This rainy summer has produced a bumper crop of mushrooms, that we will encounter on our hikes, the next several weeks.  While not consuming wild mushrooms, unless you’re absolutely sure of its identity, remains a very strong recommendation, the giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea) has a very unique appearance, and is considered to be a choice edible by many.  There is nothing else that looks like it.

Giant, is a good descriptive name.  They are roundish and can get up to a foot in diameter.  If you find one, at the right stage, its flesh can feed many people.  First, it must be white and firm, throughout.  If the inside flesh is not pure white and firm to the touch, it is no longer edible.  If you remove the outer layer, the inside flesh will also be clean.

There are many ways to enjoy your find.  One way, is to cut slices, about a half inch thick.  Dip the slice into an egg and milk mixture, and then into Italian bread crumbs.  Saute in butter until golden brown, serve, and enjoy.  You can also puree the flesh in a blender with a soup or sauce, before cooking, to give it a mushroom flavor.  Try it, and bring to a social, for your dish to pass.  Happy hunting.

On the last Sunday in January, 8 hardy souls braved the bone chilling weather to enjoy the winter wonderland in Swain.  Fresh snow was still clinging to the branches of the hemlock and hardwood trees.  The hikers divided into 2 even groups.  All hikers started on the main trail, that primarily followed an old railroad bed.

Then, the Rambo hikers, led by Duffy and Mark (in that order), scampered up the Robinson Loops, starting on the orange trail. During the climb up the central gully, the temperature continually rose resulting in the need to remove a layer of winter wear before the top.   At the second junction of the blue, they switched over and cross the open fields at the top of the hill. Temperatures of course dropped quickly in the open wind.  At the trail junction in the fields, the other climbers convinced Mark to check the map, avoiding a needless trip down the the wrong road and back.  A few more slips and slides down a rutted logging trail and the hikers returned to the main Finger Lakes trail..  Returning to the lot by the main trail, they completed a vigorous 4-5 mile workout.

The more leisurely hikers enjoyed a stroll down the mostly flat main trail (except for a fairly steep stream crossing) up the junction of the blue, and back, for a total close to 3 miles.  After the hike, we got to warm up and enjoyed fellowship and fine fare in the back room of the Sierra Inn, reviewing this hike, and looking forward to some great future ones that Rick, and his hike leaders, have planned for us.