The Big Bowl of Fruits - Bilpin's landmark.
What do you on a boring weekend at the end of summer? Hmmm....let's go apple picking!!!
I have a confession. Ever since Mama started her annual pilgrimage to Bilpin to pick apples, I've never tasted store-bought ones anymore. Once you've tasted a tree-ripened organic apple, you'll never want to eat those waxed and old stored apples.
So, last weekend, Mama invited Aunty A and her daughters to come with us to Bilpin. Imagine, Aunty A has lived in this country for yonks but her Aussie hubby has never taken her apple picking. Tsk tsk tsk...shame on you, Uncle T.
Must say that the kids really enjoyed the fresh air of the countryside and the activity too. We had apples for breakfast and apple pies for lunch. Oooh...what a life.
Bilpin, the apple capital of New South Wales, is a tiny village about an hour's drive from where we live (if you follow the speed limit, Mama said). It's on the eastern side of the Blue Mountains.
A Jonathon apple tree in full glory awaits at the entrance of the orchard.
Aunty A says hello to the Granny Smiths.
There were as much apples on the trees....
....as on the ground. Nope, not a waste, as they decompose to become organic fertiliser.
Aunty A and daughter Amani showing off the Pink Lady apples.
Aunty A and daughter Ilham going ga-ga over the Royal Galas.
Yes, we were at Pinecrest Orchard, a pick-your-own property.
Apple pie production line at the Big Fruit cafe.
Didn't pick enough? Well, buy some here at only $1 a bag.
Our harvest - apples, potatoes and home made jams.
