Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Fall is Falling

Sunrise, sunset, one season following another. Before I break out in a full fledge Fiddler on The R00f rendition let's talk about apples. About this time of year when fall rears its' ugly head( yes I am a summer person) we head to Sebastapol. Our destination is Walker Apples, one of the few remaining apple growers in this one time apple capital. This morning was predicted to be foggy, but we are greeted by beautiful sunshine. It is still on the cool side but there is a promise of a warm afternoon. We trek along a long dirt driveway lined by apples trees and grape vines. Use caution, the road only allows one way traffic. Don't give up though, because at end is Walkers. Not much to look at, a large shed and multiple farm vehicle, it belies the luscious content therein.

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Upon arrival a member of the Walker family will greet you warmly. April my wife always asks Mrs Walker about her garden and her battles with the local deer population. This is a taste before you buy operation. Slices of each variety available are offered. Varieties vary depending on the whims of season. On this visit we tasted Rhode Island Greening, Standard Gravenstein, Standard Jonathan, Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Gala. These apples are nothing like the supermarket variety. They have an intense flavor, crisp and juicy. They are not waxed or gassed. We purchase a large case for $20. The case is in excess of 40 pounds so the price is definitely right. Maybe Fall is not so bad after all.

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Walker Apples is a member of the Sonoma Farm Trails organization. Check this place out, make a day of it, take a picnic. Enjoy!


Walker Apples10955 Upp Road
Sebastopol, CA 95472
Phone:
707-823-4310

Hours: Aug 1-Nov 15; Daily 9-5

1 comment:

cookiecrumb said...

Yeah, just so outsiders know, Sebastopol's main road is Gravenstein Highway! I'm so sorry I didn't make it to the Apple Fair last month.
Greg, I'm getting all sappy about fall too. I'm also a summer person, but this time of year feels good for me, oddly, newly.