This past weekend the family went apple picking. We piled the stroller, baby, his go back and ourselves into the car and drove to Demarest Farms in New Jersey. We arrived in about 40 minutes and were among dozens of families out for the day. We parked and began the uphill hike towards the main building.
Photo Shoot
Once we arrived at the main building we took fun pictures in the cutouts. My grand baby looked adorable in the sunflower, Halloween and fruit cutouts. It was fun enjoying his first farm outing. After our round of pictures we set off on a hayride to the orchards. It was interesting because the road to the orchard transversed through a neighborhood. At one point the truck pulling us crossed a local road (hmm). We figured it was all farmland once and part of it had most likely been sold.
Goats, Sheep, Chickens oh my
Once we arrived at the orchards we saw a pumpkin patch. Memories of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown came to mind. Not one to miss a photo-op we positioned the little guy and took more photos. From there we moved to the goats, sheep and chickens (the latter of which did not come out). Baby boy was okay with it all until Goatee got too close to the fence (see photo below).
After the required diaper change we headed towards the orchard. Based on some intel we were on the lookout for the Cameo apple which was rumored to be among the best. We opted not to get a stick to reach the top picks, deciding instead to use our height to our advantage.
Apples Everywhere
The first apples we met were the Empire. I have to say they were delicious. The wonderful thing about apple picking is you can sample the merchandise. Halfway through the apple I realized that I wasn’t experiencing any mouth sensitivity. I actually ate my first whole apple in a long time. Among our favorites were the Empire, Red Delicious and Cameos came in third.
Walk, sample, chat, pick, shift baby; walk, sample, chat, pick, shift baby; walk, sample, chat, pick, switch baby. About a third of the way into this rhythm I realized that we should have started picking apples at the far end of the orchard and worked our way back. We were carrying a 20lb baby, a diaper bag and a growing bag of apples. When we found ones that we really liked we skipped sampling and just ate them. By the time we reached the end of the orchard I was more than ready to head back, that’s when it hit me that we were going back uphill.
Exercise in Disguise
Here’s the wonderful thing about the day (besides the day itself). We worked on our cardio, strength and flexibility. We walked through the orchard and while it was a low-key stop and go pace we carried the weight of the baby and the apples. We stretched and bent our bodies to reach the apples especially the clusters higher up. We walked downhill and we walked uphill. We did this for about 1 ½ hours, including walking to and from the main building which included pushing a stroller uphill.
In one morning we managed to have quality family time (FUN), enjoy the great outdoors (STRESS REDUCTION), pick apples (EXERCISE), eat apples (FIBER) and relax. Needless to say, I was absolutely ready to take a nap upon returning home (REST).
If you want to learn more about how to get the most out of life by taking care of your health in fun and fabulous ways join me at my upcoming event Move With the Spirit Faith & Fitness Retreat in Stony Point, NY October 31st. Over the course of one full day I’ll be leading you into embracing a healthier lifestyle that addresses the whole-self for greater success.
This high energy inspirational day will give you the tools and resources you need to Rejoice, Rebirth and Rebuild your spiritual, emotional and physical house. Take the first step and join me.
Yours in health & vitality,
Tamara
