I grew up in the hills northwest of Portland, Oregon, just up the river from Sauvie Island. This 33 square mile island is a quiet retreat just 20 minutes from Portland and split between farmland and Sturgeon Lake’s bird sanctuary. My family still fishes and kayaks on the island, and the sandy north shore made for an easy “beach” trip when I was a kid. The tug boats, barges and cargo ships were added entertainment, making their way up the Columbia’s ship channel to the ocean.
My brother spent a few summers working the peach stand at Sauvie Island Farms, and the sweet, dusty smell of the orchard is still the essence of summer for me. This year, we took my son and niece peach picking on a beautiful August day that started with a drizzle, but turned sunny as we walked through the orchard.
The kids had a blast pulling each other in the wagons and the toddler was mesmerized by the massive peaches that somehow kept finding their way into his hands.
These incredible peaches were the Veteran variety, about the size of a softball and oh so sweet and juicy.
We were lucky to also catch the tail end of blueberry season, but as the kids seemed to be putting far fewer into the box than they were picking, we had to drag them out of the bushes and restrain them back in the wagon
Now, if you aren’t from the Northwest you may not appreciate the depth of the rivalry between Oregon and Washington (go Ducks!) … but if you do find yourself out that way and venture on to the Island, beware of the big red barn farmstand at the foot of the bridge. We sent my brother and sister-in-law over to get some peaches for Sunday dinner, and they stopped there since the usual place was closed. And brought home Washington peaches. Now, it is a nice farmstand and has some local produce, but it also has the same things you could find at Fred Meyer. I bought some lovely California avocados there last year. So if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, continue down the road following the “u-pick” signs to Sauvie Island Farms. (You can consult the farmer’s wife to see what’s in season.)
Oh, and what to make with fresh picked peaches and berries? Peach Blackberry Cobbler, of course!
3 responses so far ↓
1 Jill // Sep 15, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Since I’ve never been to Oregon, I can’t attest to the quality of its peaches (now that I type that, I can’t help but think that L would laugh at that comment), but I have enjoyed Damn Good Peaches from the Pike Place Market in Seattle. I imagine Oregon peaches are just as good, if not better. 🙂
2 Kerri // Sep 18, 2008 at 9:25 pm
My uncles just moved to Sauvie Island. Now I can’t wait to visit them!
3 foodietots
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// Sep 24, 2008 at 1:32 pm
@ Jill – oh, better, for sure :).
@ Kerri – Really? Definitely make sure to go during berry or peach season … and maybe we can meet you there!