Off Topic Discussions

[cpurpe91]

I started walking trails about two years ago and so far this summer has been amazing. I don't actively hunt mushrooms, but I had to take pictures of these. The best part was finding some that you can actually eat just growing right next to the trails. I do actually consult professionals before eating and handling the few types of mushrooms that I can identify. Many of the mushrooms that I have photographed are not safe to eat. Here are some of the most photogenic mushrooms I have found so far. 

Cooked Chicken of The WoodsChicken of The Woods

I don't know exactly what these other mushrooms are. Because of my lack of knowledge about these other mushrooms, I don't handle them.

How has your summer been? If anyone can actually identify these, that would be great. I have tried to identify a few, and I am not one hundred percent certain which are edible and which have adverse effects, so I just leave them. 

I am just happy that I could find the Chicken of The Woods and verify what type of mushroom it was. To my knowledge, they are the only mushrooms I have come across that are edible.

I can not stress this enough. If you find mushrooms and do not know if they are toxic, consult a professional. Do not try to handle or eat anything you find in the woods that you are not one hundred percent certain is safe to eat or handle.

[Axxemann]

You and my mom would get along smashingly... she loves taking photos of mushrooms.

[sheen45]

Hardly any Morrel mushrooms!

[Wally_AMD]

These photos are awesome @cpurpe91. I remember you telling us you enjoyed going for nature hikes/walks, and I was jealous! If you don't mind me asking, what part of the country are you in? (No need to share specific details!)

Also, how were those cooked "chicken of the woods"??

[cpurpe91]

The chicken of the woods were great. I actually prefer it over actual chicken, but I love nearly anything that is battered and fried. 

I live in the mid-west. Out here there is not much to do if you don't go to the local bars. I like to try to make my own fun, and I have always loved roaming around wooded areas. If I'm not driving around trying to get lost, or gaming on my PC, I enjoy being out in the woods. It helps to clear my mind and only focus on that moment.

It's really relaxing, if you don't count the time my sister stepped on a yellow jacket nest when she went off the trail, and had to sprint out of the woods. They chased her to the car and buzzed around it until we drove off. This is why I like to stay on the trail. I'm just glad she didn't upset some hornets. I will never forget how bad those things hurt. They bite and sting, and I just learned they have photographic memory. I don't wish that on anyone.