My challenge in loving nature isn’t usually the “getting outside” part, its avoiding the poison ivy that thrives in the woods. Poison ivy is beautiful, especially in the spring and fall, but the oil causes my skin to break out in open, weeping, ever-expanding, never-healing sores, which causes me to go to the doctor for prednisone, which wreaks havoc on my immune system. Last summer, I avoided the doctor/prednisone, and I am going to do my best again this summer.
Step 1. Identify.
Step 2. Avoid.
Step 3. Wash thoroughly, assuming avoidance wasn’t good enough. Always a good idea after playing outside, because it provides an opportunity for a thorough tick check.
Step 4. At the first sign of breakout, start drinking copious amounts of tea made from reishi mushrooms, stinging nettle leaves, and budding goldenrod flowers. The challenge is on-we’ll see how this season goes!
Pocket Mouse Publishing 
Wow sounds so dangerous, it is not something I have ever come across thank goodness x
Where are you roaming the world, that doesn’t include poison ivy? I will have to plan an outdoor adventure there!
Uff…not fun…
Agreed. But being outside is worth it.
True!
This is really valuable information. Thanks for sharing your unwelcome , firsthand experiences!
You’re welcome. Poison ivy is about the most dangerous thing you can encounter in what’s left of Wild Iowa (which is sad, in many ways)
Thanks for the info on Goop! We’ve seen some poison ivy in the woods (just like the reddish picture) but managed to avoid so far. Winter woods walking sure has benefits!
~Lee