Harvest time along the Fruit Loop

I don’t like to say that any one season is my favorite, but I have to say that this particular fall has been especially beautiful.  I’ve been taking advantage of the fall colors to go out and practice my photography.   So recently I spent a wet weekend day driving the Fruit Loop with a new photography buddy, Brian. (Check out some of his stellar work here.)   For the uninitiated, the Fruit Loop is a 35 mile circuit through orchards, wineries, farms and fabulous fall colors starting in Hood River, Oregon.   (Read on after the break…) It makes for a great day trip or an overnight.   Brian and I spent much time practicing technique while watching the friendly folks at Wyeast Vinyards finish harvesting their last batch of grapes before the fall rains spoil what was left on their vines.

Separating the bad from the good, in order to make the really good.

For more than an hour we watched as bins of grapes were separated, stemmed, and set to early fermentation.

Brian was a great mentor, sharing tips, tricks, lenses and even his camera, to help me learn.   One of my favorite tips was about the Rocky Mountain School of Photography, a group that offers a range of photography classes for all skill levels.   I’ve already got their catalog in hand and am looking forward to my first weekend workshop with them.  Brian also introduced me to Zenfolio, which is where I’m hosting my photos. Here’s a link to my Zenfolio page, which has more of my work.

A classic farm scene along the Fruit Loop.

It was so beautiful that I went back again the day after, to enjoy the farms, the fresh fruit, and some of the treats to be had along the way.

Rainbow over the welcoming party at the Draper Girls Country Farm

Abundance defined