Island Hopping
The title of this post might seem strange considering the images that follow, but I assure you it is most relevant. The Yellowstone River is very braided in sections and creates islands that are perfect for morels to grow unabated – few deer, fewer humans and no cows, plus tons of water to keep the ground moist. So, in their pursuit of one such mushroom sanctuary, several of my close friends decided to ferry across the Yellowstone in a two-person kayak this past Saturday while it was running at 16,000 CFS, which is insane. And for braving such perils…they were rewarded with a bumper crop of perfect golden specimens. As is customary following such triumphs, an outdoor cooking session was in order and I must say that it was a great way to start the season (despite the fact I wasn’t in on this harvest). Morels come late in these parts compared to the rest of the US, where they often begin showing in the first few weeks of April. While the season has ended for most people, we’ll be at it for 5 or 6 more weeks in the areas where forest fires burned last year and the year prior. The later in the season, the higher into the burn we go…
Holy Moly Cody, that’s a lot of morels! Well, after seeing all of your morel photos, especially the one of them frying in the pan, I wish you could send me a couple too! Geez, at least give us “Smella-Blog”!
Well, I have to say, although I really loved seeing your morel/bathroom series from a year ago, your “Island Hopping” morel series tops it hands down. The photos are really great, I could easily see them illustrating a morel article in my favorite food magazine “Saveur”. The comps, DOF, mood and lighting all work very well. Now….if I send you a cooler….maybe you could send me a couple…….hmmm, maybe not. 
You got me interested enough that I had to go and check out what morels are in Finnish. Surprisingly, it’s a mushroom that I haven’t ever seen in nature (and didn’t even recognize when I saw the pictures or the Finnish name).
Maybe I’ll need to revisit some of our forest fire areas next spring…
The shots are good. They give a good picture of the mushrooms and the cooking process. And based on the descriptions I am envious.
@Diane - Yeah, what a haul, eh? I just wish I’d been there for it…though I don’t think I would have ventured on the river myself, just too big right now. I’d love to share them, but I doubt they’d make the trip. I do dry what I can’t eat though, so that would work. They’re just as amazing reconsituted as fresh, though there’s just something special about cutting and eating them the same day.
@Ramin - Glad to have sparked some interest. I bet Finland is ideal in the spring, especially with all the lakes and ponds you have. Forest fire areas are REALLY good the first year after the burn, and not so bad the following year, but you have to contend with the new growth when searching them out. I’m not sure how it works in your hemisphere, but in these parts they like to grow in areas that face north and get intermittent sunlight throughout the day. Also, a little grade so water can flow, but also flat enough to keep moisture in the soil. Also, I haven’t forgotten your request for MT info. Major computer problems and project work have found me behind on a number of things lately, I apologize.
That is awesome! 16,000 cfs is crazy, but those morels look worth risking your life for!
Hey Doug, thanks for your comment. Tasty little morsels they are…we’ve been back to the island twice since then and have had great luck. Now the river’s about played out and it’s time to hit the burn areas. Let me know if you’re interested in going along sometime, it’s would be great to meet a new face around Livingston…especially a Ruby on Rails guy. You’re likely the only one for a dozen counties in any direction.