Читать книгу One Night Wilderness: Portland. Quick and Convenient Backcountry Getaways within Three Hours of the City онлайн

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BE CAREFUL WITH FUNGI: Mushrooms are a Northwest backcountry delicacy. Although our damp climate makes it possible to find mushrooms in any season, late August through November is usually best. Where and when the mushrooms can be found varies with elevation, precipitation, and other factors. Unfortunately, mushroom collecting has become a big and very competitive business in our region, and a few people have even been murdered in recent years in disputes over prize locations. Make sure any commercial collectors you meet are aware that you are only gathering a few mushrooms for personal use. Also make absolutely sure that you know your fungi. There are several poisonous species of mushrooms in our forests, and every year people become ill or even die when they make a mistake in identification.

BRING THE BEATER: Car break-ins and vandalism, sadly, are regular occurrences at trailheads. This is especially true at popular trailheads and is a particular problem for backpackers who leave their vehicles unattended overnight. Thus, hikers need to take reasonable precautions. Do not encourage the criminals by providing unnecessary temptation. Preferably, leave the new car at home and drive to the trailhead in an older, beat-up vehicle. Even more importantly, leave nothing of value inside, especially in plain sight. My car has been broken into three times over the years. The last two times all the thieves managed to take home were some ratty old tennis shoes, to which they were welcome. If all trailhead vehicles held only items of similar value, the criminals would soon give up and seek out more lucrative targets.