Plan your mycological outing – Maestrazgo Tourism

Plan what you are going to do and equip yourself for it.

Recommendations that mushroom collectors should take into account when starting and during their activity:

Plan your route well. Choose your itinerary (according to your knowledge of the terrain and your physical conditions).
Let someone know the area you are going to, the car you are taking and your expected return time(you can use this declaration of intent form).
See the weather forecast for the chosen date.
A good map of the area, current and with details of tracks and roads can be of great help. Scale 1:25.000 or 1:40.000 would be ideal.
Establish boundaries that are clearly identifiable on the ground (a ravine, a track or road, a ridge, a firebreak…). Be careful to identify them if you approach them and do not cross them.
Always carry a charged cell phone and an extra charger, and remember that if you have a phone you also have a GPS.
A flashlight/headlamp and a whistle can be of great help in alerting rescuers.
Bring appropriate warm clothing, preferably in bright colors, raincoat/raincoat and hiking boots.
Bring water and food (nuts, fruit or chocolate).

How to avoid getting lost while collecting mushrooms:

Try not to go out alone.
Do not rush the return time : a prudent estimate may be to finish at least 2 hours before sunset.
There are free mobile applications (APPs) that will help you find the spot where you left your vehicle. Install some of them on your mobile: Maps of Spain or Find the parked car are useful to mark your initial position and be able to return to it when you are done.
You can also share your location in real time (at all times) with Google Maps or WhatsApp, although do not forget that in these two cases you will need to have data coverage throughout the area for the location to be shared continuously.

In case you need help, keep in mind…

If even with these recommendations something goes wrong and you need to call the rescue teams, try to send the coordinates of your position through your cell phone. This will speed up your location, saving you and them time.