Vanilla cookie trees and other hiking surprises

A group of hikers pause along a heavily wooded trail in the Lincoln National Forest. One leans into a Ponderosa pine, sniffs the trunk and proclaims, “Vanilla cookie tree! Who wants to smell vanilla!”

The other hikers raise their eyebrows, wondering if their companion has gone mad, but you can’t resist. Feeling slightly foolish, you lean into the tree, put your nose against the bark and inhale deeply. The others wait silently for your verdict. “Hmm, smells more like … butterscotch.”

Yummy surprises with Trail Snails! Soon everyone in the Trail Snails, a local informal hiking group, presses noses against the tree bark. “Deep inside the crack is best!” “Yes, it smells just like vanilla!”

Jim Edwards, the Snails’ organizer, explains, “When a Ponderosa’s bark begins to show yellow or pink, the tree is mature and acquires a smell reminiscent of vanilla.” Sniffing “vanilla cookie trees” is one of many yummy or tasty surprises enjoyed by the Trail Snails on our twice-weekly excursions.

“Algerita bushes smell like citrus, and corn lily leaves smell like peanut butter,” reminds Jim. “And don’t forget mint,” add hikers Carolyn and Roger.

Other hikers chime in, “Wild morel mushrooms and common field mushrooms are delicious!”

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