Stark Naked Family ~ Huckleberry Harvest 2014
Huckleberry picking in the Fall is a longstanding tradition in Stark's family. In his youth his grandparents would set up a base camp near the traditional (and super secret) harvesting grounds, and spend 2 full weeks picking berries. Since Stark's enthusiasm for the annual harvest hasn't diminished in the 10 years I've known him, I have a feeling many weeks of my senior retirement years will be spent berry picking.Early in our relationship I was introduced to the strict rules of Porter Huckleberry Picking.
- Be prepared to dedicate one full day (maybe two) to the effort of Huckleberry Picking each August.
- When harvesting, DO NOT eat the huckleberries. Place them carefully in the picking can.
- Cover the picking can when bushwhacking through the brambles to prevent vegetation from falling into, and contaminating, the harvested berries.
- DO NOT attempt to assist Stark in the post harvesting cleaning and sorting. It's a science you just won't understand.
- Harvested huckleberries are for use ONLY in the traditional Porter Family Huckleberry pie. You wouldn't believe the resistance and hackling I got when trying to make a huckleberry cheesecake in the early years of dating. I didn't make that mistake twice. We ONLY eat huckleberry pie ... baked by Stark and served with vanilla bean ice cream.
Although dedicated to his berry picking traditions, Stark relaxed the rules enough for us to enjoy our first family-of-four huckleberry harvest.
Below is a How-To manual for those interested in following in our footsteps.
Must have inconspicuous harvesting transport van
Throw off the competition by parking some distance from the best access trail
Provide adequate instruction on perfect Huckleberry picking techniques
Beam with pride when excellent inherent Porter picking traits are exhibited
Don't bring along a dog that loves to pick and eat his own huckleberries.
Especially one with a talent for eating the best berries off the best bushes.
Provide cuddles as required
Huck ... not yet thrilled by the tradition ... but being strapped into a backpack that was continuously leaning over to pick berries probably didn't promote a happy attitude.
Next year Huck ... I'll let you roam free (sort of).
Be prepared for a diaper change amid the brambles.
Enjoy being out in the wilderness!!!
Play with sticks
Stand on stumps
Prove you are fearless and the BEST bushwhacker.
Her mama, and the dog, followed Della through the brambles!!
Our traditional post harvest activity is to visit the weather station at the top of the peak afterwards. The view is amazing although a cold front rolled in while we were there ... chilly.
Mama keeping an eye on the toddler near the edge.of.the.mountain.
The gravel loving (tired) Porter kids.
We did manage to score 3 pies worth of berries.
A success considering the limitation of picking with kids.
It was a very enjoyable day and we look forward to continuing the tradition for many years to come.
Della.
You continue to impress me with your ability to live. learn. and conquer. You truly enjoyed trekking through the woods and brambles and weren't once discouraged by the head-height limbs and toddler height obstacles. Although you kept us on our toes, it was enjoyable to watch you take off down the game trails, heading off alone into the woods, just to see what was there. Your mama is looking forward growing up (again) with you in the woods.
Huck.
I promise that next year will be more fun.
Although being strapped into the backpack wasn't fun it was better than being continually beaten by branches, doggie tails, and being stuffed full of berries by your sister and her purple stained hands.
Huckleberry picking is in your blood Mr. Huck Rainier Porter.