Living in a mossy paradise

During dogs walks around the neighborhood it's nearly impossible to not stop and ogle the moss.

Or the tiny undersea life forms.

Which are actually on a red lava rock very much above ground, although with the amount of rain we got last weekend perhaps they were confused.

Speaking of last weekend...after a seemingly nonstop day of rain on Saturday, Sunday was for the most part dry. Andrew and I took advantage of the warm temperatures (60F) and got out to do a little exploring. Our location of choice? Elk Rock Garden at the Bishop's Close.

And there was moss.

And the hamamelis were blooming.

And there was moss...

And oak galls!

The Willamette River.

Sky behind the branches? No, still the river.

The Garden allows dog visitors on leash, which is a nice thing.

Seconds before she was looking up over the side of the pond, trying to see what Andrew and I were looking at. I missed getting that shot.

This is what we were looking at...

I think there are baby newts in the making right there, let's give them some privacy.

Up until last weekend Portland was behind in monthly rainfall. You never could have guessed. Viburnum grandiflorum...

Garrya elliptica

Rhododendron sinogrande

Stewartia pseudocamellia

This particular hamamelis will always have a special place in my heart, it's the first one I could ever actually smell. (I first discovered it in February of 2013)