Berry pickin'

That beach that all of my photos have been taken at since the sun appeared is a little place called Sauvie Island. 

It's an island north-west of Portland, bordered by the Columbia River. 

It's only about a 30 minute drive from our house, yet it feels so far from the city once you're there. 

Right when you get onto the island, there is the sweetest little farm called Krugers Farm.
We actually had our engagement photos taken there a few years ago!

We keep driving past, wanting to stop but are always too eager to jump in the water to actually do so.

Well, we finally made a point to explore the farm yesterday, and I'm so glad we did!
They have fields and fields of u-pick berries for only $2.50/pound!
You really can't find them cheaper.

We left early in the morning to avoid getting stuck out in the hot sun, my dear friend Priscilla joined us,
we filled our baskets with blueberries and raspberries (marionberries, boysenberries, and blackberries are in season, too),
and headed out to the beach to spend a lovely (and hot!) afternoon at the river. 

Ramona definitely ate more berries than she put in her basket.

We were all happily entertained, getting our hands dirty and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Ramona and I discussed how the berry bushes grow, how the sun helps to ripen the berries,
what happens as the berries grow and change...

she was completely intrigued with a belly full of berries.

We will be returning, and soon I imagine. 

I hear they have really rad outdoor concerts once a week. All summer.

And, there is an awesome little beer truck (think food truck that only serves beer on tap - one of the many reasons I adore this city) called Captured by Porches.
Fresh produce, local honey, a unique and inexpensive selection of market baskets...

the place is perfection, really.

Now I just have to find a few good berry recipes.

▲▲▲