Welcome back!
Just a quick update: I’m still in Copenhagen, still studying (working on projects, sitting exams…), enjoying the company of new friends, staying active, and still very much in awe of the beauty surrounding me. I do miss proper nature a bit though – the kind with expansive forests, high altitudes, and snow. But still – about 40 minutes away from where I live, there’s a slightly larger woodland area where, in October, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find some edible mushrooms. That’s exactly why, on a late October Saturday, I decided to head south of the city and visit this coastal forest, hoping to stumble across a porcini or two. Was I successful? Read on to find out. 😉
Before we get to the cycling part though, there’s something I simply have to share with you as a biologist – a scene I witnessed this autumn. Yes, you’re seeing jellyfish in the photos, but not just any kind – these are Lion’s mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata), whose bell can reach up to two and a half metres in diameter! The tentacles of the largest known individual stretched to 37 metres. They can weigh as much as 300 kilos. Such giants can pose a deadly threat to humans, while encounters with the smaller ones (like the ones in the pictures) are usually just mildly unpleasant.
The photos were taken from my room window, as two of them drifted into the canal below our apartment. Fascinating creatures, aren’t they?
But let’s get back to the trip…
I set off fairly early, following a route that winds almost entirely along the sea.
I had pictured a relaxed cycle ride with stunning views and warm autumn sun on my back.
Well… that’s not exactly how it turned out.
It just so happened that a local marathon was taking place along the very same route – runners were streaming past me in the opposite direction. They’d probably planned it so the wind was at their backs… while for me, it was, well… directly in my face. I felt like a hamster running on the spot.
So I made a few pit stops, during which I took some full-body portraits of coastal birds. Most of them you’ll probably recognise…
…except for this beauty:
It was my first time seeing this species – I believe it’s called the Eurasian wigeon.
And, of course, everything turned out exactly as it was meant to – after that surprise morning workout, I stopped at a little viewing hut and soaked up the sight of the wavy sea, and local families out for a pre-lunch stroll.
Just when I thought I’d seen the highlight of the trip, I climbed a small hill for a better view and was greeted by this:
A sort of coastal inlet, teeming with life.
M A G N I F I C E N T.
Just seconds after I’d taken those photos, the sun disappeared behind the clouds for the rest of the day. Once again, I’d gotten lucky!
But my actual goal was a walk through a mixed forest (broadleaf + coniferous trees). Once I arrived, I realised that the conifers weren’t spruces, but firs. Oops… maybe that’s why, after an hour of searching, I didn’t find a single edible mushroom I recognised. Guess I’ll have to try another forest next year…
Of course, I’d still gladly return – the sheer majesty of those oaks was a lovely surprise. One thing I found curious – they often concrete over the main forest paths here. On this side of the woods, there was another quirky detail: behind a line of shrubs to the right, a parallel dirt track ran alongside the main path, especially for horses. Locals love to take their horses for walks through the woods, along the beach, and across the nearby meadows.
Ah, these autumn colours. <3
For the ride back, I chose a different route – across the meadows, by the birch woods, where I even found one almost eaten but delicious mushroom.
On the way, I was also greeted by this gentleman:
A beautiful pheasant, slowly moving through the grass.
…And so, my little trip came to an end a few weeks ago. December is nearly here – my favourite time of the year. I’m already excited!
I’m doing my best to fulfil my small, daily wishes.
What about you?
Wishing you a wonderful day,
<3, Alenka