Mayapples (Podophyllum peltatum)

A large patch of Mayapples were discovered while Morel mushroom hunting one day. I intend to go back and harvest the yellow ripened fruit around July and August.

Cressleaf Groundsel

Chicken of the Woods or (Laetiporus sulphureus)

This is a fungi that I have come across before and did not realize that it was edible. Check this link out at BCUSA for some information on the "Chicken of the Woods".

Here is the Wikipedia entry.

Morels, Half-Free Morels & Verpas?

Check out this thread over at BCUSA to learn more about a discussion regarding the following mushrooms:

Thistle? Prickly Lettuce of some Kind?

I do not know as of yet if this is either a type of thistle, wild lettuce or some other type of plant. After another member at BCUSA posted a thread on eating the leaf stalk of the Bull Thistle, I was on the lookout that day and this is the closest thing I could find. I also learned that I need to cut a leaf off, and look at its underside, and also take a closer picture and feel it as well.

Sugarberry/Southern Hackberry (Celtis Occidentalis)

I was very excited to finally ID this tree. I have come across its distinct bark, which is described a "warty projections" and could not find a similiar photograph in either of my field guides. Coming across the above term, enabled me to search Google and finally ID this tree. I will be adding more about the Sugarberry as time continues, especially related to its fruit.

Horsetail Reed

I have a great number of these in a spot I like to frequent. They can be used as a pot cleaner by binding them, and also used as a straw to add air when hollowing out wood from coals.

Dandelions or (Taraxacum officinale)

While visiting a local store in town, I looked down to see the Dandelions in full bloom. I sure would like to try and make some Dandelion Wine sometime. My good friend Jeremy wrote a song about Dandelion Wine and at the time never really knew it made such a fine wine.

Massive Burl

Came across this massive Burl today. I do not know what tree caused it but the damage was extensive, causing it to try and heal itself.

Fiddleheads

While looking for Morels today I came across some Fiddleheads. These are not Ostrich Fern but may be a young Sword Fern. According to some research, all Fiddleheads are edible but may not be pleasantly palatable.

Grey Morels (My first find of 2011)

Found a small handful of some Morels today and the temperature was around seventy degrees and it had rained a couple of days previously. Will be going back looking for the yellows here soon.

Homemade Journal

I added an imitation leather journal cover to my homemade journal today. I'm still looking for some thin, pliable leather to start using and I will soon be using Rite in the Rain waterproof paper instead.

Sycamore Bow & Drill Set for Friction Fire

I made a friction bow and drill set today using some Sycamore. I still need alot of work to even get started.

Mimosa Cordage

I am just beginning to learn how to utilize the bark from the Mimosa tree to make cordage. Here is some plaiting and a small piece of reverse twist two strand cordage.

Twitch Up Fishing Pole Set

This was made from a Mimosa sapling. It is an easy way to add a spring snare to a bank line fishing rig. When the fish runs, the snare is released and the spring from the sapling sets the hook. It's great knowing that you are fishing while working on other tasks and projects.

The jar is filled with hot dog pieces marinating in red kool aid, garlic powder and some beef liver blood. I just learned about this recipe and will be trying it out more often while catfishing.

Mimosa Walking Stick

I harvested this Mimosa sapling and have begun working on a walking stick. I plan to add a ruler to it and maybe some whipping around the handle. I will also be treating it with some linseed oil.

Mimosa or Silk-Tree (Albizia julibrissin)

While harvesting some wood to make a fishing rod holder, I went back and noted that the particular tree would make a good walking stick for hunting morels and hiking. I later was able to ID the tree. It is called "Mimosa" or "Silk-Tree". The only thing I really had to go off of was the bark and the pods. Fortunately, the pods led me to the ID in the back of my field guide under invasive species. I know where several to many of these trees are and will be going back to harvest more to make natural cordage using the inner bark when the sap is up this late spring and summer.

River Birch (Betula nigra)

I found this River Birch just off the highway, near the powerplant on the first backwater to the right. It was in the water because the water levels were up at the time. I intend to return and gather some of the papery birch bark for tinder.

Fishing Rod Holder

I made this fishing fork and another fork to brace the pole. It works well when leaving your pole alone to do other things.

A Day at the Pond

Here is a place I like to visit from time to time:

Shish Kabob Flank Steak Over Campfire

I stopped by the Sav-a-Lot the other day and picked up some flank steak for around $3.00. When I got to camp, I sliced and cut the meat in small pieces, then shish kabobbed them on a stick of greenwood. Added a little salt & pepper picked up from a fast good restaurant and I was good to go.

Breakdown Billy Pot Hanger

I made this little "Breakdown Billy Pot Hanger" after watching a Ray Mears video on YouTube. I put it in my billy can when not in use:

Adjustable Campfire Stand for Suspending a Billy Pot

This is a useful, adjustable pot stand for a billy can. It allows me to easily raise or lower my pot over the fire or coals. By controlling the heat, I can cook much easier and evenly. I can turn the pot off the fire entirely, allowing it to cool without having to sit the pot on the ground and risk getting kicked over.

The concept for this pot stand was found in Richard Graves' Ten Books of Bushcraft.

This video shows some fire making, the construction of the pot stand and how it is used over a campfire: