R has been anticipating the U-pick season for months now, and --contrary to my previous post -- there was some consternation that the rain this year would destroy the crop. So I promised her we'd go as soon as possible -- and that day was the Saturday before last.
We left Sunnyvale around 9am, and took a 237 to 880 to Mission Blvd. to 680 to 580 route east to Vasco Road in Livermore, and then another 20 minutes or so past the wind turbines in Altamont to arrive in Brentwood. A very rural locale -- makes Tracy seem urban-- but what better place for an orchard?
Anyhow, Vasco road -- which incidentally is a beautiful drive -- becomes Walnut road, and then you hook a left at Marsh Creek road, drive another mile, and you arrive at D.C.'s U-pick Cherries. There's no entrance fee or minimum quantity. You just park, grab a bucket, and start picking (and eating). They charge $2 a pound, so of course we had to pick 17 pounds to bring back, which is about a full bucket.
This year's crop of Bings was pretty good, but the more exotic varieties suffered a lot of splitting from the late rains, so the "Utah Giant" and "Star Krimson"s were not in very good shape. We were able to pick a full bucket pretty quickly, since the trees are quite short, and there are still plenty of cherries left since it's early in the season.
Some tips, if you want to go:
1) Arrive early, both to avoid crowds and the oppressive heat. They open at 8 on weekends (we got there at 9:30, which was still ok, but getting full and hot).
2) It's tempting to wander around and just pick from tree to tree - but the best method we found is to taste-test until you find a good batch, and then park yourself there and just pick the tree clean.
3) I wore a thick leather belt, and then looped the bucket handle through so that it hung at my waist -- much more efficient than putting the bucket on the ground and dropping them in, plus avoids bruising.
4) For some reason, they've put the, er... facilities (porta-potties) in the middle of an open field. I guess this keeps the smell away from the orchards, but they get really, really warm. [use your imagination here]. So, if you have an aversion to such spots, there is a cool, clean Target at the 1st street exit in Livermore, just before the Vasco exit on your way out (and they have a Starbucks, too)
5) R was clever in bringing some wet paper towels in ziplock bags to use as wet wipes. You'll need something to wipe the cherry juice of your hands, mouth, etc.
Hurt so good bring a tear to your eye, sweet cherry pie
(you know you luv it)
We left Sunnyvale around 9am, and took a 237 to 880 to Mission Blvd. to 680 to 580 route east to Vasco Road in Livermore, and then another 20 minutes or so past the wind turbines in Altamont to arrive in Brentwood. A very rural locale -- makes Tracy seem urban-- but what better place for an orchard?
Anyhow, Vasco road -- which incidentally is a beautiful drive -- becomes Walnut road, and then you hook a left at Marsh Creek road, drive another mile, and you arrive at D.C.'s U-pick Cherries. There's no entrance fee or minimum quantity. You just park, grab a bucket, and start picking (and eating). They charge $2 a pound, so of course we had to pick 17 pounds to bring back, which is about a full bucket.
This year's crop of Bings was pretty good, but the more exotic varieties suffered a lot of splitting from the late rains, so the "Utah Giant" and "Star Krimson"s were not in very good shape. We were able to pick a full bucket pretty quickly, since the trees are quite short, and there are still plenty of cherries left since it's early in the season.
Some tips, if you want to go:
1) Arrive early, both to avoid crowds and the oppressive heat. They open at 8 on weekends (we got there at 9:30, which was still ok, but getting full and hot).
2) It's tempting to wander around and just pick from tree to tree - but the best method we found is to taste-test until you find a good batch, and then park yourself there and just pick the tree clean.
3) I wore a thick leather belt, and then looped the bucket handle through so that it hung at my waist -- much more efficient than putting the bucket on the ground and dropping them in, plus avoids bruising.
4) For some reason, they've put the, er... facilities (porta-potties) in the middle of an open field. I guess this keeps the smell away from the orchards, but they get really, really warm. [use your imagination here]. So, if you have an aversion to such spots, there is a cool, clean Target at the 1st street exit in Livermore, just before the Vasco exit on your way out (and they have a Starbucks, too)
5) R was clever in bringing some wet paper towels in ziplock bags to use as wet wipes. You'll need something to wipe the cherry juice of your hands, mouth, etc.
Hurt so good bring a tear to your eye, sweet cherry pie
(you know you luv it)
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by butazabuta
| 2005-06-01 11:29
| Travel （旅行）
