The Chanterelles are out! Finally! They are just starting here in the Kenosha area (for me, anyway....) And I filled up a bag in just about 15 minutes.
Of course, It took about an hour to get out of the woods, because "there is always one more" out there. And the temptation to harvest it is irresistible! So I had to take my glasses off and try to leave th woods blind so I would not gather any more.
Just kidding. About the glasses part. I DID have to march out without looking at the ground though. I knwo they are just starting because I was here just two days ago (I was in a different section yesterday...) And there was nothing! So all of these guys are only a day old. 
And judging from the size, I would say that is accurate. I started off being so excited about finding a field Bolete. And a small number of Russulas. I tossed them into my bag, thinking that may be the only thing I found.
But then I stumbled upon a gold mine! This tree must have a serious network around the roots, because you could clearly see the mushrooms popping up in a line radiating out from the tree base. So fun!
Most of them were under 2 inches, so there may still be a ways to go over the next few days. I will check back tomorrow and monday and hunt around in other areas.
I also found a small stash and variety of Russulas. They are so fragile... And when I put them in the bag with the Chanterelles, The Chanterelles crush them! But they are tasty. I cooked them up after I got home ( because they are the ones who will spoil first.) A wild Mushroom and Swiss burger!
For those fragile mushrooms, I miss my little basket. I think the fire claimed that as well. so I may have to head to Goodwill and see if I can find another one.
Upon finding that the Chanterelles are finally out, I pretty much texted everyone I know with pictures. I can only harvest so many since I no longer have a dehydrator. And those mushrooms are not going to last forever on the ground.
I also know that there is competition out there for these "Easy to Identify" mushrooms. I would rather fellow mushroom lovers would rather share the experience with people I know that "Hope" a random stranger finds them and knows what to do with them...
I'll keep this post short. Just an update on the Mushroom situation in Wisconsin. And I get to share the pictures! If you find yourself in the Petrified Springs anytime this weekend, take a talk in the woods and see if you can find any of these tasty, yellow beauties! They won't last long... even without any competition. And every second counts.
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