Apple Picking at Alasa Farms

We head out for the annual apple picking at Alasa Farms which is the site of the historic Shaker Community from 1826-1838 on the south shore of Sodus Bay. Alasa Farms has been owned and operated by the Strong family since 1924. It includes Shaker dwellings, farm animals, nature trails, flower and herb gardens and pick your own apples in the fall. They also run an animal shelter and a school for disadvantaged students in the summer. We check in and buy our apple bags.
And head across the road to the apple orchards. All the rows are marked with the type of apple and purpose.
I stop at one of the barns on the way to look at some horses.

My grandson Marks wife totes a handy apple picking pole and wears Marks' traditional apple picking hat.

Dominic starts filling his bag.

Why are all the best apples out of reach at the top of the branches?


Tasting is always encouraged.
Dominic has already talked someone into toting his bag and is running around giving directions.
It looks like his grandmother Barbara got the job.
Are the good apples in this row or over there?


The little ones like picking, eating and running but aren't crazy about bag carrying.
The chore done we head back from the fields.
The cars were parked by the main barn. Then it was time to look at the animals.
Hmmmm..........
Some of the original barns.
This horse was supposedly descended from Traveler, General Lee's horse.
If you don't like this view....
Try this one. The only Alpaca.
The goats come out to see what all the noise is about.
A little petting please.
And what about me?

Geese make a lot of noise.
The only duck seemed to have the run of the place.


All the ducks in a row...Oops .....geese.
The beautiful painting outside the cow barn.
The barn has only one cow now and a few pigs

The stalls have been converted for other animals inside
Including this goat who came to them with a broken leg which was too late to repair. Other animals such as this cat come in to keep it company.

There are usually hayrides around the property which didn't seen to be possible this year. Rumor has it that the property might be up for sale soon after the main house burned in a fire earlier this year.