Along the forest floor, deep in the caves of greens and browns, a smooth cherry red cap emerges. Wedge among the weathered, decaying dark wood is a member of the genus Russula (brittlegills), possibly a Russula emetics.

It was the scene I stumbled upon during a walk in the woods a few weeks ago. No one else around, just my wife and I to discover scenes like this as we hiked. I enjoy hiking for the views, from the mountains tops to the forests floor.

Lovell, Maine.