@johnbishop Boy does this ever make me miss the Seattle area. We had blackberries and raspberries. One place we live had a bog behind it that had the largest blue berries. Yum, Yum. Jeanie

@johnbishop We have wild blackberries in the vacant lots behind us, and I merrily gathered them last year. We pulled out most of those stinking invasive blackberries on our northern edge of property. While I thought they were helping to hold up the hillside, I found they were instead covering up a beautifully rock terraced section pouring into a flat spot. Long term plans are to develop that area into a resting nook with bench and flowers.

The deer have discovered my baby yellow roses. But here is a rich red one from next to it, that they don't touch.
Ginger

@johnbishop, Oh, John! I'm salivating all over the place!!! Our walking river and canoe fishing trips while living in Duluth, had us happening upon wild strawberries. Each time, I'd leave the fishing to "himself" and greedily gather those tiny, best ever little jewels. Didn't have the pleasure of finding wild raspberries but can only imagine the delight! Only a bucket? Why not a barrel????

Thanks, too for the clarification. I'd mistakenly thought until now that Alaska's state bird was the mosquito. Can vouche for the fact that both states top TX, which is inclined to tout being the "best and biggest" . Like comparing gnats to helicopters!!! LOL