Berries of the Coast

When I was younger I had the opportunity to live on tribal lands. Moving from what was considered a small town to a small village differed in many ways. There was a small store that didn't sell much, not even gasoline at the earlier location. There really wasn't much offered business-wise, but the other offerings were incredible if you took advantage of them. Taking advantage dcoesn't mean depleting or destroying the ammenities. Well, I can remember early spring, around this time and late summer. Many berries would rippen and reach their perfect and somewhat indescribable and amazing tastes. Exploring in the deep woods where I have come in to contact with many creatures: bears coyotes wild dogs(not too sure what the crap it was, so that is how I will describe it), cougers, elk and many other strange animails. Coming across berries and exploring them were other kids that lived there their whole lives made it safer- they had learned from the elders what was consumable. That was awesome and incredible experience to taste these wonderful berries that are listed below. Some yes obvious, some- not really. Other berries were tasted, but I've forgotten the names or wasn't given the true name. None were psychedelic, which may be a good thing, I was too young to be able to comprehend that! In a near blog I will have some yummy recipes with these berries and some more postings of other edible plants/berries. Have a great one to everyone! :)


Wild Strawberries
Fragaria vesca
FRESH: Eating fresh strawberries acts as a tonic for the liver and is also beneficial for curing gastritis. Strawberries are also effective for speedy recuperation after a bout of hepatitis. These fruits provide a calming effect during feverish situations, and do not lead to fermentation in the stomach.
POULTICE: Crushed strawberries may be applied on the skin affected by sunburn. It is also helpful in treating skin irritations.
TONIC WINE: Permeate strawberries in wine to prepare a conventional medication to ‘revive the spirits and make the heart merrier'.






Huckleberry
Gaylussacia baccata
One serving of wild huckleberries has more antioxidant power than any other fruit or vegetable, thus helping a person to fight against aging, cancer and health diseases.
Huckleberries aid pancreas in digesting sugars and starches.
Since the berries are high in iron, they help in building blood.
Huckleberries are used in preparing packs for relieving running sores, eczema and skin disorders.
They are associated with lowering cholesterol; protecting against heart disease, muscular degeneration, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and peptic ulcers; and healthier elimination.
Being a good source of vitamin B, huckleberry supports and speeds up the metabolism rate, keeps skin and muscle tone healthy. It improves immune system function, promotes cell growth and division and helps in preventing pancreatic cancer.
Since it is high in vitamin C, the berry protects body against immune deficiencies, cardiovascular diseases, prenatal health problems, and eye diseases.
It also helps in protecting the cells against the damaging effects of free radicals and prevents premature skin wrinkling.
The tea made from dried huckleberry leaves proves helpful in case of poor starch digestion.
The berry ensures proper functioning of nerve and muscle tissues, such as the heart and skeletal muscles, due to its high content of potassium.
The potassium in huckleberry regulates water balances and eliminates wastes.
Clinical studies show that huckleberry promotes eye health, especially in case of diabetic patients.
It fights infections, promotes insulin production and treats urinary tract infections.
Huckleberry It acts as a laxative and treats diarrhea naturally.



Salmon Berries
Rubus spectabilis
Bears eat the viscera and rumen of their prey along with salmon berries all of which are high in nitrilosides. Vitamin B-17 (nitriloside) is a designation proposed to include a large group of water-soluble, essentially non-toxic, sugary, compounds found in over 800 plants, many of which are edible. These factors are collectively known as Beta-cyanophoric glycosides. They comprise molecules made of sugar, hydrogen cyanide, a benzene ring or an acetone. Though the intact molecule is for all practical purposes completely non-toxic, it may be hydrolyzed by Beta-glycosidase to a sugar, free hydrogen cyanide, benzaldehyde or acetone. Dr Krebs et al. found that the body has a second line of defence against cancer. This is formed by a group of substances known as nitrilosides. The cancer cell has an enzyme, beta-glucosidase, which when it comes in contact with nitrilosides, converts those nitrilosides into two molecules of glucose, one molecule of benzaldehyde and one molecule of hydrogen cyanide. While the hydrogen cyanide may exert some toxic effect, it is the benzaldehyde that is extremely toxic to the cancer cell. What is so significant about this is that this is a target-specific reaction. Within the body, the cancer cell, and only the cancer cell contains the enzyme beta-glucosidase. Thus, the benzaldehyde and the hydrogen cyanide can be formed in the presence of the cancer cell, and only the cancer cell. Thus they are toxic to the cancer cell and only the cancer cell. Normal cells contain the enzyme rhodanese, which converts the nitrilosides into food.





Blackberries
Rubus ursinus
Rich in antioxidant vitamins A and C
Although there are no clinical studies to date proving these effects below in humans, medical research shows likely benefit of regularly consuming blackberries against:
pleurisy and lung inflammation
anti-thrombosis (inhibition of blood clotting)
several types of cancer
endotoxin shock
cardiovascular diseases
diabetes
age-related cognitive decline.
When the plant antioxidant story became public a few years ago, one of the first fruits to rise to the top of the ORAC charts was the blackberry. A member of the rose family (Rosacea) and Rubus species of brambleberries (also called "caneberries"). The genus Rubus contains over 740 species as perennial, deciduous, woody shrubs with long vines ("brambles" up to 20 ft long) covered by firm thorns that made blackberry brambles useful as a defensive barrier along English land borders during the 16th century.
Rubus also includes roses and diverse other major fruits, including strawberries, apples, pears and peaches. While it may be difficult to see common characteristics among such diverse fruits and the blackberry, there is one important botanical similarity: the flower. All these Rubus plants typically have 5-7 white/pink petals around a central cluster of yellow stamens.




Thimbleberry
Rubus parviflorus
Has large, maple-shaped leaves which make the 3 to 5 foot thornless bushes easily identifiable throughout the season. The tasty red berries were eaten fresh and dried by the Native Americans. Thimbleberries grow in clearings, along roadsides and shorelines, and in open woods. They are among the most shade tolerant of the native berries. The quarter-size red fruit and sort of tastes like raspberry-watermelon but not as firm. Thimble berries resemble small raspberries. Black cap raspberries are often overlooked as an edible item by people because they are mistaken for rotten raspberries as they feature a very dark color.



The Loganberry
Rubus loganobaccus
The loganberry is one of my favorites. It's tarty taste is like a mix of strawberries, raspberries and blackberries all combined. It makes great tasting jam! The dark red when ripe. There's an interesting article on WikiPedia about Loganberries. The debate goes on as to which is the best: Loganberries, Tayberries or Boysenberries; all of which are closely related.
Some of the medicinal value of berries relates to their content of polyphenolic compounds from the flavonoid class. These chemicals are responsible for much of the color of plants in general, but are most concentrated in small fruits. Though their specific physiological effects vary, they all play an important role in protecting and balancing the cardiovascular system, DNA and its reproductive pathways, the liver, and the immune system. When you consider how crucial these deep physiological functions are to our overall wellbeing and longevity, you can see why folks get so enthusiastic about the health benefits of berries!

Two Gorgeous Rain Forests of Washington State

Okay, here is my deal. I have been to two rain forests, in Washington State! Many are unaware of the rain forests that are really worth visiting. I have hiked in both and must admit, I cannot and will not favor either. I'd rather favor both, because they are amazing and feel so real and to breathe in that air- refreshing, I promise.

It's almost like the trees are dancing, moving with the lens. Like the story in the Chronicles of Narnia: When the trees would dance and they were alive, I can picture it, clearly. Can you?


The Hoh rainforest has many spectacular offerings. You can go and hike all day, see the beauty this forest offers, then go take a nice soak in the hot springs. Yes, after all day, and it can happen in the summer- all day in the rain, you can go soak it up in the hot springs. How awesome an experience that is to share with others. You should definitely give it a chance when it is snowing! Wowzer, that just is living it up, living life.


Very similiar to the Hoh rain forest, but I can promise this- if and when visiting your eye will truly differentiant between the two. :)

The Quinault rainforest has other opportunities... They have many trails to hike and explore. You were able to witness it, if you took the opportunity to read of Colonel Bob. You may be able to hike in the rain as well in the spring to summer months. That is why it is so appropriate to have the title of being a rain forest! After your hike, you can go visit the Lake Quinault Lodge. Imagine, sitting in front of an enormous and inviting fire, perfect after exposed to the everlasting and changing weather! Once again, ties into another blog. It most certainly has ghost stories of its own. Ask any of the workers there about Emily. You might be pleasantly surprised with the stories! Good stuff, I promise! Take care... :)

True and Real Haunted Places in Washington State

Aberdeen - Billy's Bar and Grill - I can admit with please that this place serves some of the best food in Grays Harbor. I've visited on many occasions and have found it delightful each and every time. The luxurious history is worth exploring!This Building has two floors, the first floor has the restaurant, the second floor used to contain a prostitution house some of the ladies and a very infamous ghost named Billy Ghol may haunt the place lights go on and off at night cold spots and fog on the plate glass mirror.


Auburn - Auburn High School Auditorium Pit and Cat Walk areas - In the early 1950's, a little girl fell from the catwalk during a production. Ever since, she has been seen walking around the pit area and being heard in the rafters (cat walk).

Ellensburg - Central Washington University - Kamola Hall - Kamola Hall is haunted by the ghost of a former student that committed suicide there when she found out that her fiancé had been killed during the war. She hung herself from the rafters of the top floor where her room was located. People have reported unusual noises and sightings over the years. Even today, some of the students residing in the building have reported strange occurrences such as doors opening and closing by themselves and doors being knocked on but nobody there. Central Washington has always came across extra spooky to me. There is so much rich history and it shows! The Gorge is worth making a stop, almost like a miniature Grand Canyon, another place worth exploring.



Seattle - University of Washington - Columns Amphitheater - After dark, there is an entity at the Columns Amphitheater who does not like visitors. A couple sitting on a bench is a favorite target. The entity shakes the closest bush or shrub violently, and growls very low if you do not pay attention. Some people are unable to enter the amphitheater at night because of the forbidding, brooding feelings within. The Columns Amphitheater was named for the four columns from the original University of Washington building located closer to downtown.. Have no idea if the entity came from the original building or is some angry student, but he seems to be male and a young adult. Someone might consider taking a camera in there! Seattle has many natural and spookiness just in saying the city's name a loud. Seattle is where some of the alternative music can claim roots. Going to a show, in the smallest of small places is where I got to hear the "real music". A kick ass place to visit!




Taholah - Taholah school - people hear things when they are cleaning after school is out. They also hear people calling their names out loud and nobody is there. A picture of a guy on the wall and he will come out at night. There is to many to list. Taholah, like many of the coastal tribes all share similiar stories. Most of the tribes have experienced major and real heartache. They all feel it to the inner-most place, to the soul. I believe most show that when you try to look a Native in the eye, you actually see an intimate part of them. That is REAL.

Hiking the Olympic Peninsula

Hiking is a definite must when visiting or living along the coast. I find hiking anywhere to help relax and ground me. Getting out on the trail or a made-up trail can be refreshing and stimulating for the body. Here are some of my favorite pictures. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

This is Colonel Bob which is located near Quinault, WA. It is a tough trail- many switchbacks. But, it is raw just the way I like it. Well worth a day's hike. You will not make it to the top this time of year, the elevation is nearly 5000 feet. You will make it about 5 miles in to the trail and run into snow. Absolutely amazing and beautiful. Have a great one, and be sure to hike the trails in Quinault, WA. Hopefully, you will run across a herd of elk- a very possible chance of that as well! :)

Ruby Beach

Truly, magnificant place. I have been to Ruby Beach, many times. My first drive, with my very first car was a drive to Ruby Beach, WA. I have fond memories of that beautiful place. I was recently told a story with Ruby Beach as the subject. I was informed you could find many agates at Ruby Beach-scattered everywhere. I knew the history of earlier times, you could actually find rubies along the coastline. How wonderful and majestic, right? Please visit! And, for Twilight followers, not too far from Forks, WA! Best of times, for all that will wander that way! :)

"Home"

I am grateful I got to witness the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with these eyes. I hope everyone gets to experience it, at least one time...

Here are a couple links I have enjoyed to remind me of home. Yay!

http://www.pnba.org/

Yay!

This is my first original posting. Not sure what I am doing, but I am loving life. Welcome, to everyone. I hope I can keep you entertained. Have and awesome and wonderful day, all! :)

My Burning Kitchen

My Burning Kitchen

Twitter / VegasSahara

Twitter / VegasSahara