Wagon Wheel Orchard

Just outside of Gardner, Kansas, is the farm of Rick and Susie Godsil. Along with their four children, they run Wagon Wheel Farm. It's a u-pick operation with quite a bit of biodiversity. There may be more apples varieties growing on their place than in all the rest of the state. And what makes a visit to their farm so special to me is (not just the good fruit) but that Nick Botner and I sent a huge order of scion wood to them this spring. Imagine that. Not only did I get to send them grafting wood but I also got to see it happily growing. It really makes all that work in the spring seem worthwhile. Way to go you guys. Keep up the good work.

Made It

Back in the land of big sky and sunflowers. After traveling for six months it feels good to be home. I hope all those who have been following this blog found it to be a fun, interesting and enjoyable read. It was a real pleasure to be able to share it.

Ode to Corn

I just couldn't pass up this photo opportunity. Check out the following post to learn more about Mitchell, South Dakota and the WORLD'S ONLY CORN PALACE.

Blogging Gold

Just off I-90 in eastern South Dakota is the town of Mitchell. There you will find the world's only corn palace. From a distance it is hard to see, but the outside of the building is decorated in a mosaic of multi-colored corn. The designs are first sketched onto roofing fabric, which is then applied to the building. This guides workers as they nail on the split cobs of corn. I have to say this was a real treat. Way to go Mitchell.

Biker Rally

It's that time of year for Sturgis. Bikers everywhere. It's really cool when a whole throng of Harleys goes thundering past. And check out that beautiful South Dakota prairie in the back ground.

They Do Exist

See, the Jackalope is real. Found this one in the tiny town of Wall, South Dakota. Yee haw, ride em cowboy.

Above the Clouds

This is Mount Rainier. It's beyond huge. It's beyond massive. It's undescribably gigantic. Only the experience of being there can one even begin to appreciate that. And it being the middle of August, the mountain meadows were in full bloom. Stunning.

Wakeena Falls

After 24 hours in Portland, it was nice to hit the road. Heading east through the Columbia River Gorge, we stopped at Wakeena Falls. Even though it was smaller, I thought it was much nicer than Multnomah Falls, as it is much less crowded. And standing there long enough, I guess one could get a bath from the spray. Now we are just down the road in the town of Hood River. Very much looking forward to a good nights rest.

Keep Portland Weird

Dad and I made it over to Voodoo Doughnuts today. Apparently, it's quite to happenin' place, as evidenced by the long line down the sidewalk. To sum it up, Voodoo specializes in the unusual. Doughnuts coated in Tang breakfast drink powder, or coated in maple glaze with bacon, or shaped like a doll with raspberry filling with a pretzel speared into its belly or even one called the cock-and-balls. Not your typical doughnut shop - helping to 'Keep Portland Weird'.

Me and Dad

After leaving the Botner's farm in Yoncalla, I headed north to Portland. There I met up with my Dad, who had flown in from Kansas City. We hit the ground running - well actually biking. Here we are pictured by the Willamette River in our stylish helmets with Old Town Portland in the background. Five stars to the bike tour. The ten mile circuit we rode really gives one a sense of the town. After all, Portland is a bike town so what better way to see it.

The Best of Friends

Yesterday, the 11th I said my goodbyes to Nick and Carla. After working for them for nearly six months, it was time to go. I left with a tear in my eye. They are my very good friends. I am eternally grateful to them for adopting me and for sharing their wealth of knowledge. I miss them already. They are truly great people.

Watering Wand Update

Well, my opinion of which watering wand is best has changed. My previous favorite has sprung a leak. To no surprise the plastic parts have begun to fail. As a result, I now prefer the red one pictured here. It's all metal and it's design is simple. A solid, non telescoping shaft. And the on-off mechanism seems indestructable. Also, pictured are the 'carpets' we use under most plants. They are a thick synthetic fabric designed for use around newly planted trees. But they work quite well in the garden to keep water in and weeds down. I like them. They work.

On Safari

Ahhhhhh. Watch out. Angry ostrich. Fortunately, a car window was between my nose and that pecking beak. And this was just one of many up close and personal animal encounters at the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. On two occasions I could have literally touched a giraffe or buffalo. And on top of that there were elk, lions, bears and a host of other strange, bizarre creatures from all corners of the globe. Highly recommended day trip.

A New Home for the Chickens

What amazing luck! To start I should say that I will be on the road once again, and I desperately wanted to find a good home for my chickens. Here at the farm Carla simply doesn't have room for them. So I was thrilled to meet Dakia - pictured here to my right. She along with her husband Cooper very graciously offered to take them. What a relief to find a good home for them. I hope they will get many eggs in the not too distant future.

Peaceful Pullets

Look at those fat and happy chickens. They've had a good life here at the farm. Fresh pasture every day. And an all-you-can-eat buffet of layer feed, apples, and garden weeds. They're gentle to handle too. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction into raising poultry.

Garden Number 3

Here's Nick picking green beans in the lower garden. It's the third garden we've planted. Look at that beautiful corn starting to tassel. And out of frame to the right are the cucumbers - which are finally producing bucket loads. Nothing beats home grown.