It was time to go to the chestnut orchard again, and off we went. I know, I know, I promised to tell you all about the Terrible Horrible etc., and I will, but the chestnut orchard was something to see today, and if I don’t get a post up right away I’ll probably find a way to lose the pictures and then where would we be?
Those of you who have been watching its progress along with me will recall that September is harvest time in the orchard. It was a rough spring. Would there be a good crop? Bob Haack the Orchardist was not there when I dropped by, so I do not know for sure, but I would say offhand that there are quite a lot of chestnut burrs ready to drop chestnuts all over the place. Or just drop, burr and all, on the heads of unsuspecting bloggers, but that’s another post entirely.
The weather up on the hill is utterly predictable. It is always windy. I believe Bob could make a good thing from a wind farm if the chestnuts don’t pan out. It is hard to get a nice clear photo of prickly objects as they flail about in the breeze. Fortunately some of them have blown off the trees and landed in the grass where they tend to stay put until the deer and the squirrels arrive. It looks like harvest time all right. Now I have to learn how to cook with the pretty things.
Torch Lake Views 
P.j. grath
September 27, 2010
Gerry, I love your slide shows, every one you’ve put up, but this one seems especially charming. Those chestnuts seem to have so much personality, don’t they? Am I bad for thinking about chestnut soup as I look into their little faces?
Gerry
September 28, 2010
I’m glad you liked them. They did seem to have faces. One of them was clearly a Muppet. But I filched a handful and I’m going to roast them. I don’t feel bad. Maybe that’s because I’ve experienced their poky little spines.
Wendi
September 27, 2010
Who would have thought that chestnut burrs could be so pretty!
Gerry
September 28, 2010
Mama chestnuts.
Babs Young
September 27, 2010
Gerry, I love these photos. I may have to sneak up there and snap a few myself. I know where these little lovely’s hide.
Gerry
September 28, 2010
I am delighted to have your approval. Bob’s a welcoming kind of guy, and I’m sure he’ll agree to an orchard shoot!
Cindy Lou
September 28, 2010
Who’d a thunk that chestnuts were so crazy? It’s been such fun following along with their journey this year….how was the soup?
Gerry
September 28, 2010
They are quirky, aren’t they! I suppose I ought to follow them to the freezer plant next. I’ll leave it to PJ to make soup. It seems like an awful lot of work. I will roast some to eat with, as Carsten says, “best butter and salt.” I’ll let you know how it goes.
Karma
September 28, 2010
I know they are chestnuts, but for some reason while I look at your slideshow, I get a “tiki” sort of feeling, like those chestnuts could jump up and start a dance around a fire or rest comfortably upon a totem pole. Crazy? Probably.
Gerry
September 28, 2010
I had the distinct feeling that the chestnut burrs were, um, animate. Once out of their burrs, the chestnuts themselves seem harmless enough, but the burrs, the burrs . . .
giiid
September 29, 2010
I love The chestnut slide show.
Gerry
September 29, 2010
Thank you very much. I confess that I am rather pleased with it myself.