These woods were dark

 The woods south of Stone Mountain are always lovely and deep, but they are not always this dark. It was an overcast day in late summer. The canopy is dense.

As we entered the woods, it was as if we had entered a dark theater. It was hard to believe. I wished I had a light meter, just so I’d have an objective measurement.

We walked along, and our eyes adjusted. Then I saw a yellow flower on Oenothera biennis, which is called evening primrose because it blooms at dusk. Evening primrose has adapted to make use of nocturnal pollinators such as moths.

I understand almost nothing of how the failing light and falling temperatures at dusk trigger the sudden opening of the flowers.

But I realized that I did have a light meter, just not the usual kind.