treasures in our woods

The boys are finally old enough to walk in the woods without needing to be carried (as often). 

They love to go on nature walks, and look for 'treasure'. 

Yesterday we took a family walk and came upon some pretty interesting finds.

This skull was partially covered under leaves and vines, but was fully intact! 

It was a work of art. 

If it weren't potentially hazardous to our health, I would have wanted to bring it home. 

Instead we went on a second nature walk later in the afternoon WITH the camera. 

Lesson learned: Always bring camera on nature walks.

Particularly fascinating was the way the skull was "woven" together between the antlers.

 I wonder if that is to allow room for them to grow. 

I tried to get C to ride on the log like it was a deer-snake-horse, but he was apprehensive about getting too close to the skull. 

So I did.

And he just watched like I was nuts. 

Not sure why.

Then he proceeded to be the cutest camouflaged kid to ever live.

 Moving on, we came across what (living next-door to a nursing home) was not necessarily shocking, but definitely a puzzling surprise... and a bit creepy...

A vintage bedpan (as if that's a thing)

And some vintage glass bottles.

Lysol, Listerene, and some misc. ones. 

SO cool.

We think they were all used for target practice, probably back in the 60's or 70's, due to the vast amount (and type) of broken bottles that were strewn around that area. 

And we never get tired of studying the complex and unique designs that the vines make when they wrap themselves around, and sometimes incorporate themselves into, trees of all sizes. 

Among the other treasures we found were:

a pen

a golfball

a rubber ball with paw prints on it

a potato chip bag

more bones from deer

lots of deer excrement

a bracket fungus

a few beer cans by the road

some old clay pipes

our property marker

some great spots to build forts

And even though it's really cold and gray outside, it's the best and safest time to explore the woods.  Once spring comes, the deer ticks come with it. 

And that is one treasure we don't want to bring home.