Sporetaneous

The sunny perfect days of August have been a little less plentiful then in years past, and the days leading up to the first day of school are quickly being reduced to a handful. So when the prognosticators forecast a string of sunny days we at the Schoolhouse take quick notice and sometimes opted to bag the farming endeavors that have generated ample frustration in exchange for a day of fun family adventure.

This past Tuesday the Schoolhouse family headed off to Letchworth State Park for a little hiking. It was just too perfect. The sky was brilliant blue the temperature in the mid 70’s the breeze a mere wisp and the air clean and clear with the faint smell of pine. The hike began at the top of one of three magnificent water falls, the Upper Fall and continued down past the Middle Fall to a point some distance below the Lower Fall. The hike had vistas that inspired all and frightened some as a result of the very steep and significant drop to the waters of the river below. The flora, fauna and wildlife were varied and plentiful as were the fungi.

It all started by taking a single close-up photo of one unique looking member of the spore bearing syncytia clan. This initial discovery lead to the eager search for the next varied member of fungi and then another and then another until a couple of hours of hunt and seek in the lush mature well managed forest delivered a couple dozen totally varied and worthy subjects.

The young Schoolhouse farmers now have a project ahead of themselves identifying the species and relaying the data back to all. The trek continued and the mood was jovial as the troop of newly inspired fungi enthusiasts was ready to keep hiking and searching on and on and farther and farther oblivious of time or distance. The trip finally ended where it began and the grimy, thirsty, hungry, organic smelling, pack returned to the vehicle and eagerly planned the next “Sporetaneous” adventure between load gulps of water and handfuls of nuts. We all concurred that William Pryor Letchworth’s contribution to the park system was definitely worth several more trips!

Richard Malcom
The Schoolhouse Farmer