Vacation Day 8: Forest Foraging & A Not-So-Great Ending

I was feeling a bit down yesterday, so I went to the forest. I foraged for chanterelles and russules, and ate a few bilberries — enough to turn my mouth completely blue.

Saw a huge patch of ferns and a whole field of heather (Calluna vulgaris). I couldn’t resist taking a few stems home. Butterflies were fluttering everywhere, and the plants were full of busy bees. I slowly moved through the patch, careful not to disturb the scene — or get stung. 😊 The gentle hum was so peaceful.

When I got home, I cooked dinner. I love making birch boletes into what we call sēņu karbonādes — mushroom patties. I ate them straight from the frying pan… only half of them made it to dinner. 😅 And of course, with the chanterelles I had planned to make risotto, but I ended up making potatoes with a creamy chanterelle sauce instead.

At 9 PM I realised I had only 5.5K steps (including the forest walk), so I went for a walk with Jānis. I complained a lot — I was exhausted and didn’t feel good. Still, I finished the day with 10K steps… and a headache with chills. Something wasn’t right. I went to bed at midnight (earlier than usual for me).

Watched a Hallmark romantic movie — predictable as always, but somehow still so comforting 😊 Anyone else guilty of watching these? I watched Love and Sunshine. They all are the same…

Not sure what my plan is for today — still have a headache. I think my head only hurts when I move it, which means I probably have a stiff neck. It might be from the forest trip — I got sweaty, then jumped into the car and turned the air conditioning on full blast. Probably not the smartest idea.

Ilze


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20 thoughts on “Vacation Day 8: Forest Foraging & A Not-So-Great Ending

  1. Hello Ilze, 10,000 steps every day would be too much for me, they say 6,000 is good enough, I don’t know if that’s correct. With the gardening you do that is a good workout by it’s self. The mushrooms look lovely and the heather and wildflowers.

    1. Hello! I’m 42 and actually don’t do much gardening, so for me 10,000 steps is more like a minimum to feel active. I’ve also heard that 6,000 steps can be enough for some people, but I prefer to aim higher. Gardening is definitely a good workout though, so you’re right about that! Thanks, I’m glad you like the mushrooms and flowers. 😊

  2. I feel hugely envious that you have chanterelles, or for that matter, any mushrooms to pick in the wild – we may live in a wondrous country in Australia but there is but little to pick unless you have the wisdom of the Aborigines – they know the wild greens and berries many of which are poisonous. I am fully medically trained and am currently studying natural medicine at a number of universities in the US – Beliefs like BMI and 10,000 steps are very definitely not necessary and are but one of the physical ways to keep healthy, 3000 steps being quite sufficient . . .gardening in the fresh air and sunshine fulfil entirely different but even more necessary needs – look up Mayo Clinic in the US – pretty old-fashioned still but credible . , , and I am laughing at your ‘old age’ . , , my grandchildren are nearly that age . , , 🙂 !

    1. Oh, Australia must be amazing in its own way — though I understand the mushroom envy! 🍄 Here in Latvia, chanterelles are a true seasonal joy, and I can never resist picking them. I agree that gardening gives a completely different kind of health benefit — it’s both grounding and energizing. And yes, 10,000 steps is just my personal target; I know there’s more than one way to stay healthy. As for “old age” — well, I’ll take that as a compliment from someone with grandchildren nearly my age! 😊

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