Another (better?) picture of Barger Lake from yesterday's ride. Sometimes there is so much beauty in the world one picture won't capture it all!

Found art on a rocky trail just outside of camp in Shawnee National Forest.

This face caught me by surprise as I rounded a bend in the trail. Spooky sight a week before Halloween.

Puffball patch.

Breeze ripples catch sun under blue sky on secluded lake in October. Wishing such beauty in your life for today.

Fall color comes to Hayes Creek in Shawnee National Forest, Illinois.

October version of Hayes Creek. Changing seasons unveil different shades of beauty each trip.

Be careful in the woods. You never know what kind of strange rock animal might be watching.

New to old, catching the evening sun or hiding in deep shade, mushrooms are the forest's blooms in October.

The rocks are alive in Shawnee National Forest.

Another beautiful day in the forest. October at its finest.

Favorite new plant name learned this year: Fish-on-a-fishing-pole grass.

Mushroom of the day. I've been inspired by so many fine photographers and mycologists here on Bluesky that I'm noticing mushrooms everywhere now. The world still holds wonders for those who will open their eyes and seek.

What's a day in the woods without spotting a new mushroom?

Clear, cool water of Lusk Creek reflects another lovely October day in Shawnee National Forest.

Leaves break up a perfect reflection of a perfect day.

What a difference a few days make this time of year. Trees changing to their fall colors and sharing leaves with Lusk Creek.

Ruffly rocks.

Ferns give perspective to the world.

A different shade of green in the forest.

October colors.

H.P.Lovecraft's inspiration?

Reflections of blue sky.

Open woods trail with blue sky peeking through.

Nature's colors shining bright.

Marker tree stands out more now that so many leaves have fallen from surrounding trees. Lets me know I'm on the correct path.

Life atop Hayes Canyon.

Shared my lunch spot with a local yesterday.

Tis the season of the witch. The woods are full of surprises.

Credit and thanks to Georgie girl for taking me on a wonderful ride yesterday under blue skies, 70F/21C, and to many of the more scenic spots in Shawnee National Forest.

Perfect reflection of a beautiful day for a walk or horse ride through Shawnee National Forest.

This must be peak mushroom season in Shawnee National Forest, southern Illinois. Yesterday all these beauties enticed me to jump off my horse for a closer look!

Real gold. 24K. And it's free to look at in our US public parks and forests.

Fall colors, with rock and ferns, under the purest of blue skies. Perfect day for a walk in the woods.

Shady bluff edge. Calming vibes.

My old friend, Bidens Aristosa, blooms on strongly in southern Illinois mid October.

The answer my friend is blowing in the wind. Hard to take pictures of such delicate beauties on a breezy day.

Chicks. Not big enough to be called full fledged Chicken of the Woods.

Lusk Creek lunch spot yesterday below Indian Kitchen. It was a beautiful hike 180 feet/55 meters down from horse tie lines. Going back up was slower, but I'm glad I did it. Saw 2 groups of hikers enjoying a perfect autumn day in Shawnee National Forest.

The most photographed berry in the forest. Just after I snapped a pic, hikers came through and did the same. A real standout.

Family portrait. Autumn forest floor.

Forest floor carpeted with leaves fallen early, bypassing color show this year and just going straight to opening up the trails to blue sky.

Magic happens here. Could be a witch's cauldron in the forest just waiting for Halloween or Samhain coming soon. Or maybe just a lovely creek in Shawnee National Forest on a lovely autumn day.

Winter is coming, but we will enjoy every bit of warmth and sunshine while we can. The back south facing deck is my favorite room in the house.

Red Green Blue. Pure colors of life. With cats.

Friendly morning visitor posed then flew up and landed right on top of my phone just after I took its picture. Phone ID'd first pic and confirmed w/second (in alt text). Growing up with ancient encyclopedias as only home reference sources, technology to research anything immediately is magic.

Deer duo at dawn.

Confidence. The Laila strut.

Inspiration from fellow Blueskyers led me to look up "photo painting". Found a free site and popped a quick pic from two days ago in. Nice. Pretty girl doing her favorite thing is now artistic.

Puffball popup, sunset shadows.