Blackberry Picking and Picnic
Details
The end of summer is coming and the blackberries are ripe. There is an easy flat path here about a mile long lined with blackberries. We'll pick for an hour or until we have enough then drive a short way to the park's picnic area to make some recipes with our blackberries and other goodies we've brought. There are barbecue pits, picnic tables and a restroom in the picnic area.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Ripe,_ripening,_and_green_blackberries.jpg
Meetup's auto location does not take you exactly where we need to go. Go to the entrance of the park which is clearly marked with a sign off Wheeler Rd. Enter the park and cross Lost Creek. After the creek, there is a parking lot on the left side. This is where we will gather to pick berries in the field nearby. Or just use this Google Map (https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msid=200972410494901169254.000500b39ee8b804963d3&msa=0&ll=43.939478,-122.844014&spn=0.003619,0.008256) to get you there. It is only about a 20 minute drive. Navigating has never been easier. I will be there looking out for people and look just like my picture. Please look like yours.
http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/0/8/6/600_398393382.jpeg
Here's a map (http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=main.loadFile&load=siteFiles/publications/Elijah_Map_9x16(lowres)091134.pdf) of the park.
As you may have gathered, blackberries have thorns. Expect to get scratched. How much depends on how careful you are. I recommend closed-toed shoes and long pants to protect your legs, but you will decide for yourselves. Children welcome but parents responsible for their safety especially where blackberry thorns concerned. Dogs welcome but must be on leash. Bring a bag or container for your berries.
After picking, it's a short way to the picnic area with restroom, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits and stands.
Bring some dinner to share and please SAY WHAT YOU WILL BRING IN THE COMMENTS. I'll plan on making blackberry compote which you can see me making with my friend in this video:
I will also bring some meat for grilling and beer for drinking. Will have a small camp stove. Some other suggestions though feel free to freestyle and add your own unique contributions:
--corn or veggies for grill
--chips and dips
--beer, wine for moderate, responsible and discreet consumption.
--salad
--other fresh fruit
--dark chocolate!
--charcoal for grill
--dutch oven and cobbler recipe
Please say in your comments if you have any food restrictions. We will keep our music off so others may enjoy the peace of the park.
I am posting this to friends and other Meetup groups. Please invite your friends and will see you there.
Blackberry Picking and Picnic