Day tripping to Apple Hill

It was Oct. 20 and the weatherman predicted it to be a gorgeous sunny day for a road trip to Apple Hill. We had a tight time frame in which to complete the trip but we were easily able to complete it on time, even with all the road construction.

The plan was to meet in the Ranchos and take Highway 88 south to Highway 89 north over Luther Pass to Highway 50 west.

I was very impressed with the colors in the Hope Valley area thinking about going camping but it is too cold to go camping now in my tent. When we got over Luther Summit we hit our first road construction stop. The road crews are working on pouring cement curbs on the side of the road with lots of new pavement too. I'll bet it will be great next year.

In the mean time, our trip leader timed this stop just right as we waited only a few minutes before it was time for our north bound traffic to go. Highway 50 was as beautiful as always going up and over Echo Summit and into the next road construction stop. Again our timing was great as we only stopped for maybe 10 minutes. It was a nice break to get off the motorcycle and stretch our knees.

About 180 miles later we pulled into Exit 48 on the west end of the Apple Hill Loop. We went to High Hill Ranch because we knew where the restrooms were there, darn that coffee I had for breakfast. Here, there are lots and lots of craft booths set up as well as food available.

After that we backtracked to Boa Vista Orchards. By this time it was time to eat as we had all skipped breakfast on anticipation of homemade apple strudel. We were not disappointed, although I had a turkey sandwich instead. We had plenty of time to look around and collect the apples to bring home for making pies this month.

Pick up a map as you pull in to one of the businesses as there are more than 48 listed with another five Christmas tree farms. Eighteen of these have bake shops and nine places advertise being open year round. Some farms let you pick your own pumpkins, apples and berries. I was in search of Gravenstein apples but that is an August crop. I settled for Granny Smith for my pies I plan to make through Thanksgiving and golden delicious for caramel apples. Hint: I like to core them, slice them in half, then put the stick in and then coat them. It's a little bit fewer in calories and I think I am still splurging.

It's approximately 180 miles from Johnson Lane round trip and we did it in 6 1/2 hours. If you would like more information you can call (530) 644-7692 or e-mail info@applehill.com. I hope you'll take the time to make the day trip. It was once again a lot of fun.

Lisa Welch is a Johnson Lane resident and can be reached at 267-9350.