Blackberry Pickin'

 

Blackberries aren't rare up here in Somerset. In fact, I'm sure that 90% of the properties up here have at least one bush on them... but still, that doesn't mean that everyone takes advantage of their wild, tasty awesomeness. When we purchased our property, I can honestly say that I was more excited about the blackberry bushes surrounding our creek than the creek itself. Blackberries are definitely one of my favorite fruits, but I find it hard to compare anything store bought to the pure sweetness of a berry eaten straight off of the vine. No washing necessary, they are best warm and even a little dusty... anything that will get them into my mouth with the least amount of time wasted. 

Our berries began popping up about a month ago but only now is the bush full of berries ready to be eaten and still waiting to blossom. The other night was our first real pickin' and although we could have picked for hours, dusk at our house brings a ton a mosquito (especially near the creek) and after filling a tupperware full, we were satisfied with our harvest!

 

  

Even our goats love the blackberry bush... check out the vines behind James, that is a big hunk of our bush that was inside of the goat pin and they stripped that thing in a week, thorns and all!

Our little stash was enough to pick at for a few days and have with some pancakes for breakfast... but they also paired nicely with a fresh caprese salad appetizer (Basil from my plants that I haven't killed...yet.)

It's the small things, like picking berries on your property as the goats yell at you from their pin... a true midsummer nights dream!

...Happy July everybody!

Our Weekend in Big Sur

After our first trip to Big Sur last year (where we weren't just passing through or using a trail head), we knew that we would be back soon. Later in the year we stayed in Yosemite for our one year anniversary and it was my first time ever in the valley.... I cried the first time I saw half dome and I wondered out loud, "How is this the first time I've ever been here?!". And that's how Big Sur is, especially when you live barely 4 hours away and half of the drive is as beautiful as the destination itself. 

This time around we were joined our friends Colt and Kyla and it was fun to be able to show someone else the place that I already feel to attached to after only two visits. 

Our first stop after we set up camp was McWay Falls, one of the most recognized landmarks worldwide (and this time around, full of people from around the world). Maybe it was the time of year but when James and I went last year (in May) there were way less tourists and our visit to the falls was extra special because nobody else was at the lookout... but still, the many selfie sticks couldn't take away from the awesome beach!

 

Afterwards we checked out a few of the galleries and had some brews at the local pub. Back at camp we were surrounded by three families with young kids but nothing could really kill the vibe as we were all quite a few beers deep and enjoying our weekend off.

The storage closet/ground blind

Just showing the excellent back up skills off a pair of dudes, that's the hitch, fingers width from a post

 Saturday brought us absolutely beautiful weather for the coast... or anywhere for that matter! Our plan was to go to Pfeiffer Beach for the day and we knew we had to get down there early because the parking lot only holds so many cars and fills up fast. We did have to wait in line for about 45 minutes, watching as each car, one-by-one, got in as another car left... but it was well worth the wait because on that day, there was no better place to be than Pfeiffer Beach.

 

 

Check out the crazies on the rock!

 

 
There was a nice cool breeze but it was definitely warm enough swim and I considered us quite lucky for that! On our last visit I declared Pfeiffer Beach the prettiest beach I've ever seen, "but if only it was warm enough to swim!". So swim we did! (Okay, we waded but still, it was epic!) We drank a ton of beer and Rose, snacked on caprese salad, played frisbee and listened to Lana Del Rey as we watch dolphins swim far out past the surf... just absolutely a dream!

I took this photo upside down, so upside down it remains

 

After the beach we enjoyed some cocktails at the Ventana Inn (another amazing view... that I don't have a picture of) and another early night in camp... we were definitely exhausted from all the sun and booze in our bellies! On our last day in Big Sur, it was a little rainy and gloomy and after an overpriced breakfast we decided to take the old coast road on our way out. I highly recommend the Old Coast Rd if you are in the area with a capable vehicle, there are some really awesome views (like the backside of Bixby Bridge).

 

 

James messin' with the GoPro

Thank you again, Big Sur, for a beautiful get away... it wont be too long before we meet again!