"If you would know the flavor of huckleberries, ask the cowboy or the partridge. It is a vulgar error to suppose that you have tasted huckleberries who never plucked them. A huckleberry never reaches Boston; they have not been known there since they grew on her three hills. The ambrosial and essential part of the fruit is lost with the bloom which is rubbed off in the market cart, and they become mere provender. As long as Eternal Justice reigns, not one innocent huckleberry can be transported thither from the country's hills."

- Henry David Thoreau

Tangy and sweet, hanging in thick clusters, the mere sight of plump red berries bursting on the branches is enough to get any hunter gatherer’s heart thumping and blood pumping. This doesn’t only apply to humans, the bears and birds are also pretty keen to get to the berries before they are gone so the competition is pretty fierce. Just as it was in Thoreau’s time it takes some effort to get to the berry patches, or even find them for that matter. Success is also contingent on the weather and their receiving the proper amount sun and rain and if these conditions are not met the season is spoiled. That is not the case this year so I am particularly thrilled. That is because I find berry picking to be one of the most pleasant and practical ways to spend time, the whole experience is medicine. The berries are by far more delicious than anything you could purchase in a store plus you get the bonus of fresh air and exercise. It is far better and more practical than a combined trip to the doctor, gym and grocer’s, plus money is not part of the equation, it is the ultimate all natural experience.

© TS Ni hUiginn