Perfect days are few and far in between. Fortunately for me, friday was one such day. The weather was perfect, cool mid-90's (for Texas in the summer, that's cool). Puffy white clouds populated the sky. Adventure was in the air.
Ryan and I left Austin around noon and headed to Fredericksburg for a much anticipated peach picking extravaganza. I clapped my hands like a wind up monkey with cymbals and fez the entire way, exclaiming how excited I was. At the hour mark, I questioned the validity of driving so far to pick fruit you can very well pull over to any of 100+ stands and buy. Of course it was. The photo ops of the Hill Country drive, quaint antique shops and precious roadside stands only served to add to the experience.
Our destination was Marburger Orchard. After meandering down a few small raods, we came upon a beautiful orchard with a view of the Hill Country in the distance. I did not feel like I was in Texas. It was as if I had been transported to the hills of France, it was that pituresque. I eagerly hurried to the stand to obtain my peach picking gear. Donna was awaiting us (see above picture). I will never forget her. This woman eminated nothing but warmth, knowledge, and genuine love for this orchard and these peaches. Her face was dotted with sunkissed freckles (almost rivaling my own). The thickness of lines and creases of her skin reflected the hours she spent amoungst the trees.
The group of new arrivals gathered in front of her as she gave the 5 minute version of how to pick the perfect peach. Its all in the color and softness. You're looking for a rich orangey yellow. The red results from exposure to direct sunlight and has nothing to do with ripeness. Anything green, don't bother. All the peaches were free stone peaches which means the pits are not connected and are easily removed. The locals eat peaches by sticking their thumbs into the top and split the peach in half. By the end of the day, I perfected the art. After lots of research taste testing all five varities of peaches, I opted for the Dixieland. With our 1/4 bushel cardboard box in hand, away we went. I was nothing but over joyed and in my happy place.
All veteran fruit pickers know the first rule of picking 1) Eat until you're full, then start putting fruit in your basket. That is exactly what we did.
I have to run...work awaits me...I will finish shortly
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