Nature’s multi-shaded red and gold rock sculptures appear to rise into the sky. My first visit to the Valley of Fire northeast of Las Vegas left me in awe of these sandstone formations that are over 150-180 million-year-old. I cannot imagine 150 million of anything, let alone years. I would later learn that their red color [...]
I was lucky to get to a trailhead at all today. The caved-in pavement of area roads is astounding. I’ve been thinking about Nature’s power, reflecting on the warnings issued over the course of my life that our conspicuous consumption is unsustainable. There are certain laws that humans cannot violate or ignore, like the Law [...]
The weather is perfect. Everywhere I step there’s a profusion of black trumpet mushrooms (Craterellus fallax). I carry a camp stove, cookware, my own dehydrated and foraged food – and Larabars, but nothing like butter or olive oil.
So I crushed a number of shagbark hickory nuts and the oils blended beautifully with the smoky flavor of the black trumpet.
Spring has sprung and with it, in addition to the hunt for wild edibles, I learned a few techniques for cooking mushrooms from fellow COMA member Damon Brunette and then enjoyed an amazing mycophagy. This was one of the last photos taken with my trusty five-year-old Canon camera. At this time of year I’m rarely [...]
I’ve spent the last week or so cleaning out my gear closet. I don’t need a dozen backpacks, several hammocks, or the gaiters that did not fit well. So I sold them and used some of those proceeds to purchase items that I really need. First, I purchased Katoola Microspikes. It’s like putting chains and [...]
Finally, a moment to catalog my various scat photos. Some seem obvious, but I’m still trying to figure out others. I’m going to upload the best of them and spend some time with my field guides before I commit myself. Any comments are welcome. My blue notebook is 5.5 inches (14 cm) long and 3.5 [...]
The official snowfall measurement for the blizzard that raged through this part of the Hudson Valley was 25 inches. That does not count the amazing snow drifts caused by the gale force winds. Since none of the hiker parking lots were cleared, I took my cross country skis to the Heritage Trail, the only trail [...]
Idiots with guns give hunters a bad name and they put others at risk.
The mark of a good naturalist is how carefully every detail is studied. In the world of mycology every detail matters.
Like my work? Help me finance my next outing.
