The Mush-Melo Guide to Tripping in Nature

October is an unsung hero when it comes to tripping in nature. While people tend to view this time as pumpkin spiced stepping stone to the holidays, cold mornings and hot days make it a perfect time to enjoy the fleeting beauty of season’s change.

We miss summer already, but fall has a hallucinatory quality of its own. Oppressive heat has simmered into a spectrum of warm hues and long shadows, and you’re finally free to take that long hike that would’ve sucked about a month ago. 

Whether youre venturing back country with friends or a embarking on a solo soul search, Mush-Melo is the perfect companion to enhance whatever Mother Earth has to teach you.

Of course, you need to be mindful when consuming in nature. There are an endless amount of variables and things can get serious, quick. No one wants a mind melting experience when you’re lost in the woods.

To ensure your trip is a good one, here’s the Mush-Melo guide to tripping in nature–the dos, the don’ts, and everything inbetween. 

DO: Start slow. You can always take more, but you can never take less. We like to start with one or two Mush-Melos, wait about an hour, and build from there.

DON’T: Get cocky. Nature has a way of humbling those who take her power for granted. Always come prepared with water and snacks, and pay attention to your route.

DO: Take time to commune with your surroundings. Too many people focus on getting to the summit without remembering to enjoy the ride. There is so much to learn from the plants and other life forms that make the outdoors special. Smell the flowers. Meet a bug. Hug a tree. 

DON’T: Keep your headphones in if you’re alone! Stay alert, especially if you are a woman.  

DO: Spend time by a river. The sound of running water in a natural setting can help reduce anxiety and lower your heart rate. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a network of nerves that help the body relax, conserve energy, and regulate bodily functions like digestion and metabolism. This is especially helpful when you’re tripping, and even more so if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your high. 

For more adventures, catch Mush-Melo at the Entheogen Expo in Oakland, CA on Saturday, November 9th where we’ll be vending in their mushy market, as well as enjoying talks and panels from our mycelial network of friends like Agarboi, Controbando, Ohms Collective, and, of course,  Oyster Girl. 

Mush-Melo will also be hosting a microdosed morning hike the day after the event on Sunday, November 10th! Join us at the West Ridge, Graham and Dunn Trail Loop, an easy hike near Oakland with nice views and enchanted redwood vibes, for some pre-expo forest bathing and complementary mush-melos. 

See you all soon, and as always, have a nice trip!