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Wow, it's been a while. This is the first time I've done anything since January 19th. I suppose it's partially due to moving into a new house and other obligations, but it's been driving me nuts not being able to do anything on here. Oh yeah, it would also help if we actually had some interesting weather around here to do something with. This year's storm season has been unbelievably inactive around here. It's May 5th and I haven't chased ONCE. Not even a lightning outing. I suppose there is always next year.
Anyway, on to the elusive morel mushroom. I do one account every year since it's one of my favorite things to do. It's the thrill of the hunt for me. Well, it has to be for me to enjoy it. I can't eat them since I get incredibly sick every time I do. Anyone who has ever hunted them knows the feeling of finding the first one of the season. So, on with the hunt...
First one of the season. This was found at Dorrance Park, in Port Byron, IL. I usually hit up that place first every year since I know where all of my spots are. I have noticed in the last few years that it has been producing less and less. I hope that's not true, but the trees I've been checking are all but dried up for morels. Anyway, I had to grab a pic of the first one of the season. Meghan also went with me and found her first one...ever! I was pretty happy for her. In fact, I was about to give up on the tree where she found hers. We ended up finding quite a few after that. Way to go Meg!
This is another day. The actual day escapes me, but really, who cares? I just combined three or four days here really quick. This little guy was hiding under a leaf under a monster dead elm. Last year I found about 80-90 under this one tree, and it was just starting to produce when I found this one. It was the ONLY one I found this day though. This is always a great sign.
Now we (my brother Josh and I) are in Clarence, Iowa, on some private land. I know someone who owns quite a few acres on a beautiful piece of land. Many thanks to him!! This was within five mintues of being there. There is a very large elm at the top of the first hill which gave up quite a few last year too. I think we counted 47 under this one tree....all going unpicked. They were just a tad too small for picking. Next weekend should be rather fun. I believe in this one batch I counted 17 (not all pictured).
Same batch, just with the camera itself on the ground.
Same tree, different batch. All part of the 47. Nice little find!
A crossbreed, mix between a gray and a yellow. This one was actually surprisingly sharp at full size. I would actually go out on a limb and say this is one of the sharpestt images I have ever taken with the Rebel.
Had to get it with the sun behind.
Gray in color, characteristics of a yellow. You decide. This side of the hill was baking in the sun and was by far our most productive (west facing).
This is the view as you first drive down to the field. It opens up and this large, lush meadow appears from the opening in the trees. Not pictured is a winding stream which cuts its way through the middle of the picture. This shot does not do it justice at all. This is definitely a "must see in person" type of thing.
Back up to the very top of the hill, overlooking the picture before this one. Thanks again Tom for letting us hunt your land!!
Soooooooooo....................yep, sorry this is all I've had in four months. I'm trying!!! Working long hours and the lack of scenery around here really puts a cap on opportunities.