Open Farm Day

Nagisa was away but Lena was happy to head out today with me for Open Farm Day -- an opportunity to meet your local farmer. After a downright chilly Friday and an okay Saturday, Sunday's heat was a lovely surprise and made the day that much better.

First stop -- "Out to Pasture" farm on the Mossman Road.

Look at this gorgeous German girl!  Does she not look like the poster child for healthy farm living?

Out to Pasture offered us cute little ducklings, sheep, horses, pet goats and some fantastic meat products. (I took home some chorizo.)  They also gifted us with delicious apples to munch on during our walk about.

The pumpkins gave a hint of autumn to the scene; and the leaves are just beginning to turn color here.

It took us a little time and a few wrong turns but eventually we found our way to farm #2.  But that's what we get for going on what I call "adventure" drives -- you know, the ones where you can figure out roughly which direction to drive and that one of these dirt roads will get you to the other trunk road you need to reach your destination.

This is  Watershed Farms, a fantastic organic/biodynamic farm that sells at my local Farm market.

 I always buy my tomatoes from this farm -- usually a basket of tiny heritage varieties that taste like candy.  They are so amazingly delicious!  But look at all the other varieties they offer; and look at the size of that one guy next to my hand. A meal in itself!

And this is owner/operator, Camelia standing next to her living fence.  15 years ago, this was all just a hay field with 3 apple trees.  Now, although she certainly doesn't make money, she survives.  She's so dedicated to growing good food and giving back to the land and teaching the younger generation to continue the tradition.  

After a quick stop for ice cream, we found our last stop of the day,
Indian Garden Farms, owned and operated by the same local family for 158 years.

They sell at the local farm markets as well as having their own market shop full of apples, pears, peaches; all sorts of veggies and these days, cranberries -- getting ready for Canada's Thanksgiving Day next month.  

There were a lot of families there today and a 40 min wait for the wagon ride around the property.  So, Lena and I opted out of that treat and bought corn and squash instead.  







Ain't nobody here but us chickens!