Mycology Exploring, Wild Mushroom Foraging, Snyder Trail, Chumash Painted Cave

The hidden world of fungi fascinates me. Wherever there are suitable substrates of almost any imaginable materials, they are there but often less noticeable. And when the growing conditions are favorable, the fruiting bodies can be found emerging in various colors and forms, such as vibrant lilac wood blewit, yellow chanterelle, bright orange sulfur shelf, black trumpet, bright red fly agaric, indigo milk cap, salmon apricot jelly.

On this trip, I am combining mycology field discovery, to document & photograph various new and fascinating species; foraging for wild choice edible such as cantharellus californicus, pleurotus ostreatus, agaricus bitorquis, clitocybe nuda, amanita calyptroderma, amanita velosa, boletus barrowsii, armillaria mellea, agaricus augustus; and searching for fungi with healing potential, such as hericium erinaceus and trametes versicolor.

On this exploring trip, I expect to find lots of amanita ocreata/ western destroying angel, and maybe some amanita phalloides/ death cap. These are some of the most deadly fungi to humans and animals. However, there is nothing to fear unless ingesting them. Photographing, touching, and smelling them are all fine. They are part of the ecosystem for millions of years, and exist in nature for their own reasons.

This is also an exploring and socializing hike in beautiful nature. I am taking the Snyder Trail through Los Padres National Forest, and on to visit Chumash Painted Cave.

If you are also fascinated by the amazing world of fungi, passionate about hiking & exploring in beautiful nature, committed to health, fitness & vitality, and meet the quality below by self assessment, you are welcome to submit your intent to join. 🙂

Trailhead: Snyder Trailhead

Distance & Climb: up to 12 mile, 3000’

Experience & Skill: uneven terrain hiking, forest exploring

Ability: assess and manage risks effectively, carry on meaningful conversation

Supply & Equipment: adequate hydration, food, headlamp and windbreaker as needed for potential night descent

Physical & Mental: healthy & fit for strenuous hiking & exploring adventure, mentally & emotionally sound

Personality & Character: authentic, sincere, down to earth, cheerful, cordial and pleasant to chat with, effective in communicating

Mindset: adventurous yet very safety conscious, self responsible & self accountable, intellectually curious, having sense of adventure, independent thinking, open-minded worldview, collaborative & can do attitude

Liability Waiver
By RSVPing and participating in this event, you acknowledge that outdoor adventures carry risks (injury, illness, accidents, etc.) and agree that you are solely responsible for your own safety, health, wellbeing, and belongings. The organizer(s) and co-hosts are not liable for any loss, damage, or injury. By joining, you agree to the fullterms and conditions.