Making Time to Stop and Smell Fungi
Editor’s Note: his article was originally published as part of the Mid Atlantic Ride Journal. Words and Photos by Becky Barkett.
A few years ago I was out riding alone, just getting my legs warmed up, when I noticed a yellow flower on the side of the trail (above). I stopped to take a look and, upon closer inspection, realized that it wasn’t a flower after all. Instead, it was a brightly colored mushroom.
I was so mesmerized and in awe at the uniqueness and beauty of the fungi, that I continued on my ride searching for more.
That one mushroom got me thinking about how many other different varieties were out in the woods. and wondered how many times I had ridden by and missed these wonderful little “plants.”
A few years ago I was out riding alone, just getting my legs warmed up, when I noticed a yellow flower on the side of the trail (above). I stopped to take a look and, upon closer inspection, realized that it wasn’t a flower after all. Instead, it was a brightly colored mushroom.
I was so mesmerized and in awe at the uniqueness and beauty of the fungi, that I continued on my ride searching for more.
That one mushroom got me thinking about how many other different varieties were out in the woods. and wondered how many times I had ridden by and missed these wonderful little “plants.”
Mushrooms often grow in partnership with other plants by attaching themselves to them
I’ve been amazed at the variety of mushrooms that have suddenly “emerged” before me along the trail now that I am paying attention. Now it’s like a scavenger hunt to find fungi that I haven’t seen before.
While I don’t always ride slowly enough to notice them, I still make it a point on some rides to “hunt” for them. Since making the time, I have seen dozens of different mushrooms in all kinds of colors, shapes and sizes along the various trail systems we all love to visit.
I’ve been amazed at the variety of mushrooms that have suddenly “emerged” before me along the trail now that I am paying attention. Now it’s like a scavenger hunt to find fungi that I haven’t seen before.
While I don’t always ride slowly enough to notice them, I still make it a point on some rides to “hunt” for them. Since making the time, I have seen dozens of different mushrooms in all kinds of colors, shapes and sizes along the various trail systems we all love to visit.
Making the time to search for fungi has really helped me appreciate all the forest has to offer, and they are yet another reason to cherish the natural beauty that surrounds us.
