Next Hike

The next hike will be on Saturday, 7th November.

We meet at the Ballpark in Gillies Bay at 10:00am.

Last week we were expecting to be hiking in the rain again, at least that was in the forecast and we were well prepared, but it turned out to be dry and sunny instead.  We drove to the parking place near Second Lake we had used the week before and started off walking south along the gas line.  However, by taking the first turning on the right we were on a different trail system for the rest of the hike.  A short side trail gave newcomers a quick look at Third Lake and then back onto the old logging road again and heading south west past a wetland area.  This is a pleasant winding route through the forest that does eventually reach Thompson Road just below the high viewpoint of Thompson Bluffs, but for us it was far enough to stop for lunch on top of a forested ridge with a view to the north with Black Mountain in the far distance.

There seemed to be hardly any edible mushrooms left this time and my photo is of a cluster of mature Pufball fungus that were full of powdery dark brown spores that drifted away from the jagged gaps in the outer skin at the gentle tap of a boot.  These ones are much too old for eating, but when very fresh and still firm and pure white inside they can be safely gathered and cooked.  

JD.

A cluster of a type of Puffball, probably a species of the genus Lycoperdon.  Edible, but only when they are young.