With a very small window of time I headed off to Hopeall Island; just a few kilometers from my front door.
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The island is absolutely covered in seagull egg's this time of year. As I looked around the island I couldn't help but see all the wild edible plant's in this little eco system. My Grandparents would come here and crack the eggs then return the next day to gather the fresh egg's laid overnight in the nests. New law's of course forbid this practice here; not to mention local pallets have certainly changed since confederation with Canada 64 years ago.
My interest in plant life and edible wild food sources is directly attached to kayaking. Lid up during the winter I bought a few books on plants and began to study; with the end result hopefully having the ability to leave the dehydrated food home; and just go paddle and reconnect with the land. Having a very independent personality just add's to the desire to learn.
Taking a moment to identify the plant life truly put's you in "the moment". Most days we walk past the neat little things; stuck in wide angle view while moving much too fast. I've noticed since my move into my own "survival" training; I've picked up more rocks and shells.Much to my oldest son's enjoyment.
Searching for Uni to eat had me appreciating the sheer beauty of tiny rebounding waves. When we see where our subsistence comes from like this; how could humanity dump garbage and pollution into it? I truly believe this is the disconnect today. We don't collect our own food from the world that provides it. That disconnect promotes destruction.
(Interesting article on fireweed)
Knowing gardens free of pesticides is yet another connection needed to gather food. I landed at my parents and took some time to pick enough fireweed to consume this week as meals off their back garden before calling my wife for pick up. These small chutes taste like asparagus and grow darn near everywhere here.
8 days of Fireweed as a side dish for supper...
And for about two minutes of work while waiting for a ride this afternoon...enough dandelion greens now brazed and frozen for 10 meals. Not bad for a short paddle.
