I just saw that right after having a similar experience. Some of my Shiitake logs are now getting alive after 2 years of looking almost dead. The first mushrooms finally turned up after I had nearly written them off. (Photos)

Nice that they finally produced for you. I have a few logs, which seem to take turns producing. Since I really don't pay them much attention, it's a nice surprise when they "bloom".

Nice work and kudos for the patience!

Shiitake rarely produce the first yr. It is a fungus not plant. So there's little sign that the mysterious fungus is working, until muhrooms pop up. A white ring or large white fuzzy spot of fungal growth tightly hugging the cut log end nearest the ground, a few days after an inoculated log has been wet might be your only interrim sign of success! Get happy if you see this. Get concerned if the bark signicantly (more than 10% of it) falls off. Significant bark loss only happens when the shiitake fungus lost out to another fungus.

Year 2-3 after inoculation is the most reliable start for production. FlIf yoy manage moisture and sun protection right fruiting should happen each fall and/or spring for 2 to 4 more years after this.

Optional moisture/teperature growth perods alterated with intermittent submerged log soaking events can be used to speed the process and staggered to get continous production ... once the excellent flavor of freshly grown shiitake hooks you or that friend.

Happy incubation ...

Inoculation

Good log end indication

Get the frying pan ready!