Spring morel hunting

Hi All
After a bit of a break for the winter season and a house move i have been back out hunting my April/May nemesis the Morels. I knew of a spot where i could find semi free morels (Where the cap overhangs the stipe unlike true morels which are flush with the stipe) which i went back too and picked a few this year (Some books state that they are 'said' to be edible but may cause stomach upsets in some people, other books say they are fine to eat. I have given them a cautious try and was totally fine with no ill effects, so had a larger meal of them and all was well for me.... However do take caution if trying this species) The rest were dried on top of the boiler for a later date.


 Then while at a friends house at the weekend we went for a walk across the back fields and within 100yards of his house BOOM a BIG tick off my list as i found one of my most wanted mushrroms Morchella Esculenta, the classic Morel!

It was probably past its best and a little elderly but as it is known to be the best eating morel out there i had to give it a go and after a bit of trimming down and cutting off the best bits i can honestly say it is one of the best mushrooms i have tasted. So i just have the slightly more common Morchella Elata to tick off the list which is more at home on bark mulch in the local town and round industrial estates to find now. May have missed it for this season but there is always another chance next spring!!