Apple Picking (it's back!)

We missed apple picking for the two Fall seasons that we were in Colorado, not only for the experience but also for what apple picking represents. Colorado doesn't really have a Fall season, the apple farms they do have are small and unable to serve many pickers, so you have to reserve a spot MONTHS in advance to be able to come pick (so ridiculous). There isn't really any nice Fall foliage to speak of either. Also, apple picking excursions have been an annual tradition for us, so it was nice to get back to it. 

We drove up to our usual place, Ochs Orchard in Warwick, NY. We went a little earlier this year because of the cool summer - the apple harvest was thought to be slimmer this year and we wanted to make sure and have a good selection to choose from. It was exciting too because both boys are old enough to really enjoy this activity.

We started off in the orchard's store with apple cider donuts - yum! We munched on them in the car on our drive through the farm to the parking area. Once parked, we payed for our 1/2 bushel bag and set off for the apple trees! The boys were really intrigued by all of the apples and had a great time plucking them off the trees. We enjoyed watching them experience it all. We also happened on a few peach trees, which was a nice educational moment but sadly the peaches were out of season. We also saw strawberry fields as well as pumpkin and melon patches. 

Once we made our rounds, we headed for the tip top of the orchard where there is a nice view, and we let the boys have one more apple cider donut each. We really enjoyed the trip, and although it was cut a little shorter than we traditionally would have taken due to a soccer game and birthday party in the afternoon, it was well worth the return we had anticipated.