Living in a city and being well-educated about food politics, it can be easy to forget how lovely pastoral America is. We recently visited a few farms a bit north of Spokane, Washington in an area called Green Bluff.
Green Bluff is a small collective of family-owned farms who primarily grow fruit, and the primary fruit is, of course, the glorious Washington apple. This was my first visit outside of apple season. Our visit coincided with stone fruit season and we went in search of peaches for jam and pie. I was also on the hunt for late summer raspberries but was a week late on some farms and a week early on others. Oh well, I really can’t complain about a peach cobbler, can I?
Each farm has it’s own hours of operation and attractions. We spent most of our time at Walter’s Fruit Ranch which had a lot for the kids to enjoy. It was our most perfect day of summer: Mama, Max, Jack and Nana and bright blue sunny day in the rolling orchards of Washington State.
Before we even entered the farm, Max and Jack found rocking horsies and cows.
Rocking horses are new for Jack (and quite a thrill).
The view directly across the street from Walter's Fruit Ranch.
With the recent vilification of wheat, it's easy to forget what it is: a beautiful grass. As a bread maker, I pay it respect.
"Driving My Tractor" is a favorite song at my house.
This is one of my all-time favorite pictures of Max.
The Wiiggle Worm Choo Choo!
Baby Jack enjoys a morning snack of peach pie.
The best part of the farm was called the Pea Pit: a giant sanbox of dried peas!
- These dried peas were so much more fun than sand for the boys. For me they were a heavenly foot massage.
I would love to replicate this at home, but Miami is too humid. The cost was simply a dollar donation.
The view one turn of my head from the pea pit. Stunning.
Cute petting zoo behind the pea pit. We fed their goats. I love the door to seemingly nowhere.
- Family friendly places make me happy, even when my kids aren’t in tow.
Yes! Nana shows Max apple trees. A first sighting in his tropical life.
Must take picture of idyllic farm.
No, no, this one's better!
Unquestionably tops!!! Can you believe it's real?
- Children of the Northwest will be treated to corn mazes and apple picking in a month or two.
What a beautiful country!
Look at all the horizontal lines. Layer after layer. From the dirt to the sky.
And what do we see at our last stop of the day?
Why, it's Sophia the Llama!
The best souvenirs are edible! We will eat this day for a year: jam on toast and peanut butter sammies.
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