Sunday 11 August 2019

Clouds and cloudberries

 

Sometimes, in the face of weakening resolve, our humans need a bit of gentle persuasion, don't you find?

On Saturday morning Gail announced that she thought the cloudberries near the summit of Morven (our favourite Aberdeenshire hill) would be ripe and it was time to go for a forage.

Fine by me.

But when we reached the parking area, rain was splattering against the car windscreen, the top half of the hill was hidden under a thick blanket of cloud, and Gail came over all hesitant, muttering something about maybe a lower level walk, and picking raspberries instead.

Well I just gave her a 'look', which she correctly interpreted as saying:

"Raspberries are easy to find, and really not special at all. And by the way, the clue is in the name, CLOUD-berries. I think we should ascend as planned."

The rain ceased shortly after we set off up the narrow steep path through the heather. We met no other humans. The rounded summit was alive with ptarmigan and mountain hare, although when I moved to make a meal of one (no longer living) hare, Gail firmly pulled me away, asserting, "I didn't mean that sort of foraging Bertie!"

I'll admit I'm not the most patient of berry picking companions, especially when kept on a lead because of poor visibility and enticing wildlife. But eventually Gail located enough ripe cloudberries to serve as an accompaniment to her home made 'no-churn' ice cream when her friends John and Françoise came round for dinner later in the day.

So all in all it was a highly successful outing, and I think Gail is now grateful I had earlier given her that 'look'.



13 comments:

  1. OMD Bertie you ptarmigan? I had no idea. We saw them in Alaska and they are quite uniquely dressed for whatever season. YIKES I bet that snow hare was pungent?!
    You and Gail were almost walking on the clouds. What wonderful photos.

    Cloudberries are new to me too. They are surely appropriately named. So do tell us how they taste?
    Hugs Cecilia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gail says: Cloudberries when ripe have a complex, unique taste, aromatic and slightly tart. Excellent when combined with something sweet and creamy!

      Delete
  2. What would they do without us pups to guide them, right Bertie?! Good call on the Cloud-berry walk, what a beautiful stroll!
    Sorry about the lack of rabbit snack though!
    xoxo,
    Rosy, Jakey & Arty

    ReplyDelete
  3. It looks like you had a great trip despite the weather and being on leash.

    ReplyDelete
  4. We have never heard of Cloudberries before. What a beautiful color they are!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hari OM
    Well done that lad, ensuring an impressive completion of a meal for guests! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh the berries ~ we keep looking for Cloudberry jam at the specialty store that has different isles for different countries. Once they had the jam several years ago and it was expensive but we have not seen it since. Maybe someday.
    Your Friend
    Wills
    W

    ReplyDelete
  7. Another incident proving Gail needs to heed your advice more often!

    ReplyDelete
  8. We just have to keep reminding our humans to keep pushing through! What would they do without us?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Bertie, I am so glads you are nudging Gail to go farther ~ it sure is hard sometimes, huh? Those cloudberries sound FABulous! Gots to admit, I've never tried them, and Ma said she hasn't eithers, so she's no help! BOL!
    She said she'll keep an eye out on her shopping trips for a jam!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

    ReplyDelete
  10. Mmmm, what a yummy outing. The rabbit part of the story was especially nice. ♥️ Wyatt and Tegan

    ReplyDelete
  11. Looks like a lovely treat those cloudberries, can't say that my mom's ever heard of them! (And too bad you couldn't have your own tasty treat, mmmmm, rabbbit in any form!)

    Your friend Kiki

    ReplyDelete
  12. You know what is best for your mom. She should listen to you

    ReplyDelete