Albion I 2008 Recap

Many thanks to Douglas Smith for his many hours of photographing, identifying specimens and answering questions.

Edibles were found, but few in large quantities. Several species of boletes, Matsutake, Wine Agaricus made a number of people happy. FFSC members can login to view the complete species list below. Tidbits of Pigs Ears (Gomphus clavatus), Wine Agaricus (Agaricus subrutilescens), Beefsteak Fungus (Fistulinga hepatica), Hawk Wing (Sarcodon imbricatus) and Russula aeruginosa were sampled on Saturday night along with appetizers. My hands-down favorite was the R. aeruginosa. They have a well-rounded, nutty flavor, are firm without being crunchy, and they brown well.

Dinner included soup, salads and a variety of outstanding main dishes with wild mushrooms, and, of course, dessert. Candy Cap ice cream was definitely the topper for dessert.

The under-ten years-old crowd was well-represented and they seemed to be having a pretty good time. (See the fun pictures of the huge mushrooms they found, in the members-only section below!) The boys were certainly the most prolific Matustake hunters of the day!

Facility renovations to add baths and showers to all cabins are complete, and the result is a rather La-Di-Da camp and no more cold trips to the bathhouse. The big surprise was the presence of stemware — yes! — in the kitchen and wine bottles brazenly on display!

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and sign up for Albion II or the All California Clubs Foray. They’re filling up quickly, so don’t delay!

Debbie Johnson