here’s another view of the delicate flower from below.
False Morel
These weird mushrooms are out now too. I think they’re False Morels, aka brain fungus or beefsteak morel. They aren’t edible.
Beaver Dam crossing
At one point you have to cross over a beaver pond by using the beaver’s dam. In high water, like it is this spring, prepare to get your feet wet! I would recommend wearing some good hiking boots that go up over your ankles or swampers if you got ’em. Some kind soul has left a few good walking sticks to aid in the crossing. We left them there for the next hiker.
