27/09/2024 MushroomHunting

First time mushroom hunting, woke up at 5:40 in the morning, roaming around the mountain for 3hours+, exhausted but interesting to see so many different types of creatures in person! at Choc Mountains

TRAVELLING DIARY

8/18/20242 min read

Location

My Travel Summary:

During a recent visit to my boyfriend’s family, they took me on an early morning mushroom hunting trip. When the alarm went off, I was tempted to go back to sleep, but the plan was set, and there was no changing it. I was exhausted from the early flight and hadn’t slept well the night before, but despite my fatigue, it turned out to be a great experience.

Everyone else was surprisingly energetic, except me. I was thrilled when I found my first mushroom and encountered so many different creatures along the way. It was my first time mushroom hunting, and the excitement kept me going—at least for the first hour. After that, I was ready to head back, but the rest of the group insisted we go deeper into the woods to find more.

We ended up roaming for over three hours, filling two large baskets with mushrooms. Though it was tiring, the adventure paid off, and I enjoyed some delicious mushroom dishes afterward.

Tips for Mushroom Hunting

1. Footwear:
Wear shoes that are suitable for forest terrain. I used a pair of Hunter rain boots, which were sturdy and great for the forest, but they weren’t very comfortable for long walks. Choose something supportive yet comfortable for extended periods.

2. Best Time to Hunt:
Go early in the morning, especially after a rainy day. Many people go mushroom hunting in the morning, so if you wait until the afternoon, the best mushrooms may already be gone.

3. Where to Look:
I found that open grassy areas are often easier for finding mushrooms than forested areas. However, different environments yield different types of mushrooms. In grassy areas, mushrooms tend to hide under the grass, and if you find one, there are usually more nearby—so inspect the area carefully.

4. Poisonous Mushrooms:
Be cautious of mushrooms that look particularly beautiful or vibrant—they’re often poisonous.

5. Bring a Walking Stick:
Having a sturdy stick or branch to support you is helpful when navigating through uneven or difficult terrain.