Forest gold

In September and October, the woods are full of people with baskets, torches and little trowels.

Because that is when you can find forest gold.

Hiding there under moss and in the dark damp secret places of the woods, if you look very carefully, you can uncover chanterelles and other delicious mushrooms.

(However, if you ask a Swede where to find great mushrooms, they will say, “Over there!” as they point to an area of forest the size of a small country. Their mushroom spots are guarded jealously and the location handed down from generation to generation.)

I took the anklebiters, the dog and an empty basket in the hopes of picking some of our own forest gold.

Chanterelles are very small and hard to find. You have to concentrate on the tiny details of the forest floor.

Soon the woods were ringing with excited cries, “I’ve found a house of mushrooms!”

“I’ve found a palace!” “I’ve found a whole family!”

“Have you found any yet, mama?” shouted the happy children.

“Well, I’ve found the last blueberry,” I said helpfully.

Soon, the basket was full of edible gold.

Dusk crept over the silent trees with the setting sun breaking free and shining gloriously for a few minutes.

I looked up – and discovered my very own forest gold.

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(Click the photos to enlarge.)