Fall Colors Birch Lodge 2012

The nights have been dipping down into those low 40's and with some sun and day temps getting up into the 50's we have been able to see some color developing on the trees.

  I thought because of the dry summer we might not have much color this year.... but that is not so.









 (I know I already did the blog on mushrooms, but looking at the leaves on the woods trail to the beach I came across this too too perfect photo opportunity!)

 The trees may be a real treat this year if these early indications continue to develop.   I hope the rain will abate and give us a few weeks of real fall glory. 

 Every morning there is more color, and I think that by the end of September it should be beautiful.

  So those of you who are wondering when to come up and do the fall tour---Start making plans!

 The air is crisp so pack a jacket and some gloves, bring the camera, and come on up!

Fall Mushrooms at Birch Lodge or the Fungus Among Us

We have had quite a bit of rain in the last couple of weeks.  This seems to have given rise to an abundance of mushrooms and fungi this fall.

  I have broken out the mushroom field guide, but after reading about the many nuances of mushroom identification, I won't pretend to be able to identify them. 

I thought it would be interesting to figure out if any of these are edible.  Assuming that I did identify them properly, I found that mushrooms seem to fall into edible, non-edible, poisonous, poisonous to some people, and dubious categories. 

I also learned that the morel mushroom commonly consumed as a spring treat is poisonous to some people and it is urged to sample it carefully until you are sure your system will tolerate it.


 It is further recommended that it is to be eaten only in moderation and not consumed over long periods of time.     I think I will keep on picking my mushrooms at the market...I am sure Bill with breathe a sigh of relief here.











So, I will just enjoy their colors and variety.  There are mushrooms on trees, on stumps and through the woods and lawn.




 I seems no matter where you look there they are.  Some are quite pretty and flower like, others are not so pretty and look like....well you judge.....