Apple Day 2013

Every fall, we journey down the Columbia River Gorge to the scenic Hood River Fruit Loop to celebrate Bangsund Family Apple Day.  It's a minor holiday, but much anticipated by our people for a number of reasons.

They like the drive.  This year we saw three different freight trains, a barge, and LOTS of fall beauty.  I didn't catch any pictures of the trains or barge, but here's some beauty for you.

 We love The Gorge.  The jutting rocks, the trees, the river.  It's all awesome.

Okay, it's not Vermont, but the colors are still beautiful.

I like this yellow tree.

Finally, I have always been a Mt. Rainier girl, but this mountain is growing on me.  It reminds me of the Matterhorn in this picture.  And it's part of many of my memories with Erik and the boys.  So that makes it more special.

Upon arriving at Mt. Hood Organic Farms, we were greeted by the sweetest dog alive.  He came right up to the car, and we actually had to stop.  But once he had made eye contact with Erik, the driver, he raced off ahead of us toward the Apple House.  Such a hospitable welcome.

I remembered to take pictures of the Apple House this year!  I love this place.  It is so charming and lovely.

There are lots of places to buy fruit in Hood River at this time of year.  But this is my very favorite.  It's the vibe of the place.  It feels elegant and homegrown at the same time.

We spent the next forty minutes picking our apples, enjoying the scenery, and chatting with John, the amiable, forklift-driving owner who remembered us from last year.  He thinks his prices are too high but that's because he hasn't recently purchased organic apples in Portland.  And the guy needs to keep this farm.  So I'm happy to pay $0.80 a pound for school boy Galas and $1.50 for Ambrosias (YUM!) and $3.00 a pound for Honey Crisp.  Well, we only bought four Honey Crisp as a special treat cuz I'm cheap.  But we got 40 pounds of Gala seconds for applesauce at $0.75 a pound.  All organic.  And my boys got to watch John move some boxes of pears with his forklift.  That's money right there, people!

 The forklift in action

The drive home is always delicious as we say, "Happy Apple Day" to each other while consuming our Honey Crisp apples.  I love family traditions, not because they bind us to events or activities but because, when done well, they bind us to each other.