“…Of Lichen and Moss.”

Moss and lichen… How mundane is that?!? Well, most probably, as an adults, we have a tendency to consider them rather not meaningful, maybe even devoid of beauty worth stopping for? Many would rather fight their existence and have them disappear entirely! I personally would have to differ and, over time, have had great opportunities to even relish in their presence. Now that our friend @kus-knee has offered us another opening in the world of his Mundane Art Photo Contest, I offer you my submission to this new challenge and highly pleasurable opportunity.

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_{Photography by @eric-boucher, "...Of Lichen and Moss", Yoho Naitonal Park, Canada. 2016)}

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I still remember as a child how I would spend time laying on my back over large areas of moss, soaking in sunshine, forests scents and the harmonics of nature surrounding me. While turned on my belly, I’d be imagining the moss as forests of tiny evergreens in which a tiny world of giant insects lived among colourful bulbs, miniature flowers and leaves…

When it comes to lichen, one of the oldest living organisms on our planet, I can’t help but being fascinated by their designs, ancientness, colours and their indomitable resilience.

Since I am such a fan, I have had a few occasions to take photographs of them and find myself having a tough time choosing only one picture to post for this one. So many incredible options....

Here's a mix, quasi-perfect of 50% moss and 50% lichen, offering great diversity of colours, shapes and species... This photo was taken in the middle of the Canadian wilderness of Yoho National Park, two summers ago while having the best hiking trip of my life. Along the path leading me back to civilization, an ensemble of colours and shapes attracted my undivided attention among a forest of evergreens. While my trekking partner kept on going, I had to stop and took a few minutes contemplating the arrangements and aesthetics of this highly unusual complex of natural beauty.