Secrets of the Blossom Trail

Photo by Paula Friesen

Photo by Harriet Groft



During the months of March and April a beautiful thing happens here in the Central Valley. As much as Fresno is mocked by popular culture and some of it's own citizens, it does have some redeeming qualities and this is one of them...

Photo by Robert Chang



Spring.
Blossoms.
Pink and White.
Brown Branches woven within.
Covering the earth.

When flying above the valley from May-November, one might say it looks like a big patchwork quilt in every shade of green. The farm plots cut in perfect squares and rectangles surrounding little patches of gray and brown city blocks. But in the spring, it morphs into a light, fluffy blanket of pink, white and brown. Rows of color created by Peach, Apple, Apricot, Plum, Citrus and Almond Blossoms. Orchards blooming with life.

One can take a drive on the blossom trail to view these orchards in all their pink and white glory on the Fresno County Blossom Trail. We took this journey one past weekend and ended up in Reedley at Hillcrest Farms where we discovered many a hidden, magical treasure.


A pond with tadpoles and little fishies

A bridge over a small stream

And a stairway that beckond beyond...

A quaint little cottage just our size

An old mine shaft. Where does it lead?

A slide. Do they even make metal slides anymore?

An enchanted castle

A little turret look-out

Under another bridge..hand in hand.

Pinwheels, popcorn and pins for sale. How could we resist?

Boarding the train

A fun, and relaxing ride through the countryside

More blossoms!

How fun - just like Trooper's Thomas Train - a real steam engine!

A tall, tall tree house

An old, rusty truck

And a rope swing. Could the day get any dreamier?

Arie was a little afraid

But Trooper was in swing heaven! The higher the better!

I believe I captured the total essence of swinging here.

I think he wants to be a model. He said, "Mom, take a picture of me so that it looks like I didn't know you were taking a picture." Real sly there, Trooper.

All in all, a perfect blossomy day.