Two Epic Mushrooms

Dyer’s Polypore, as its name suggests, has been used for dyes. Phaeolus schweinitzii is also known as velvet-top fungus.
It is, indeed, rather velvety on top.
This parasitic fungus is associated with conifers.
Berkeley’s Polypore, Bondarzewia berkeleyi on 9/14, with my size 9 boot (8 in Australia) for scale.
It was a whole continent of fruiting body. Here on 9/28
And here on 10/12, showing, as we all do eventually, the wear and tear.

Speaking of the w & t: something like half the history of this blog has been scouted while wearing the boot(s) referenced above. This weekend I noticed an actual hole in the sole. What a workout! Salute, boots!