Red Mushroom in the Black Hills Forest

Took this shot on the way down from Harney Peak in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The forests in the area were beautiful. They were full of huge, tall, full, green pine trees, but the forest floor was often open and shady. These forests are often described as looking exactly like the magical forests described in JRR Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. I now definately understand why. The whole area felt quiet and old… just like an ancient mystical wood should feel.

There were lots of exciting and dangerous looking mushrooms around, but this is the only picture of the fungi that turned out in focus. I think I need a macro lense.