Morel Mushrooms....maybe better than Huckleberries

We have had an extremely WET spring but there are always good things that come out of adversity if you take the right attitude.  The excessive moisture has brought an abundance of mushrooms in the area hillsides.  I have never been mushroom picking, although my Dad and brother were always going out and spotting those yummy morsels.  A new young friend showed up with 8 and 1/2 pounds of morel mushrooms and my taste buds were salivating like mad when I saw them. 

After questioning him for every bit of information we could get, we THOUGHT we knew just exactly where to go to find these wonderful delicacies.  My son who is an avid huckleberry picker, to the point that we have nicknamed him the "Huckleberry Hounddog" arrived from Seattle and he and I set out to stake our claim.

Heading up Shay Hill, I now know why the Subaru Forrester has won the hearts of many who dare to go where others cannot or wouldn't even venture to go.  It was like a little tank crossing all those washed out ravines.  I was really impressed and it got us to the top of the mountain. 

I hate to admit it but we kind of got "skunked" when it comes to the volume of mushrooms picked but we really hit the jackpot when it comes to scenery.  The views atop the hill were outstanding, could even see for about 30 miles of the Coeur d'Alene Lake.  The spring flowers were abundant, fresh air never been fresher and it was just great to get out into the beauty area. 

Although we did not come back with many morels, we arrived home with a whole new appreciation of mushrooms as we had spotted over 8 other varieties and had no idea of they would be delicious or death!  Thus, onto the computer to study mushrooms, found a book at my Mom's house about the differant varieties and best yet, found out that there is a Mushroom organization in Spokane, WA that offers monthly meetings and field trips.  Guess where we will be going in the fall? ? ?  Life is just one big learning experience after another.

CDA Summer Theater-Broadway in Our Own Backyard

USA Today named Couer d'Alene Summer Theater as one of the "ten best places to see musical theater way off Broadway."  If you have not had the chance to experience the absolutely entertaining and professional acting that goes on while sitting in the audience of one of these productions, you really must plan to treat yourself this summer.  The CDA Summer Theatre truly is like having Broadway in your own Backyard and better yet, it is just a one hour scenic drive from the St. Joe Riverfront Bed and Breakfast.  

The 2011 season is yet again promising to deliver fantastic reviews.  Here is the line-up:
The Wizard of Oz  June 9-12, 16-19
A Little Night Music  June 30-July 3, 7-10
Once on This Island  July 21-24, 28-31
The Sound of Music  Aug. 11-14, 18-21

The first show of the season is the classic tale of Dorothy's adventures to Oz includes many of the songs from the famous MGM musical.  The Wicked Witch of the West will be played by Ellen Travolta, along with her sister Margaret as Glinda the "good" witch and Annie Travolta's green hair is going to send the laugh barometer to the top!  If you had the opportunity to see these three sisters in action in Cinderella you will know just exactly what I mean.

Watch the stage come alive with flying monkeys, dancing jitterbugs and a yellow brick road that will lead you to the Emerald City...and I don't mean Seattle!  The CDA Summer Theater is Idaho's oldest performing arts organization and performs in the Schuler Performing Arts Center on the Campus of North Idaho College on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene.

The theater is commited to producing live performances of theatre for the benefit, education and appreciation of the audience.  The multi-talented performers are recruited nationally along with local talent and features full orchestrations performed by the region's most accomplished musicians.

If you would like to include tickets in conjunction to your stay at our bed and breakfast just mention that at time of reserving your room or you can access tickets by going to http://www.cdasummertheatre.com/.