THIS WAY TO THE FESTIVAL!! A few weekends ago Joseph and I went on a litle romantic excursion into the Shenandoahs. Sparked by an article in the Washington Post discussing romatic getaways for working couples, I suggested to Joseph that we drive off into the countryside that coming weekend (is it sad that I get most of my "activities" from my daily, and constant perusal of the news?). We decided that as fall was just around the corner we should hit up the Shenendoah National Forest Annual Apple Butter Festival, followed by a visit to a local orchard to pick some of our own apples. The trip was a delight! From the wildlife along the way to the wild time at the festival, we enjoyed seeing, smelling, tasting, and even lending a hand while experiencing one of nature's best treats.
Joseph took advantage of his time there and got in on the action. The apples are boiled in these huge pots until they are a nice mush. Add the right blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and a bit of sugar and you've got the best apple butter in three counties. It's amazing what you can learn from chattin' with the locals.
Gettin' Down and Dirty at the festival! I loved this kid, the char streak on his face and his grubby little fingers clutching his burger...
This is Rose. Rose is in charge of peeling the apples that are chopped up and tossed into the huge cauldrons of bubbling apple butter. What a woman!
Among the other talented craftsman at the festival, I liked watching the basket weavers. I particularly love the fashion statement: "while this may look like a girly-man's work, I ain't no girly-man." Seeing wildlife these days is such a treat. Living in the big city really makes me miss my country-girl roots, although I do not miss the fear of hitting one of these guys on the road, I'm not so sure that's a very good trade-off for the traffic.
The purple mountains (that's what they call mountains out here) and the blue sky added to an already perfect day!
2 comments:
Looks like tons of fun!!! I loved the not so girly basket weaver...I wish I had a skill like that! Oh and that deer was funny lookin, are you sure it was a deer? Ha Ha Ha!
Hey Maren- I just wanted to say that looks like quite the adventure... I love the "mountains"... Oh, this is Brooke (and Marques).. in case you were wondering.
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