One of the outdoor activities I enjoy is fishing. In most states you need a license to fish. On June 6th and 7th the state of Massachusetts allows anyone to fish license or not, I am sure this is to get people “hooked” so they will purchase a license. All license fees go to the MassWildlife Program. I think most states offer this program and it usually falls on this weekend, here is a list of free fishing days (double check the info on your state wildlife web page) or just search google for your state and free fishing day…
You still need to follow fishing laws so make sure you read up a little before you head out. Most states limit fish you can keep and size.
So its time to dig out that old fishing pole and head outside for a couple days… If you have ever though about giving it a try now is the time… Get out and just enjoy being outside!!!
Fiddleheads with shallots & garlic on a bed of rice
I almost missed out on fiddleheads this year. Luckly I found them at a store today and cooked them up for dinner tonight. Usually in the beginning of May you see them start to show up in the locally owned grocery stores, this year I seemed to keep missing them and when I finally asked I was told they were already passed season. Fiddleheads are the unfurled fronds of a young fern, They grow in the wild and are uncultivated. Only certain types of fiddelheads are edible and you should only hunt and pick them if you know what you are looking for. Fiddleheads taste a bit like asparagus and should be boiled or steamed. I like to rinse them in cold water and gently rub them to remove any of the brown papery stuff on the spiral then steam or boil, some say to change the water half way through cooking.
The photo above is fiddleheads with shallots and garlic and white rice. I sauteed the garlic and shallots in olive oil, when well browned I added a bit of beer (I used Sierra Nevada ESB). Then I added the fiddleheads covered the pan and let it simmer for a bit, 10 minutes or so seemed to be good.
It is just great to be able to eat something fresh and local so early in spring… Being in Western, MA I have the availability of some of the best asparagus you can find anywhere. Can’t wait for summer and the availability of more local awesome veggies!
When out this morning for a wet bike ride. It was misting or a slight drizzle, but it was nice. Rode the Norwottuck Trail past the Hampshire Mall. About a mile or two past the mall I thought I had picked up a rock in the front tire a bit later I noticed it was starting to go flat… not a rock but a piece of glass, bummer! Where is that patch kit and frame pump? Something I never got around to adding to my bike. So our only choice… to walk…
The Mall has a Dicks Sporting Goods store so I figured I could pick up what I needed to make the repair there. Bought a patch kit and asked if I could bring my bike in and use the pump… She said yes, alright! Now I gotta get this thing patched. Used my keys as tire levers it worked well… The patch stuck and it held air. So off we go! Lesson learned,time to get a repair kit on the bike. The ride totaled up at about 20 miles so it was a good morning ride…
Things I need for the repair kit:
- Patch kit Read more »
I headed out early Sunday to beat the heat, 90+ temps in April crazy right? I parked at the base of the Sugarloaf summit road and followed the blue blazed trail. I don’t really know the trails here but figured I could make a nice loop, not so… Read more »
outdoors | Husky Hiker - Jim Bradley | 
5/26/2009 7:39 PM | 
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