Kip’s Comments - May 28, 2026

I Believe There are Fungus Among Us And Stopped in My Tracks

Crazy or not, today I donned my bug shirt, face mask, and mesh gloves while carrying my Thermacell for a walk in the woods. I have no doubt that the Thermacell made the difference between misery and an unbearable outing.

I spent my time searching the ground for wildflowers and fungi. Most of the wildflowers were done blooming for the year, but the fungi were there for the studying, if you can find under the canopy of tall woodland vegetation.

My hike was fruitful when I found four fungi species. Some were more photogenic than others. Following is a sampling.

Scaly Ink Cap - Image 100954

Crown-tipped Coral - Image 100842

Golden Oysters - Image 100943

Dryad's Saddle - Image 100863

As I was wandering the woods I was stopped in my tracks when my path intersected the path of a sizable fox snake. I am not afraid of snakes, especially when I am looking for them. But to have one stretched out to measure in feet a person pays attention. This one not only held its ground, but shook its tail in the leaves/vegetation to make me think it was a rattlesnake. I knew it was non-venomous by the round pupils and lifted it off the trail with my walking stick. The snake is fine… I am fine.

Fox Snake - Image 1100277

Fox Snake - Image 1100286

Fox Snake - Image 1101302