Apple Pickers For A Day

For someone so used to picking guavas, mangoes, pomelos, bananas and other tropical fruits, picking apples in the US is novelty. Relatives from the US rave about this truly American experience.

The thought of it got us excited as we hopped on to a 2-hour Amtrak train ride to Connecticut from New York City’s Penn Station.

We were supposed to get off at Old Saybrook (OSB), the quaint and charming hometown of iconic actress Katharine Hepburn, but instead of exiting through the doors at the train’s forward section, we walked towards the back section and found out that the doors were closed. We decided to make our way to the forward section but all doors had been shut and the train started moving without us having gotten off.

  

Old Saybrook Station, Connecticut

Upon seeing us on panic mode, the steward assured us that there was nothing to worry about because missing stops happen. He calmly told us to get off at New London, the next station 20 minutes away and from there take another train to bring us back to OSB. After telling him that we did not have any return ticket, he scribbled something down on a piece of paper which speaks so well of Amtrak’s customer service.

This served as our ticket 

back to OSB from New London.

Eventually, we made our way back to OSB where my cousin picked us up. We spent the night in her family's log cabin nestled in a 60-acre forest in Higganum, Connecticut.

It is so quiet that one can hear the faint sound of falling leaves. 

 The feel and smell of the logs evoke warm and homey ambiance. 

The following day, we drove to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, Connecticut for apple-picking and more.

 Which ones to pick? Notice some red apples strewn on the ground.

So, is it red or green?

 Well, she picked both.

 

Looks like we took more pictures 

than pick apples

Lyman Orchards' brochures tell us that is was founded in 1741. It is recognized as the 12th oldest family-owned business in America. Now in its 9th generation of Lyman Family ownership, Lyman Orchards has grown to more than 1,100 acres. And the tradition lives on.

Just a portion of the huge acreage of apples.

Aside from apples, Lyman Orchards also grow pears and pumpkins.

Different varieties of pears

Pumpkins for Halloween . . .

After picking apples (pears and pumpkins), we went to Apple Barrel Market, still within Lyman Orchards, to chillax and to finally wrap up this wonderful American experience. A million thanks to my cousin.

Cheers !!!

To-die-for blueberry pie; every bite a delight.

Apples we picked at the farm are cheaper (by a few 

cents per pound) than the ones being sold here.