Clustered coral mushroom Ramaria botrytis
– L. Bridger

Unknown species…but so wonderfully delicate!
– L. Bridger

– L. Bridger

– L. Bridger

Sometimes you can find an assortment of fungi all in one small space.
– L. Bridger

This is a Fly Agaric Amanita muscaria. You can see from the page in the book that it may not look exactly like the photos depending on the age of the fungi.
– L. Bridger

Field guides are important. And experience even more so!
– L. Bridger

This photo demonstrates how similar mushrooms can look when in fact these are three different species.
– L. Bridger

Some of the assortment of fungi found during our foraging.
– L. Bridger

Lunch is served. A really tasty Parasol mushroom Macrolepiota procera from Izi’s backyard!
– L. Bridger

Mushroom trip
by Lynne Macdonald 22 October 2023

The mushroom excursion to the Duck Lake /Squirrel Crossing area was a well-attended and much appreciated outing, in perfect weather.  As promised, Izy Loveluck lead an exploration of “mushroomology”, sharing her extensive experience with identification, the related cautions, and some cooking tips.

We began by walking along a pre-scouted trail, with Izy pointing out species of interest, with a focus on edible species.  With eyes now attuned to the landscape, we set off in small groups or individually to scavenger hunt what we could come across.  We were instructed to respectfully gather only a sampling of any patch we encountered or to only take a photograph of anything that seemed especially unusual or was standing alone.

A dozen or so different mushrooms were readily found and brought back for group examination.  The method for identification of these group finds was demonstrated by Izy.  We saw examples of Pantha Cap (close relative of Death Cap), Coral, Lobster, Bolete family, Jelly Tooth, Witches Butter, Milky Cap and Russula.  Everyone received a “How to Look at a Mushroom” handout and a sheet to facilitate spore examination.  Recommended field guides were on display, with a list to be emailed to attendees.

A highlight of the trip was Izy’s simple sauté of a huge Parasol mushroom, in butter with salt and pepper, one she had picked yesterday from her property.  Samplings of the dish were shared and unanimously enjoyed.

Many thanks to Howard Bridger for coordinating the trip and providing the cookstove and, of course, to Izy Loveluck for sharing her vast store of fungi knowledge and her humour.

Getting ready for our adventure
– N. Pezel

Riverbend cave entrance
– N. Pezel

Going in
– N. Pezel

Touchable calcite in the sacraficial chamber
– N. Pezel

Different calcite textures
– C. Smith

Folds of calcite
– C. Smith

Stalactites
– C. Smith

This calcite formation looks like a waterfall
– C. Smith

Kat explaining what to expect during “lights out”
– C. Smith

The happy group after exploring the cave
– N. Pezel

Horne Lake Caves
by Nancy Pezel 23 September 2023

A rainy start to this trip did not deter the 10 adventurous members in their exploration of Riverbend Cave on Vancouver Island.  After gearing up with helmets and headlamps, our guide Kat took us on a 30 minute hike up a forested trail to the cave entrance.  At a number of stops along the way she pointed out and described the geological features that indicate the presence of karst (caves), including grikes, sink holes, dry stream beds, etc.  We also learned what defines a cave.

Once inside we walked and scrambled along the relatively gentle grade of an old dry stream surrounded by very impressive calcite deposits of varying shades of mostly white/cream with small amounts of brown and black. One of the first things we learned was not to touch the calcite formations, as they are easily damaged by the oils in our skin and turn a peanut butter brown and eventually black as they are damaged. Calcite is a “living” (growing) crystal formation, growing approximately 1 inch per 1000 years, so it takes an enormous amount of time for them to recover.  In the “Sacrifice Room” we were relieved to learn this room is sacrificial in that it is home to a large chunk of calcite that we were allowed to touch.  During our exploration of the cave, we paused for a short time to turn off our head lamps and experience what complete darkness felt like!  After that we walked back up to the cave entrance and back down to our vehicles on an alternate portion of the forested loop trail.

Thank you to our drivers Howard, Lois, Paul and Margaret.  Thanks to Barbara M for organizing this unique and interesting field trip.  And thank you to our very informative guide Kat for the wonderful experience.

Captain Jonas describing the day ahead
– U. Koleszar

seals lazing on the rocks
– U. Koleszar

enjoying a pleasant morning passage to Cortes Island
– U. Koleszar

by zodiac into the Hollyhock Learning Centre
– U. Koleszar

the Misty Isles moored off Cortes Island
– U. Koleszar

Captain Jonas and deckhand Tosh in the gardens
– U. Koleszar

the Aug. 27 group listening to guide Holly in the gardens
– U. Koleszar

new greens still being planted and harvested for the kitchen
– U. Koleszar

the gardens are very productive!
– U. Koleszar

the water is warm – really!
– U. Koleszar

departing Hollyhock and Cortes Island
– U. Koleszar

seabirds were plentiful on the rocks
– T. Koleszar

a pair of Humpbacks cruising by
– T. Koleszar

cruising past the Copeland Islands
– T. Koleszar

heading home on a smoky afternoon
– U. Koleszar

Even the whales waved goodbye!
– T. Koleszar

Orcas near Lund
– T. Hallam

Hollyhock Learning Centre
by Jennifer Martin 7 September 2023

This was the clubs’ second trip to Hollyhock Learning Centre on Cortes Island this year.  While late in the summer we had great weather both sunny and cool.   After some members grabbed breakfast at Nancy’s Bakery in Lund, we boarded the 43 ft Schooner Misty Isles and headed for the Southern tip of Cortes Island.  We cruised by Major, Twin & Hernando Islands and Captain Jonas told us about the rich history of this area dating back to Columbus, Captain Cook and George Vancouver.

After 1.5 hrs we arrived at the beach below Hollyhock and tied up to a buoy offshore.  First mate Nadia ferried us onto shore in the zodiac.  As soon as you step ashore you feel the serenity of this special place.   A short walk brings you to the Hollyhock Learning Centre, Restaurant & impressive garden given the remote location.   We dined barefoot on the deck and enjoyed a very healthy lunch of mostly vegetables (grown in the garden), kombucha, organic teas, homemade bread & dressings.

The head gardener Holly then gave us a tour of the 40 yr old diverse and productive garden while sharing some of their composting, soil amending and growing practices with us.   The garden is a lovely mix of densely planted vegetables surrounded by lots of beautiful perennials including some exotic ones that are all used as cut flowers for arrangements in the rooms and around the resort.
After a short swim off the boat, Jonas hoisted the main sail and we cruised past Bliss Landing through the narrow channel of the Copeland Islands.  Jonas pointed out the metal ‘dolphin’ pilings that log booms are tied up to wait out stormy weather.  Just north of Lund our return was delayed by a family of 4 Orcas and we were fortunate to observe them feeding from only 150 metres away.  It appeared they had caught a seal so there was lots of excitement as they put on quite a display.  These special moments are never planned for so it was the perfect ending to an already glorious day.