Fruits of Labor

Although surrounded by clouds, we were constantly in just the right spot for some spectacular views.

Sometimes it’s nice to relish and enjoy the fruits of one’s labor. Often times, if berry picking is the purpose of the hike then the phrase becomes a bit more literal. Although, “enjoy” seemed like a term that understated the sharp burst of tart sweetness every time I smacked a huckleberry in my mouth. When paired with mountain blueberries, it almost made your taste buds drunk with the intoxicating addiction to these berries. It was impossible to stop eating them. Luckily we came prepared to harvest some of nature’s tantalizing perfect-ness. We could taste the pancakes and syrup before we’d even made them.

Summiting was the first task on our agenda, so we made our way to the top of the mountain we were climbing. After taking in the views (and scouting some more possible ski lines), we sat and replenished our stamina. Views were immense and infinite, and drawing one’s eyes from one feature to the next required concentration. Everything seemed to be draped with an air of mystery, slightly intensifying the tension of seeing some wildlife.

Huckleberries are also a favorite food of bears, which can obviously lead to some encounters. Black bear, the only species of bear found in most all of the westernmost mountain ranges, eat lots of berries in the fall to fatten themselves for winter hibernation. Subalpine meadows and berry patches are excellent places for an encounter, so keeping your senses about you is important. While in any kind of bear country, it’s important to always make lots of noise, keep a careful eye (without making eye contact), and when possible travel in numbers. Encounters are not a bad thing, as long as they’re not a surprise encounter. Though I was hoping for a few pictures, we must of done a good job because other than a few squirrels, all we found was some slightly old cougar scat.

After an hour or more of purple hands and about two quarts of berries, the mercury began to drop rapidly. So did we. Half walking, half running we made our way back to the car. Eight miles would be worth it the next morning. We soaked the berries in water for a few hours to rid the berries of any possible worms, although they probably wouldn’t hurt us any. Jumping out of bed the next morning, my stomach was already yearning. Huckleberry pancakes topped with mountain blueberries and fresh huckleberry syrup is a chart topping breakfast experience. Morning cartoons only enriched the experience.