Ooops, I totally lied; actually, we went here instead.

Minard Farms.

Because of that little spelling mishap, unfortunately Nahe was not allowed on the hayride or in the orchard. Because the owners didn't want children to be afraid of her. Instead, poor girl, we had to lock her inside the car. It was cold out and the sun was not so bright and we put her in the shadiest spot, but still it was a bit worrisome.

However, we *humans* had a great time. Do not underestimate the fun in picking your own apples. There is something very satisfying about the selection process of which apple is good enough for you, and the struggle to get it from its inevitably lofty spot, and then the moment you either crisply bite into it or drop it into your apple-gathering bag. It was like getting back to Nature, a great thing for any city person to do from time to time.

Also? Hot apple cider and apple cider doughnuts. 'Nuff said on that.

Also? Road-tripping in a zipcar with great friends like Shaun and Rach, and admiring the changing colors of the leaves on the trees. Which was awesome.

We bought over a dozen apples we bought ourselves (Romes, Winesaps, and Fujis), a quart of apple cider, a quart of sweet pear cider, four apple cider doughnuts, and a hot cider to go.

Nahe did get to frolic in the grassy orchardy part near the parking lot, and then we humans took her and ourselves to the town of Beacon, on the Hudson. We walked by the riverside, sprawled in some grass, and Nahe worked herself up to a good froth over some dogs that walked by. She barked so frustratedly and lunged so hard, she actually somehow jumped out of her sweater. It was pretty amazing.