A favorite of shamans in Northern Europe and Asia, the "Fly Agaric" hallucinogenic though poisonous mushroom has sprouted abundantly in local forests on the central California coast.
The US Forest Service reports the Amanitas was used in pre-Christian rituals in Northern Europe in Winter Solstice ceremonies and celebrations.
A red and white bedecked, rosy cheeked Santa Claus, flying reindeer, sleds and chimney's may well draw their creative source from Amanitas flying.
The recent solstice and Christmas rain in Cambria has produced a spectacular display of Amanita and its cousins.
To stay in the festive color scheme a few red beetles were in full frolic.
It is a wondrous planet and it deserves our respect and care. Its mysteries are ours as well. You can see magic with a walk in the forest.
See you down the trail.
