Community, love, music, APPLES. APPLES EVERYWHERE.

The bike ride to work and back is always a little different, but I am consistently amazed as various views, colors, scenarios, and people are revealed to me each time I travel down the same four mile stretch.

Friday morning, I passed by the schoolhouse to see smoke rising steadily from the chimney. Immediately I was struck with joy to think of the five kids and the schoolmaster being warmed by the wood stove as they went over their lessons inside.

Further down the road, a local biked past bundled up in a bright orange vest with his cute little dog running alongside. He gave a hearty, “Hey Marissa!” and I could only manage to squeeze out a “Good morning!” from my full smile. I could hardly get past the smells of cinnamon and butter from the bakery before I threw my hands up in the air and exclaimed, “I live here!”

And this was just the beginning of an amazing weekend. Every year, Stehekin hosts the Buckner Orchard Harvest Festival. The Buckner Orchard is the oldest apple orchard in Washington state (with trees that are still producing incredible fruit), and the festival is a celebration of Stehekin's community and history. 

During the festival weekend, there is both a music night and a poetry night to recognize the talent of community members and commemorate the role that the arts have played in the rich cultural history of Stehekin. On the main festival day, everyone is welcomed into the orchard to pick apples and press fresh cider using historic cider presses, and then join in a potluck while the Stehekin Band plays music.

Brian was able to visit for the festival and help pick apples from the over 100-year-old trees. We picked until we had to stop because there wasn't anywhere to put the apples, and it still looked like the trees were full.

The apples are chopped up before being put into the presses. All of these apples (and more) are waiting to be pressed.

These two presses turned out probably hundreds of gallons of cider. It's been almost a week since the festival. I've been eating an apple every day, having cider with almost every meal, and have baked several things with apples, and I still have plenty to consume.

I'm lucky enough to be a member of the Stehekin Band (currently known as Agnes on Fire) and had the privilege of singing in a women's quartet  with three other amazing ladies on music night.

It's been absolutely incredible to spend time with all of these people making music (and cider).

To top it all off, this is the place we get to call home.I couldn't be happier to be a part of such a wonderful community and to share great experiences with so many beautiful people.