Recipes

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Dora's Ranch

 Emily was so excited to head out on Friday for Dora's Ranch. Of course, we weren't really going to Dora's ranch, but that's what she though I said. We were going on a trail walk at Dorris Ranch, a 250-acre historical site with a pastoral feel that is especially appealing during the harvest season. Ever heard of filberts? First one to tell me another name for filberts wins! Dorris Ranch is known for its many filbert tree orchards.



On our trail walk the kids stopped frequently to gather filberts, pick up sticks, and drive the rusty old tractor. We followed a "self-guided tour", the details of which were shown on a pamphlet we picked up at the entrance. We hugged an incense cedar tree, checked out a massive maple tree, viewed the old barn and pump house, and enjoyed a view of the Willamette River.



Emily wanted to dress up like a cowgirl in her cowgirl boots and jean jacket for the occasion. Robbie just wanted to sit in his comfy pack and contently chew on the soft cushion until he fell asleep. Nothing like breathing in the fresh air of the great outdoors!

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:55 PM

    Hazel Nuts?

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  2. Hey remember that time when we all went hiking and Robbie was only 6 days old? You're pretty hard core Kari.

    PS why isn't Adam carrying that heavy pack around?

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  3. Anonymous7:42 AM

    I wasn't carrying the pack because instead of enjoying the refreshing outdoors on a crisp Friday morning hike, I was enjoying the nuances of the Uniform Trust Code at work. :)

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  4. One more reason to love Kari.

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  5. So I guess filberts and hazels are cousins. Which one did you pick??
    hazel - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazel
    filbert - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corylus_maxima

    Looks like a lot of fun. You're a fantastic mom!

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  6. Nothing like hiking in the fall...isn't it just great getting out of doors with kids, there aren't fights, no getting into things they aren't supposed to. Mom is happy, kids are happy, perfect!

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  7. Yes--filberts are hazelnuts. Good job, anonymous. BTW, who is "anonymous"?

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  8. Cute kids! Thanks for the comment, Eric and I were wondering where you guys were or how to contact you just this last week or so. Would you email your email address to me (and your sisters)? Mine is mkaymadsen@gmail.com!

    Thanks!
    Melissa Madsen

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  9. Christine, interesting...I'm actually not sure they really are cousins after lookijng at those wiki articles. I think it's more like Hazel is the Dad, and Filbert is the son. In other words, all filberts are hazel nuts, but not all hazel nuts are filberts.

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