Blueberry Hill
Early last week Donna and I were invited to lunch at the home of one of her colleagues. In discussions over lunch the subject of picking fresh blueberries came up. Later while driving home we shared a memory from when we were living in Massachusetts. While there I was involved as a Webelos leader in a week long overnight adventure at "Split Rock" the local cub scout camp. One morning during camp we were off early on a hike over the top of several nearby knolls. Cresting one of these we discovered a field strewn with boulders which were covered with low bush blueberries. We gorged ourselves as we made our trek through this hidden paradise. Caps and then tee shirts were filled with natures fruit supply. Upon our return to camp we turned over what remained of our plunder to the cooks who prepared blueberry pancakes for us the next mornings. Those were the best blueberries that I have ever had.
Later last week I decided to see if I could locate a local spot to pick wild blueberries. The search engines turned up frequent references to picking at Blueberry Hill. After further research I found it to be located about an hour and a half away in the Mohican valley. I also discovered the there is a fanciful hotel on the property which was built to give the impression of a castle. Then it hit me. I enjoy commemorating special occasions by finding new, creative, and fun things to do with Donna. Thursday was to be our 43rd anniversary. However I have been running behind all summer and I had done absolutely nothing to prepare for it. This realization put me into quick recovery mode. Luckily I was able to get a very suitable room for Thursday night.
Later last week I decided to see if I could locate a local spot to pick wild blueberries. The search engines turned up frequent references to picking at Blueberry Hill. After further research I found it to be located about an hour and a half away in the Mohican valley. I also discovered the there is a fanciful hotel on the property which was built to give the impression of a castle. Then it hit me. I enjoy commemorating special occasions by finding new, creative, and fun things to do with Donna. Thursday was to be our 43rd anniversary. However I have been running behind all summer and I had done absolutely nothing to prepare for it. This realization put me into quick recovery mode. Luckily I was able to get a very suitable room for Thursday night.
We enjoyed a leisurely drive down on Thursday stopping at an Amish restaurant for lunch. We then continued to the hotel and checked in. I had arranged for Donna to have a therapeutic massage during the early afternoon. Afterwords we enjoyed dinner at the castle restaurant (just reopened after a devastating fire) and then we drove around touring the area.
The "Castle"was built by it's owner to share with the public his dream of owning a castle. He was very affluent and spared no expense in building and furnishing the facility. However with the declining economy, the remote location, and business lost from having no restaurant for a year, it is apparent that finances are now an issue. I don't think the original level of opulence can be maintained, but for now it is a wonderful experience.
Friday morning we slept in, then after a complimentary continental breakfast, we were off to blueberry hill where we picked both blueberries and blackberries. The berries are really yummy - so much better than "Supermarket" varieties.
The "Castle"was built by it's owner to share with the public his dream of owning a castle. He was very affluent and spared no expense in building and furnishing the facility. However with the declining economy, the remote location, and business lost from having no restaurant for a year, it is apparent that finances are now an issue. I don't think the original level of opulence can be maintained, but for now it is a wonderful experience.
Friday morning we slept in, then after a complimentary continental breakfast, we were off to blueberry hill where we picked both blueberries and blackberries. The berries are really yummy - so much better than "Supermarket" varieties.
Our experience caused us to recollect the romantic old song which has been popular for ages. The most remembered rendition is that recorded by "Fats Domino" when we were in our teens. We had a great anniversary even if it was thrown together at the last minute.
