08/19/2007

The rest of the story begins to mushroom

By Ed Hungness
Local columnist edhungness@
yahoo.com

Read Ed's past columns here

If you listen to AM radio, you've probably heard Paul Harvey, who has been delivering news and commentary for decades.

At the end of his broadcast he would always say, "and now you know the rest of the story.”

In April, I wrote a column about hunting for morel mushrooms. In it, I more or less confessed that I had been pretty much a failure at being able to locate any during previous seasons. I concluded by saying that this was a new season and maybe I would be more successful in this year's attempt.

Ah, the power of the press. The ink had barely dried on the paper and I got an e-mail from a very thoughtful reader up near Walloon Lake.

Every spring, Joe Breidenstein organizes mushroom hunts for people like me, who need just a little help in becoming more proficient at identifying, finding and preparing morels. I think Joe felt sorry for me after reading my column. He went on to say that his group, called Morels & More, was organizing a mushroom hunt for the following weekend and he invited me to join them.

I didn't have to think about it too long and before the day was over, Joe and I were exchanging e-mails to set up my attendance. When I joined the group, I was pleasantly surprised at the turnout. There were about 25 guests attending, and some of them came from as far away as the Detroit area.

We began by watching a mushroom hunting instructional video while enjoying coffee and doughnuts. The day was beautiful but a little too cool to fill up the trunk with mushrooms.

Everyone enthusiastically enjoyed the morning hunt, after which we returned to Joe's lodge for a cookout lunch and friendly conversation. Some of us hardy attendees went back out in the afternoon and continued our quest. Toward the end of the day, we returned to home base to share wine, appetizers and a gourmet meal that included several mushroom dishes and ended with dessert.

I had fun meeting Joe, his staff and all the guests. Spring mushroom season is very short and the hunts take place over four weekends during April and May.

I also learned that they sponsor Fall Mushroom Mania during three weekends in September. During the fall hunts, they teach edible mushroom identification, which is very important, and offer guided hunts and cooking instructions.

I enjoyed the learning experience and went on to have my first successful morel hunting season. Now, as Paul Harvey would say, "you know the rest of the story.”

This fall's Mushroom Mania weekends are Sept. 7-9, 21-23 and 28-30. Call 535-2227 for more information.

Ed Hungness and his wife owned their cottage on Fife Lake for six years before moving there after his retirement in 2005. His writing draws from life experiences and a love for the outdoors and northern Michigan. He can be reached at edhungness@yahoo.com or care of the Record-Eagle.