Skies, blossom and monumental trees

We were in the north of Italy before the pandemic. Flowers were out in profusion on trees on the terraced hillsides.

The clean air and rainfall means epiphytes are common. There are some beautiful lichens on the trees.

This cut branch caught my eye:

And so did this stone outcrop. It was full of lichen and gave wonderful views of the little farmhouse we stayed in.

Out in the Garfagnana forest we saw wild Hellebores. It’s always odd to see what I think of as garden plants growing wild. Garfagnana means enchanted forest.

We drive past a sign saying ‘Monumental Trees’. Obviously we have to stop and take a look. We’re in a Chestnut forest.

These trees are magnificent. Monumental, even.

You could even say they are enchanted.

It’s time to head back as the deep blue sky is offset by the yellows and oranges of sunset.

I’m glad humans evolved with a strong sense of beauty.

At this moment, I’m feeling it.