Tag: forageing

Early October

The Northern Lights have really been dancing these past few nights. The solar storms are coming fast and furious while our sun goes through a very active cycle.

Last night they came out early enough for Lisa and I to go for a drive and take a few photos in the valley bottom. We sometimes disagree on what pictures to take. I have to admit Lisa is usually correct at picking locations.

The top photo is taken at the Dutch Creek Hoodoos. Although the camera is pointed north there is only a few wisp’s of aurora showing. They were much more active in other parts of the sky. Still I was very pleased with this photo.

The mushrooms below were taken a few days previous up above the creek on the mountain near cedar trees and Oregon Grape. We found plenty of edible mushrooms of different varieties. These are called Chicken Fried Mushrooms named for their cooked chicken smell and taste (no kidding).

Lisa’s eye is much better than mine, it seems, at finding mushrooms. It used to be me to find the mushrooms, orchids and spot the good fishing holes and coveted songbirds. Not so much anymore. However, I like to think I taught her everything she knows.

Jam

There was a time I had the bruises on the other side of my hands.

Out early to beat the heat. . . and tourists. Headed into the mountains. It’s early for huckleberries, but with this weather who knows. Took off for #2 creek. The road was rough with washboard, folks yanking trailers behind them, bouncing along, dust in clouds. Luckily we were early enough to miss them, but cursed them just the same when I hit the pot holes or sliced sideways over washboard. Lisa and Willow suggested maybe I should just slow down.

Once off the main road it was cool sailing, cedar, small creeks, fireweed lining the roads, dips and dangles instead of dust and ruts.

I’ll be your Huckleberry.

It takes awhile but then you finally arrive! It wasn’t long and we were looking up the slides for berries. The mountains were shrouded in smoke. We headed higher.

It’s early. We tried anyway and found a grove of huckleberries. We picked. I told Lisa if anyone should come up, we should pretend to make love, instead of disclosing we were picking huckleberries. In other words, get rid of them.

Fireweed.

Fortunately we were far enough away to be out of contact.

The berries were plentiful, but not large due to the hot spell. I’m holding out hope for a touch of rain. Lisa and I picked and ended up with plenty to make a few batches of jam.

For Dad, to show him, the berries are a ok.

shrooms

Lisa and I took a quick dash into the bush tonight to look for mushrooms. The weather has been damp and cool so we were hoping to have some luck. Sure enough, they are just starting to break through. We picked a handful, for supper. Most we had to brush the dirt off the tops. They are small and firm, and of the best quality. The soup is on the stove. When I take it off the heat I will add a couple tablespoons of brandy and Marsala and a little cream to finish the mushroom bisque.