It has been so warm here in RI this December that the ferns are still looking mighty healthy on this boulder.

If you get in very close, you can see they are just a teeny bit brown – but still. It’s DECEMBER!

I am very fond of plants that grow on rocks, finding that tiny layer of soil and going for it. I have to respect that.

I also have a great fondness for mosses, especially when their soft green pillows are up against gnarly rock and lichen. And there’s a tree growing out of this one. Bonus.

We have walked by this huge (much bigger than it looks in the photo) rock face so many times. This time, we decided to climb it.

Before we knew it, we were sitting on top, enjoying the view, and the sun.

My dog, who might be part chamois, climbed to the stop in about 10 seconds and paused with us to take in the woods below.

Being a woman of northern climes, I am bummed that there isn’t any snow yet, but I am trying to make the best of it and enjoy the woods as I find them.  I will be taking a break from blogging for the next couple of weeks, but I will be back in January.

I hope you have a peaceful and relaxing holiday.