Hunting

I bet you I spent my Labour Day in a way none of you did, or have, or ever will. I dug out my winter coat, put on my boots, and I went hunting. Now this particular type of hunting does not include killing any Bambis, Thumpers or Bullwinkles. Rather, my elusive prey was the...mushroom. Really, I don't think it should be called mushroom hunting seeing as those fungi don't really put up much of a fight or try to escape, but there was some pretty mad knife skills invovled and well, "mushroom hunting" sounds a lot better than "perusing for mushrooms."

Before you label me a dork, I must point out that this wasn't my idea. At all. Being the wonderful girlfriend that I am, I choose to help Jordan with his new favourite hobby. I carried the mushroom basket (apparently mushrooms can't be stored in plastic...and baskets are way cooler) all around the river bottom and protected the specimen. After a very unsuccessful first half, Jordan found four different kinds of mushrooms. I found a lot of rocks that looked like mushrooms. That is why I carried the bakset.

You are probably wondering how someone gets interested in knowing anything about mushrooms beyond what they taste like. Well it all started in Tofino, BC on our family vacation where there was a mushroom book in our rental house. David and Jordan read it together and then, while treeplanting, David bought his very own mushroom book. Needing someone to share his excitement with, David bought Jordan the very same one. Here is what it looks like.


This book has gone everywhere with Jordan. It came to the Jack Johnson concert, into restaurants, into various bathrooms, and everywhere in between. Now while most mushroom hunters are slightly insane as you can see, I am happy to report that Jordan and David have managed to keep it together. Another bonus is that neither have died or developed any serious illnesses from eating any of their treasures. This guy wasn't so lucky though. So make sure you know what you are doing.

I know mushroom hunting probably isn't your idea of fun, but I wouldn't knock it until you try it. After all, you get to spend time in the great outdoors with someone you care about and it is much more stimulating than watching TV. I had a blast...even if I only carried the basket.