Raspberries are ready
 

We just got back from picking raspberries at Smith's in Gilford, very nice berries this year. I did not note the price per lb but it worked out to about $4 per quart. There is a batch of jam on the stove. They are still picking end of season strawberries.

We normally forage for wild berries but the good places we knew about have grown-up with brush. And the picking at Smith's was a lot easier.

Sounds like a good price
 

Often times in the local supermarkets I see them selling for $3.00 a pint so it sounds reasonable. Do you ever enter your jams in the local fairs or do they not last that long?!! I have also been out looking for wild blueberries along the roads and certain fields but it looks like the animals have been getting them before me. I am actually on my way to check out another area nearby. Nice way to spend a couple of hours.

I can't wait for ours
 

The side of our yard is filled with bushes, but all of the berries are still white:( It's hard to be patient!

Each year we (I help pick, prepare, she cooks the jam/jelly) make at least one batch of: strawberry, raspberry, blueberry jams as well as blackberry and grape jelly. With family and friends expecting a jar or two, the fair judges get left out.

We over picked the raspberries today with a good amount left over from the jam project (just had some on saltines :liplick:). So I just got back from a run to the store with heavy cream to help fuel the ice cream machine. Homemade raspberry ice cream is planned for dinner. Someone has to do it.

Berries
 

I cannot believe the amount of native blueberries we have this year -- we must have predators keeping the varmints in check because we have thousands of berries -- and we even found wild strawberries. Tiny, but sweet!

Homemade raspberry ice cream for dinner. Sounds wonderful. A lost art for sure!

In my case it is a BEAR keeping me in check.
 

I cannot believe the amount of native blueberries we have this year -- we must have predators keeping the varmints in check because we have thousands of berries -- and we even found wild strawberries. Tiny, but sweet.

So not too long after I posted I went to the spot I had in mind looking for blueberries. Picking for about 20 minutes and I hear a "crack' coming from the edge of the woods. 10 seconds later I see the neighborhood bear on his way to my spot! He didn't appear to be in a hurry but I was. He lingered for about 10 minutes as I watched ( and a few cars) and then headed back into the woods. I am about to go back and try again. Obviously he knows the picking is good but I am going to get my share also! Gotta remember the camera. Maybe he'll get a picture of me running away again.

I hope this isn't too far off the track, but I want to make you aware of a wonderful place in Alton, between the Bay and "downtown" where you can pick your own strawberries from hydroponic plants. No bending! The berries are gorgeous and the picking is great fun. The owners are incredibly friendly and they have two wonderful Golden Retrievers. I just wish I could remember the name - Barr Farms, maybe????

nj2nh

PennyPenny
 

Wow -- avoiding a bear is one way to get her cardio kicked into high gear!

We had a bear pass through several weeks ago, but he was on the opposite side from the berries where a path comes up from Rt 11A and up the mountain --my berries seem safe for the moment. We see many a deer, fox and wild turkeys following that path as well -- it's like a critter freeway.

First, the homemade raspberry ice cream was delicious.

2. The bear we recently saw just off pf 11A was good size. Never run from a bear of any size. Slowly back away, talking and making yourself large as in arms out/up.

3. We have not tried the strawberry place in the bay but maybe we should. They did put a lot of work into the place.

4. Yes, it is time for us to get on to getting wild blueberries. Maybe next week after the heat wave.

Barr None, or...............
 

You are correct with the name, but I just don't get the fun of it............... maybe because I'm a born NH gal. (no bending? no dirt? no bugs? lol)........... I've been by there numerous times, and have never felt the urge to stop. Great idea, though! And I wish them a lot of success, both here and in my thoughts every time I pass by there.

59 El Camino
 

Is that the place with the 1959 Chevrolet El Camino?

The migrant worker will be picking blue berries soon at the Point!