Scrapbook for California & Fruit Drying

July 12 - 23, 2004

California & Fruit Drying, July 12 - 23, 2004, is now complete. Enjoy the picture journey and the WOW experience of tour members.

Welcome to California, we came from four different states and began getting acquainted at our first dinner.

From Los Angeles we traveled north following the California Aqueduct through the San Joaquin farming valley.

New crops for us easterners to learn about -- acres of --

almonds

roses

Under the sponsorship of the West Coast offices of Mennonite Central Committee we settled into our three-day (mornings only) Fruit Processing service project. A great way to get acquainted with our fellow travelers, to use-up fruit from local farmers and to serve some of the world's hunger needs. After an early breakfast...

we headed out to our service projects. This year we had a choice of two projects - Raisin Project or Jam Making Project.

Raisin Project --

Arriving at the project site

First job, wash the plastic raisin flats

Spread the frozen/thawing/ sticky raisins on a thin layer on the drying flats.

Carry out into the California sunshine to be dried naturally.

Of course there's time for a coffee break

Jam Making Project --

Gather for instructions...

... let the fruit cutting work begin.

...and the cooking

...filling and labeling jars

...sealing -
"tighten those lids"

After a little clean up, it was time for a well deserved lunch provided at the First Mennonite Church, Reedley, CA. Thank you!

Afternoons offered a variety of educational and fun activities...

...visiting a local fruit packing house

...a visit to see the big trees at Grant's Grove

...supper and explanation at a Squaw Valley Herb Farm

With the satisfaction of completing these work projects, it was now time to see more of California.

Yosemite National Park with its massive rock formations, high waterfalls and beautiful green valley.

San Francisco with its Cable Cars, Golden Gate Bridge and refreshing harbor cruise.

Along the Pacific Coastal Highway...

...Monterey and the 18-mile drive

...the rugged coastline

...the seals along the beach

...touching the Pacific waters

Here we are for our group photo at Long Beach

A little bit of Hollywood, the "Walk of Fame" and Hollywood Bowl

Our final dinner along the Pacific, a time to thank our driver, Daniel, to reflect on the happy memories and say our Good Byes.

TOUR MEMBERS SAID…

“I liked the work project at the beginning of the tour. It provides a group bonding for our following travel experience.”
Orpha – PA

“This was our first bus tour – certainly a fine experience. Enjoyed the MCC project and the Salinas Valley farm tour.”
Carl & Kay – CO

“The giant sequoias were truly awesome. The drive along the Pacific coast was spectacular.”
Don & Lois – PA

“Very educational, the whole irrigation and farming process with the water regulations, and the modern technology in the processing plants.”
LeRoy – PA

“You plan such a nice variety – train rides, boat cruise, packing house tours, farm tours, National Parks…”
Jean, IN

Scrapbook for California & Fruit Drying

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