Li’l Burro in the Forest

Poor Li’l Burro, confined in Pilot Guy’s shed ever since the Ducati and I crossed state lines back in June. “Let me out!” he brayed today, hooves clattering on the shed walls.  He’s been a good boy. “Let’s go see what we can find to eat in the woods,” I said.

Look! Pilot Guy tucked lunch in our top box!  Isn’t he the best?



Nice find, Li’l Burro!  He knows good things wait for those courageous enough to venture off the pavement. 

Oyster mushrooms! (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Someone’s been here before, but there are plenty for everyone.   Let's broil these up with a bit of blue cheese, just like Mushroom Mentor Nate does.  X marks the spot!  We’ll come back for seconds when the conditions are right.

No, no, Li’l Burro! Not that one!

Scaly Chanterelles are not for eating! (Gomphus floccosus)

Some are just for looking!

Amanitas stay far away from the dinner plate.

We’ll double check our work on this one, but couldn’t Elfin Saddles be delicious with a bit of butter, wine, cream, and fresh pappardelle?

Fluted Black Elfin Saddles (Helvella lacunosa)

Who says there’s no autumn in Tucson?  It came a day ahead of schedule, even.

Li’l Burro nickered in my ear.  “What’s that you say?”   He wants a mushroom basket to carry upon his orange top box for Christmas.  And so he shall have it.

 

KamperBob, if you're reading this, I have to say, I can't help but borrow Half Pint's voice for Li'l Burro sometimes. It's just the one for our XTs.  Hope you're both well!

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Some notes on mushroom safety:

• You can’t just go around taste testing mushrooms. Do your homework, including but not limited to: lots of reading, looking at a lot of specimens in the wild, and getting an expert to confirm your identifications, at least until you get awfully good at it.
• Once you are comfortable identifying an edible species, perform a standard controlled edibility test to confirm that particular species agrees with you.
• I’ve noticed it would be awfully easy to get lost in the woods while hunting mushrooms.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.