Unexpected

Baikie Island is a previously industrial, now reclaimed balloon of land, protruding into the Campbell River estuary. Only a narrow stream separates it from the mainland to the north, which is still home to heavy machinery: a clutter of rust, oil and mud, groaning chains, crumbling barrels, greasy weeds. At the tip of the island, the contrast is jarring; birds and bush behind, the calm waters of the estuary ahead, and to my left, a short stone's throw away, a rusty mass.

But when the light is just right, and if a moored barge has introduced a dash of colour, there is beauty to be found even there.

Barge, reflected.

Wonder and beauty

What do you call a collection of perfect shiny white balls, suitable for hanging on a Christmas tree?

A slime mold, of course!

White slime decorating moss "trees"

The name seems a bit off-putting.

These were cool and jelly-like to the touch. I didn't notice any odour.

Another mold, nearby. A different organism, or another stage of the same?

This one was a bit sticky on my fingers; I had to wipe them off on the grass.

I found several patches of another slime, a salmon-coloured mass, growing on what looked like old dog doings. And this one did look slimy, moldy, icky.

Not appetizing at all!

I didn't touch this one with my hands, because of the possibility of the base really being dog stuff, but I collected a small piece in a pill bottle, to see how it develops. It didn't do anything; just sits there slimily in its little container. But surprisingly, it has a pleasant, fruity smell, even after a couple of days.

And it reminded me of this xkcd comic:

From xkcd, cc.

So cute!