While walking through the forest I came across these two beauties! They were detached when I found them so I decided to invite them for tea! I love to bring my mini tea set into the forest and enjoy a warm cup of tea while I ponder the happenings in the universe.
These are Russula xerampelina AKA shrimp mushroom.
They have light yellow, tan-ish underside with gills. The top side is a beautiful purple. The color of them can range from red to deep red, purple and brownish. I found these growing near Douglas firs. There spore print is yellowish. The flesh is thick and has a creamy-yellowish color that bruises when disturbed. The two I found had a purple-brown bruise on the lower part of the stem.
Here I am examining my find. The bag has my tea set and hot water thermos in it. Its a bit chilly so I am bundled up nicely. I decided to sit on a tree that had fallen over and set up my tea set.
I am brewing a Pu-erh. It is a ripe pu-erh that was aged in a bamboo scroll. I acquired the tea from O-5 Tea and Kombucha Bar in Vancouver, Canada. I have taken my tea set many places including the beach, forest, parties, and beyond. It is a great compact set that nests in itself.
I love to be silly and play in nature. These mushrooms were the perfect addition to my "Alice in Wonderland" style of being.
Drinking hot tea is a great way to stay warm. This tea felt like it was giving me a big hug.
Thanks for joining me for tea time! All of this content is original. I appreciate all the love and interactions I receive. Steemit community you are amazing!
To read part 1 of my Big Basin posts https://steemit.com/earthnation/@cassiopeia/big-basin-state-park-part-1
Part 2 has a large collection of mushroom photos https://steemit.com/earthnation/@cassiopeia/big-basin-redwoods-state-park-part-2-mushrooms
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