#hikingfinds

[missedmilemarkers]

[pennytristram]

Met this guy today. His right horn is covered in tiny white mushrooms.

I was tipped off to the location of this amazing ram’s skull via local mycology group and had to go out and find it to see it for myself and take photos. It’s up in Snowdonia National Park near Machynlleth, Wales, UK, where I live and really did take some getting to, but it was worth it as you can see!

The mushroom variety on the horn is ‘horn stalkball’ or Onygena Equina, which ONLY grows on decaying horns and hooves, as it requires keratin to grow. According to the National Biodiversity Atlas, there have been only 85 recorded sightings in the UK.

These images seem to have resonated with many people and understandably so as this is a powerfully symbolic find; full of the beauty and poetry of the dance between life and death.

All photos are by me except the mushroom close-ups which I have permission to share but the photographer has chosen not to be credited. If you share any of these photos please credit my Instagram @pennytristram and please contact me before using them for any commercial project.

Photo prints available here.

[theladysmith]

Happy Monday, friends. 🍂 I helped a new friend find his way off the roadway and into the grass because wee snakes should not be trying to cross the road by themselves. I come from a line of women who are utterly batshit terrified of snakes, so every time I encounter one on a hike I feel an instant rush of irrational fear, which I hate. I love snakes (and their symbolism) so to rewire this generational response, I’ve learned to choose to be curious instead of scared: I actually remind myself right then and there that curiosity is the cure. I don’t freak out over snakes anymore, there is just too much about them that is fascinating and beautiful. I do still freak out over centipedes tho. Baby steps. 🐍❤️ ... #snek #snakesofinstagram #dekaysbrownsnake #littleguy #newfriend #hikingfinds #oakville #ontario #snakesarecool #centipedesaretheworst (at Bronte Creek Provincial Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWCcxdbr2kI/?utm_medium=tumblr

[theladysmith]

Apart from my balancing my freelance work, retail work and demi-chipmunk discovery adventures this week (see my stories for that one...😬) I am very busy finishing up a bunch of new pieces in time for the @madefair.market online Autumn Market coming this Saturday! I just finished these aqua #chalcedony earrings a few minutes ago and I’m feeling proud: they are the first time I’ve made earrings with a wire catch on the back (so secure while mask-wearing!) These and a few other new pretties will be added to my shop in time for Saturday - I’ll tease a few more pix of new work in the next few days 😉 ... #demichipmunk #tinypants #aquachalcedony #hikingfinds #waterripple #ladysmith #comingsoon #sterlingsilverjewelry #actuallymadebyhand #oakvilleartist https://www.instagram.com/p/CFdQm9qHIpw/?igshid=1p5t4d7fyeiv8

[ladybean]

[davethenewfie]

Almost stepped on this little fella while hiking along the river. What's your story? #hikingfinds #hiking🌲 #statuette #elephant #riverside #canada🇨🇦 #springiscoming #ontario #meltingsnow #downbytheriver (at Rouge Valley) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Zi97Klc_S/?igshid=1q9mwhpg3qbkq

[a-disaster-piece]

#MondayMood...wanting to just curl up like this shongololo (Giant African Millipede)! 😴 #millipede #shongololo #hikingfinds #MillipedeMonday (at Rheenendal) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5S6IcHg2ci/?igshid=dc0j85pela6r

[arvon1]

A nice hike with #family #qualitytime #goodtime #hike #hikingfinds #hikingadventure #nature #skull #bones #circleoflife https://www.instagram.com/p/B2E7cyEgRWl/?igshid=12yl3ylrh78zt