Apple blossoms this spring.
As many of you know, there are many apple, pear orchards throughout the Bradshaw's that were planted in the late 1800's to early 1900's. They still produce large crops of fruit but are subject to cool spring freezes which prevent them from producing. Ive had a chance to sample from most of these orchards through the years and all the apples are excellent tasting.
Old apple orchard in the spring. West side of Bradshaw's.
Photo by M. Elkington
We have also been asked if any of the orchards burned in the fire?
- The answer is no, none burned that we are aware of.
As to the apple question the answer is yes and no.
Some of the orchards survived the cold spring freezes and most did not.
Phone Photo of almost ripe apples. Middle Bradshaw's.
Black berries did well in some areas this year and again in others did not. But that season has just ended.
All the wild apricots and plum orchards did not produce this summer.
Lets hope for a warmer spring next year.
Special Note
We have been hiking at least 4 days a week in the Bradshaw's during the last few weeks. We have been seeing more rattlesnakes, as this time of year they are more active, looking for their last meals before hibernation.
About 8000 people a year are bitten in USA by venomous snakes. Few die from snakebite but it is a painful bite. Be careful hikers.
Non venomous Western Patch nosed Snake from this week.
East side of Bradshaw's.
We have updated our hiking page so take a look.
http://bradshawmountains.com/hiking.htm