Mushroom Hike

Kasey and Jimmie invited us to join them on a story guided hike sponsored by the Bella Vista Back 40 trails. Heck yes! These trails are a) amazing,  b) we had perfect hiking weather, and c) this particular hike was to educate us and help us identify the edible and non edible mushrooms growing on this beautiful trail system in our backyard. 

Bonus, my kids were so cute, the news interviewed them for an article promoting the trails.  Apparently, there are some whiny mc whinersons about the trails. I think the only problem with them is that Bella Vista is not capitalizing on this incredible attraction to our town. Perhaps if we actually had some yummy places to eat or cute shops, or a central hang out gathering place where our dilapidated and deserted movie theatre once was, consumers would stop and spend money IN Bella vista, and boost our commerce. Mountain bikers, hikers, runners, and families drive into Bentonville or Rogers to eat, because there’s nothing cozy or welcoming about our 3 intersections. No cute storefronts to shop while waiting for a table, no cozy distinctly “home”-like coffee shops right when you roll out of the blowing springs parking lot, that shout, “stay awhile! Finish your conversation here! Hang out awhile!” like the adorable, charming, wonderful, artsy and historic Bentonville square. We have the outdoor beauty and attractions, but once that part is done, people skip town to do the remainder of their social gatherings.  Seems like it’s not the trails that are the problem at all. It’s our inability to monetize their usefulness. Lots of potential profit is lost for our city because we rely on Bentonville for our “downtown” culture fix.  Bella Vista has a culture of its own, it’s just not financially forward thinking. Powers that be see golf courses and club houses as our only asset. We want these trails. We love them! And we would profit from a small town feel gathering place instead of a vacant theater and a sonic. Town center is a ghost town.  

But look at this scenery! This is on the trail right behind our church parking lot. Beautiful. Take note, Bella vista, if you build cute bike or nature theme pizza places, people will eat there.  Try out family friendly. It will make you money! 

Corbin threw in a plug on the news for his teacher, Mr Stinespring, who is running for city council. Corbin had NO idea about this, but mentioned in his interview that his favorite thing about living in Bella Vista is that his teacher, Mr Stinespring takes his class on hikes and they get to learn in the outdoor classroom. Way to go Brent for getting kids outside and on the trails! I hope he wins for this alone. It’s a fabulous resource that I’ve only just recently started to take advantage of. 

Lion’s beard. Edible! Soak in salt water overnight, slice, and sauté in butter. The girl who found this was given a prize by the tour guide. 

NOT EDIBLE. This blue cap was what the author of the horse whisperer allegedly poisoned his family with 🤣

Hen of the Woods: edible! This was the big prize winner and all the granola people were drooling over the find. 


The guide cut into some puff balls to show us what a “ripe” one looks like. White inside. 

I totally need this book! 

When I got home, I blew leaves for two hours. Upon clearing leaves off an abandoned woodpile behind our house, I discovered our own patch of puff balls. 

Did we eat them? Heck no! But hey, it’s nice to know it’s there, for survival purposes, right? Now I know it wouldn’t kill us! 

Also in the yard: spiny puff balls. They look like a hostess snowball. When I discovered these a couple weeks ago, they looked SO much like the coconut cupcake, I actually pointed them out to the kids with a cautionary “do not touch these fungi. They could poison you!” 

Well, wouldn’t you know it, but the most terrifying things growing in my yard are edible? 😂


Thanks Kasey and Jimmie and Bella Vista for an awesome day!