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Stankavich Saga

Stories of the Stankavich family of Hillsboro, Oregon, USA

A fine mushroom hunting adventure

October 20, 2008 by Mike Stankavich

Numerous request from my wife and an article in the local paper inspired us to plan a family mushroom hunt.  I have also been wanting to check out the nearest mountain in the coast range, which is the highest point in the county. 

After a few missed turns and locked gates, we found ourselves at the entrance to a huge block of land owned by Stimson Lumber.  Turns out that it was only supposed to be open for deer hunting, but the site security said it was OK for us to go touring around, and even though no forest products were supposed to be removed, it would be acceptable for us to pick some mushrooms for our own use. 

IMG_3821So off we went into the timberlands.  About eight miles in, we saw a likely spot.  We pulled off the road, unloaded the family, and went wandering through the forest looking for yellow treasures.  It was a beautiful spot, but after stumbling over brush and downed tree limbs for a few minutes, Rochelle said “Mom, this adventure is very tiring!”  We finally found two small chanterelles and a few puffballs, but there wasn’t much else.  After a few more minutes, we decided to go ahead and drive up the mountain.

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About 15 miles later, we found ourselves at another locked gate about 1/2 a mile below the peak.  Since the kiddos were tired and everybody wanted to go home, I decided to forgo walking up to the top.

 

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The view was great, but the clear cut in the foreground reminded us that the timber company manages their land for lumber, not appearance.

 

 

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  The tiring adventure proved to be too much for Rochelle.  Despite the rough roads, she fell asleep even before she finished eating her snack!

 

 

 

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Chantelle was still awake and enjoying the adventure.  But as we drove back down the mountain, she soon fell asleep as well.

 

 

 

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About half way back to the entrance to the timberlands, Marissa said “why don’t we try one more time”.  So we pulled off, leaving the kids sleeping in the car with Grandma to keep an eye on them.  After about five minutes of wandering back into the trees, she hit the jackpot. 

 

     

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After we got back home, we cleaned up our bounty.  We ended up with at least ten pounds of beautiful golden chanterelles.  It was the perfect outcome for a most enjoyable family adventure, and quite a haul for first-time mushroom hunters.

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mark E. says

    October 20, 2008 at 10:07 am

    Always listen to Marissa when she thinks another path might have merit to pursue. Very nice adventure!

  2. Helmut says

    October 20, 2008 at 12:50 pm

    Nice!

    I love mountain adventures, (more than going to the beach), will have to try something like this some time 🙂

  3. Sin Min says

    October 20, 2008 at 4:53 pm

    Very nice! I think I should spend my weekend with the nature as well instead of network + pc. LOL

  4. Cecilia Hernandez says

    October 21, 2008 at 9:13 am

    Very nice adventure!!

  5. Nina says

    October 21, 2008 at 9:48 am

    Mushrooms looks yummy! Thanks for sharing your family’s blog! Shantelle and Rochelle are growing big!

  6. Maryjane Green says

    October 21, 2008 at 11:10 am

    Wow you guys….. Marissa, you have always a good idea and its always paid off. It sounds like you guys had a nice and fun family adventure. Hopefully someday, we can think something fun. Good job Stankavich family.

  7. Andrew says

    October 21, 2008 at 5:03 pm

    Nice family outing! I think it’s great to have outdoor family activities, family bonding and good exercise. 10 pounds of mushrooms should last for a while 😉

  8. Mike A says

    November 17, 2008 at 6:21 am

    At least Oregons dampness is good for the shrooms, allthough I do feel like one around here at times !
    Good to see you guys out and about…

    mike a

  9. Amy Lightholder says

    November 25, 2008 at 7:06 pm

    Ohhhhh. That looks like fun. I know there are people who do that around here, but I have never gone. I must do this one day.

  10. Guy says

    December 7, 2008 at 10:02 am

    Hello Mike,

    This sure looks a lot of fun. I last saw you guys at Mike A’s last year and its good to see the kids pics. Chantelle has grown a lot and so is Rochelle.

    I admire Marissa’s determination… way to go girl.

    Please say hi to Marissa for me.

    Guy

  11. prez.. says

    February 21, 2009 at 3:18 am

    wow!! that was GREAT! very nice to see your pix.
    i admire you so much…. Godbless

  12. Joy says

    November 30, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    Are you sure those aren’t the goofy mushrooms? Hmmmmmm

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