During our second full day at Capitol Reef National Park, the group divided into two.  One group headed out for a long, more strenuous hike.   The rest of us set out to check out the non-hiking part of the park.  We stopped at the Gifford Farmhouse and the blacksmith shop.  At some point we also heard a ranger talk.  That was fun since the ranger was born in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

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We visited the visitor center and watched the film about the park.  Our main purpose at the center was to find out about U-Pick fruit.  Fruita, Utah is known for historic orchards that are located within the national park.

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We got directions and headed to the orchards.  We were met by classic U-Pick signs.  We were also met with the most beautiful backdrop for any picking that I have ever done.  The photo on the right is an apple orchard.

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Any fruit consumed while in the orchard is free.  Any fruit picked to take with you is $1.00 a pound.  Everything is done on the honor system.  There is a box with bags, a scale and a money drop at each orchard.  We heard that the peaches are a bit more protected when they are in their peak, but we weren’t there during that time.

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The apples were most delicious.

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After the apples, we headed to find pears.  This orchard also had a few peach trees.  We may have picked a few of them as well.

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After a wonderful experience picking, we headed back to the field station where some sort of cobbler making was on the menu for dessert.

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We had a great time exploring the park and the dessert turned out great.  The rest of the group had a great hike and everyone was happy with the day.

 Posted by at 10:07 PM