We had long extinguished the skimpy supply of golden delicious apples provided by our own two backyard trees.
The drive was pleasant as we curved around, up, then down to the Nelson County side of the mountains. The day began with sunny skies, clouding quickly to grey; but we never did receive the heavy rain as forecasted. The temperature was warm, shirt-sleeve weather, and so satisfying to eek out another desirable autumn day before...the chance of another early snow is expected for Tuesday night and Wednesday morning - boo!
As we arrived, the packing facility was still in full production. We entered the welcoming shed where the apples beamed from their huge crates. And, these apples were huge - just waiting to be placed in our 1/2 bushel bag.
Glenn and I wandered from crate to crate - Fuji to Golden to Pink Lady and back again. Which ones? After a quick taste of a couple of apples; firm, juicy, flavorful even this late in the season, we decided to get 1/2 bushel of Pink Lady and another 1/2 bushel mixed of Pink Lady, Golden, and a few Fuji thrown in for a bit of yummy variation. My friend, Ann, told me that her best apple pies are those made with a combination of varieties; so taking her recommendation, I made sure to have a representative mix for my upcoming baking.
Adjacent to the store, was the packing shed itself. Workers sorted, sized and packed each fruit with care. The boxes of apples would find their way to grocery stores and fruit stands. How interesting to observe a real, working, packing shed - American at work!
A Flippin-Seaman brochure advertises, along with the apple varieties and available dates, a few free perks like fresh mountain air, country atmosphere, and good customer service - I can certify all of the above!
Best of all...getting back in the car with our apples, driving out of the parking area, and biting into one/several juicy apples for that special treat on that return trip home - fresh, sweet, and so delicious!
We have been making the annual outing(s) to the Flippin-Seaman Orchard for years - with kids, without kids, via motorcycle.... this is one trip we never seem to miss.
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