Back in October, J and I visited a couple of dear friends in Seattle for a few days. While on our trip, we drove into the North Cascades and hiked the Lake 22 trail in the Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest. This day was really one of the highlights of my year, and I'm still feeding off of the inspiration and beauty that we beheld in the Pacific Northwest. I know I say this a lot, but I really can't believe things like this exist. It's mind blowing, really! The hike up the mountain took about 3 times longer than the trek down, because of constant stops to observe and gawk (and photograph) about once every 20 feet or so. I know it's excessive, but when the opportunity arises you just need to take these things in, you know? Here is a sampling of the fungi I observed that day. This will be a two part post, since it's pretty photo heavy - and there's part two to look forward to next week! Can't wait to go back...