Tooley Pond Mountain, Part 2

We'd reached the summit of Tooley Pond Mountain (see yesterday's post) and it was lovely, although the scenic overlook was disappointing:

But the forest was wonderful, with mosses underfoot and Balsams and Spruces and ferns along the way:

I called the dogs and we began heading back down the trail toward our parked car:

It's easy to become so focused on finding spectacular scenic overlooks and crystal lakes that one forgets to appreciate the beauty of the forest. This hike reminded me to put my attention on the wild forest all about me and to be grateful for it:

It's been so dry that mushrooms have been scarce this year. But I did pass by this pale red one. I think it's the same species which is so often a more distinct red, but I think this one was on the decline:

I snapped a photo of happy dogs on the trail:

We passed a couple with their (leashed) dog heading up the mountain. I think they were taken aback by my unleashed dogs, but everyone (and all the dogs) was friendly:

Fergus looked small in the forest:

We crossed back over the bridge over the stream:

And through the ferny meadow:

I was focusing my attention on the beauty of the Adirondack forest and the experience of being in such a remote, wild place:

We arrived back at our parked car, a happy man and his happy dogs. But it was time for lunch and we were many miles from anywhere I could find a store. It had been a good morning up at the farm with three hikes already under my belt: