Kip’s Comments - October 11, 2026
Fayette County Wildflower Find and More
Yesterday Kristy and I explored in Fayette County after attending a memorial dedication for a friend. Our hike was enjoyable - warm temps, enough breeze to keep most bugs away, and plenty of autumn colors. Much to my surprise I found four stiff gentians in bloom. Until yesterday I had only seen stiff gentians blooming in wetlands or fens. Now I found them blooming in woodlands.
Stiff Gentian - Image 1162035
Stiff Gentian - Image 1162051
On our hike we found plenty of fungi and autumn scenes as seen below.
Aspen Leaf on Moss - Image 1161631
Chicken-of-the-Woods - Image 1161683
Common Puffball - Image 1161701
Autumn Leaf and Underside of Mushroom - Image 1161653
Crowded Parchment - Image 1161732
Grey Knight - Image 1161807
Autumn Maple Twigs - Image 1161673
Weeping Bolete - Image 1162099
Hiking at Echo Valley State Park - Image 1161842
Today was a less energy-intense day as I paddled my canoe and fished for crappies. I caught some fish, but all were too small to keep.
Crappie in Hand - Image 1162289
As you may have expected, I did have my camera along and shot other pics too.
Autumn Leaf on River Birch Log in River - Image 1162253
Autumn Virginia Creeper - Image 1162272
Yellow-rumped Warbler and Poison Ivy Berries - Image 1162391
