National Geographic un-contacted tribe

Saw this today and it kind of blew my mind. It's amazing to me that their are still humans in the world who have know idea what the world has become... contacted or un-contacted. Very Cool.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/02/pictures/110202-uncontacted-tribe-pictures-photos-amazon-science-indians-brazil-arrows/?source=fohomesc1#/uncontacted-tribes-new-pictures-huts_31965_600x450.jpg

Rogue Blackberry Pie

Making a pie isn't the easiest of things. There have been many a times where I've thrown my hands up as well as the pie crust and landed it in the trash. However, over time and my mom's amazing pie skills, I've slowly learned the secrets.

Last night I was cleaning out the freezer and noticed a frozen bag of blackberries from last september when we had gone picking on the Rogue River. So... I decided to work on my pie skills and whipped up a blackberry pie. With a little effort and some vanilla ice cream, I was quickly ascending into heaven.

Pie Shell:
2 slightly mounded Cups of Flour
1 t Salt
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
3-4 T cold water (put a glass of water in the freezer before you start)

Filling:
Enough blackberries to fill a pie shell (4 cups or till its nicely mounded)
1 Cup Sugar
3 T tapioca pudding balls
1 T Salted Butter (cut into small pieces)

Filling: Combine everything except the butter. Let sit for 15 min or while you make your crust.

Pie Shell: Combine flour and salt then add your butter (making sure it is straight out of the fridge so it is cold). Use your pastry cutter to cut in the butter. After a couple minutes you'll start to see clumps forming, if not... keep working. Once you see these clumps, get your water out and a fork. Throw in 3 T of the cold water and then quickly stir it around with your fork until its starts to combine and their aren't any little bits of dry flour, but instead little dough balls. If it still seems dry, add 1/2 T water at a time till it starts to combine. Then Feel the weight of it. It should be slightly moist and heavy (not dry and crumble-y. Then gather the bits of dough to form 2 small balls. One will be for the bottom crust, the other for the top.

Role out normally and place the bottom crust in pie pan - make sure to press it against the sides and bottom. Poor your filling into it and cut up the 1 T Salted butter evenly on top of the berries.

Role out your top crust and pinch together with the bottom crust. Then take a knife and put slits in the top for the liquid to breathe.

Bake at 450 for 10 min, then reduce to 350 and cook for another 40 (or more) minutes.
Wen the crust is dry looking and golden brown on top, it is done. If your dish is clear you can also check the bottom to see if it is cooked. That is the best indicator.

Top with ice cream and enjoy!

Sturgeon Derby on the Willamette

This Saturday I was finally able to get out onto the water and it was absolutely, ridiculously fun! As soon as we got to our hole (around 10 am... my kind of fishing day) they were jumpin' all around us having a hay day. 5 minutes with our lines in and we were catchin' fish left and right. Unfortunately we could only catch and release but we ended the day totaling 15 caught!!!

I hooked and reeled this bad boy in all by myself! (Although I did need help getting it in the boat)

P.S. Thankfully my wildwoodsman has some style. Check out my purple LaCrosse boots. Best insulated rubber boot out there... I heart them!!! Thanks Christopher! Check their site out if you're itchin' for a pair. 

The plywood was probably my best and toughest catch of the day!  

                                                       Another little guy! Check out the whiskers on these dinosaurs!  

Sturgeon on the Willamette

Chris recently wet his line, while I slaved away at my desk.