A Thoughtful Letter

I was at senior hour at the Sechelt Aquatic centre today, and the pessimistic folk or realistic wise seniors, were talking about how the world will forever be about the pursuit or money and power. I feel like this is a cohesive agreement amongst our elders that, power and money is man's only common pursuit. I know for myself that I have caught my self in this mode of thinking. To say there isn't truth about the objective reality of our world, would be ignorant, I think it's important to recognize as humans this is a common trait of one another. However, I do believe some people are more selfish or greedy then others. It's important to monitor our inherent greediness within us and our fellow man and stand up to these behaviors.   Our world is populated by billions and with no signs of our population slowing in the near future, I believe it's important to not relate our wants and desires to our neighbor on the other side of the picket fence or on the west coast our cedar hedges, but think of what we have in comparison to our most famished individuals in countries of Africa and other impoverished reasons. The time to globalize our world is upon us and I hope we have the grace to Think Globally and Act Locally. 

'It's a sad day when we our quiet about things that matter' Martin Luther Kind Junior. Good for you Quinn for promoting the outdoors and promoting spirit and community.

   

Albino Raven Reborn

I had a fortunate encounter recently, one that brought the memories from a memorable and mystic Haida Gwaii summer adventure to the forefront of my afternoon. Haida Gwaii means island of the people, as Haida translates directly to “us” or “people”. Rosespit, the most northeastern tip of Graham Island is where the raven discovered and freed the people of the earth from a giant clam shell, you can see Bill Reid’s depiction of this fable on any twenty dollar bill or in person at the YVR airport (Full Story).


Matsutaki Mushrooms

Hola Adventurers. Are you sick of mushrooms yet? Hope not! Cause the season is just getting good! Until last week, this mushroom was an elusive forest treasure that I just could not find. Probably because they are almost always covered with moss or pine needles.

I just needed to hike around with an expert hunter. Now I can find them just by sniffing. 'Just like a Truffles pig?' you ask? Yes. Just like a Truffles pig. Thanks guys. But really, these beauties are highly prized, especially in Japan, for their strong aroma and complex flavors. Have you guessed yet? Yes! The Great White Matsutake! Aka The Pine mushroom, aka Tricholoma magnivelare, if you wanna get all Latin about it.

Find them on the ground in sandy soils, especially under pine, fir, hemlock, and Douglas fir trees. Sometimes their cap is white and sometimes slightly yellowish, but mostly with brown or cinnamon 'scales'. Pines also have a veil present, which is kinda this fiber that rings around the upper stalk. Their flesh and stalk are very firm, not jiggley at all.

My friend Yuki says the best way to eat these babies, and not ruin the flavor, is to salt them lightly, then roast them on the BBQ (or a campfire!). Serve with soy sauce and lime drizzled on top. So good. If you are wanting to mellow the cinnamonny flavor, then go ahead and saute them with butter and garlic. They are super meaty and will fill you right up. WARNING: Pines very much resemble a white species of Amanita which has a different odor and a more fragile veil, but in the excitement of finding your first Pine mushroom....don't get confused! Make sure you've got the RIGHT one before you BITE one!!!!! Happy Hunting!!!!!