"Hayride"

This week home-preschool was going to be cancelled due to Jordan, Candace's husband, recovering from the flu (and none of us wanting to chance spreading germs). However, Candace called yesterday saying that she had found out about an apple orchard near us, "Coffee Grounds," that did tours of the orchard, a "hayride," and gave the kids a pumpkin and bag of apples...all for only $5! We thought that being outside would help prevent the possible "germ thing" and all of us wanted to capitalize on the beautiful weather for today. So, a reservation was made and off we went today for our 11:45 tour.

Coffee Grounds is a family business with I don't know how many acres of land that, for the most part, is still in the family. They grow apples, Christmas trees, and have big "home gardens" as well. Two of the sisters, Jane and Nancy, showed us around. These were some of the nicest and most knowledgeable ladies I have ever met.

Our first stop was the "apple shed" where they shined and sorted all of the apples. Nancy showed us all the different pruning tools they have as well as how they picked all the apples we saw around us. I have to say that as soon as we stepped in the shed my mouth began to water. Oh, I do love some apples!
They showed us the machine they use to shine and sort the apples after they had been picked. This machine was bought by their father from a peach farmer in SC and dated back to well before the 1960's. It was pretty amazing to watch as they had mirrors up on the ceiling so that we could see the whole process. Here they are showing us the different sized apples and where they all come out.

We next went on a hayride, well, more like a tractor ride but it was great. The land their family has is absolutely beautiful and it was nice to see the last of the leaves.

Aunt Molly came along to try to get some pictures for Mountaineer Heating and Cooling's next ad campaign. Beautiful day for it! Notice Heath and Molly's hands. He wanted her to hold his. :)

A view of Grandfather Mountain in the distance on the left.

View of the Watauga County mountains on the ride back to the house.

The ladies then showed us their corn patch where we found out about the incredibly tough time they had this year keeping the crows, turkeys, and deer out of this year. We got to walk all through it and then each young 'un got to pick out a pumpkin. Lastly, they sent each child home with a bag of five apples. Oh, were they good! I also got to leave there with a bushel of Rome Beauty seconds for some more applesauce (for only $6!). We had a wonderful time and are so thankful for Candace's idea to go out there. There was nothing better than spending our lunchtime outside...and learning a good bit, too!