Pine Tree Apple Orchard

Not too far from here, on the other side of White Bear Lake, an adventure was waiting for Matt and me. As soon as Matt finished rounding one weekend, we set out to explore and experience our first apple orchard.

The weather could not have been more idyllic for our fall outing. The trees are starting to change into the most vivid colors, and the drive around the lake afforded us a panoramic view complete with their vibrant reflections,  still on the water.

We arrived at the end the day, as the crowds were finishing their caramel apples and carting their pumpkins to their cars. The air smelled in turns like sweet cider and warm, yeasty apple doughnuts. I couldn't help but smile as I saw the trees, heavy with their fruit, reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz and seemingly ready to defend their crop if we came too near.

We leisurely strolled through the orchard and pumpkin patch, explored the bakery and store, and bought ourselves a 1/2 peck of apples. But what made it such a happy memory was simply being together and taking in the moments.

Matt indulged me in my attempts at taking more pictures of the two of us. While I would try to set up the camera and become better acquainted with manual mode, he waited patiently- sometimes juggling apples, oft times making me laugh, and he never complained.

Towards the end, we turned around and realized the crowds had gone and the orchard was closing up for the day. We'd been so lost in our own little world that it had completely escaped our notice! It was a revitalizing experience and a much needed break from the every day.

And I have to add how peering through a camera lens and searching for the perfect picture enhanced the experience for us both. Amidst all of the distraction of a touristy stop such as this, the art of photography magnified the small beauties all around us. It inspired me to see. And in my mind, the words that lolled about as I contemplated how I could translate such an experience into writing moved me to stop and contemplate, to touch and feel and taste and smell. To be in the moment, but to capture the moment, and then put it here to remember always.