Just wanted to update my blog today to say that I received my Welcome Package!  The FlipVideo camera is very cool and I really like the T-Shirt too! I finally have a break until fall classes start so I hope to be posting some exciting new pics and now video of my forest pursuits.  If only it wasn't 100 degrees in the shade right now!  Hopefully soon the heat will break and I can get out and enjoy the great outdoors once again.  Thanks PrilosecOTC!

In the midst of finals week, I managed to take a bicycle ride thoughout my immediate area, and managed to see some beautiful spring countryside.  Yes, I'm a student, and after passing my second final exam successfuly in as many days, I decided to get outside and enjoy this fine weather.  Over the last several days we had between 7 and 10 inches of rain in this area which is way above average.  On nice sunny days, a few days after substantial rainfall in the spring, mushrooms and other types of fungi can usually be found in abundance.  Today was no exception!  Although I didn't have a camera with me, the pictures I saw today will remain with me for a long time to come.  I love nature and especially in the spring time!

"The end result...tasty goodness!" Click to Enlarge
"Floured and seasoned!" Click to Enlarge
"A nice haul!" Click to Enlarge
"Another nice specimen!" Click to Enlarge
"Emerging from the leaves..." Click to Enlarge
"Can you spot some more?" Click to Enlarge
"Apparently some forest animals enjoy Morels too!" Click to Enlarge
"A mature specimen" Click to Enlarge
"Morchella Elata - The Black Morel" Click to Enlarge
  On April 10th, I was walking alongside a railroad track that runs through some woods.  I was looking just inside the woods from the path as I walked.  All of a sudden I spotted a familiar triangular shape...could it be, YES!  And then I saw another, and several more.  All together, in a little piece of forest that was about 10' x 10', I found 20 very nice Black Morels.  Floured, seasoned and fried in butter, they are my favorite seasonal delicacy this time of the year!

"I love nature!" Click to Enlarge
"The Forest is Coming Alive!" Click to Enlarge
"Perfect Morel habitat!" Click to Enlarge
"Various Fungi" Click to Enlarge
April 9, 2010 

 I was fortunate enough to set aside a few hours this afternoon to take a bicycle ride to a wooded area not far from home.  There is a creek that runs through the woods.  Morel mushrooms should start to appear at most any time now.  I predict I'll find my first Morel of 2010 within a week!  In the meantime, I've been taking pictures of their habitat, and of other fungi finds in the area.  Can't wait to find those tasty Morels though!  And the best part of the day was not having to feel the discomfort of frequent heartburn, thanks to Prilosec OTC!