Forest fungi Foraging

Autumn 2007

Lets go for a walk in the woods today.

   One of lifes simple pleasures, yet so rewarding. For those of us who are fortunate enough to live in the vicinity of one of Europe’s largest forest complexes, this is a daily treat. Autumn is a period of preparation for the harsh winter ahead, the hazel nuts are ripe both for human and animal, the trees are at their best , showing a multitude of colours and shades. The reds intermingle with yellows and browns, leaves slowly dropping to the forest floor. Yet again nature manages to suprise us, while the trees and plants are slowly starting to rest after the growth of spring and summer, the ground below is heaving with activity, life is stirring, slowly little heads are popping out of the forest litter, brown, yellow,white , red. Rejoice for they have arrived, the mushrooms are here, time to retrieve the collectors knife and wicker basket. Each weekend , they head for the woods, cars parked in strange positions on forest tracks, bicycles left next to trees, some will stay there until spring, as a few people forget where they left them.

   They dry them ,pickle them, boil them and fry them. The moment one lifts that glass of vodka infront of the roaring fire and then has a bite to eat of smoked ham, ryebread and a pickled boletus (Porcini,cep) Ah ! It was worth spending all those hours in the woods getting up at five. Although it is highly unlikely , that vodka will appear from the forest litter, but we have our sources. Traditionaly dried mushrooms over the old wood fired kitchen stoves, the aroma will stir the depths of your soul, one or two in soup or stew. The intensity of the taste difficult to imagine, when the same mushroom was collected from a damp forest patch. Boletus, honey fungus, chanterelles just to name a few that can be found in the Puszcza Augustowska. For a few days become part of this age old tradition, local collectors will take you out and offer guidance on this very serious pursuit and beware of the wolves!

Itinerary

Forest Fungi Foraging short breaks

Arrive on friday, where you will be collected at the airport. Transported to Augustow.

Early start saturday morning , short trip to the woods . Refreshments will be served alfresco in the forest.Saturday afternoon, free to explore the town and in the evening a horse and cart ride to the forest for an evening barbecue with traditional polish food and of course refreshments.

Sunday morning , back into the woods. Lunch served at the foresters cottage and tales of wolves. Later in the afternoon a short visit to the Biebrza National park and the viewing tower on the red marshes.

Monday morning return to the airport.

Group size Two-Eight persons

Acommodation Local hotels or pensions in forests. Full board including bonfires and horse and cart rides.

This will be an introduction to Autumn in Polish forests. The mushrooms that you pick can be taken back. You will be treated with typical Polish food and drink anf of course a few suprises.

The price of thius trip is dependent on group size. If you do not have time on a weekend, we can also arrange this to whatever suits you. For further details , please do not hesistate to contact me