Lake George, NY
Fall in the Northeast. After helping Leslie in her booth at New York Sheep and Wool Fest in Rhinebeck, we headed north to Quebec. Stopped along the way and took lots of photos. The fall color was amazing. We hit it at the right time. Barely!
In Quebec we headed to the Laurentides, north of Montreal, to Maud and Diane’s farm. They raise Fresian sheep and make fabulous cheese, milk and butter. Diane Gonthier is also a felter and makes good use of the wool to that end.
Diane uses old maple syrup equipment for washing and dyeing her wool. This one is heated using the firewood from the farm. You might notice the water in the evaporator–it had a nice thick layer of ice on it. It was -6 c. (about 20 deg. f.) that morning! Diane uses large wire baskets that hang from a old manure conveyor system above the evaporator. The baskets can be lifted to change the water during the washing and dyeing process. I was so envious!
Pond on the Farm
Some of the Sheep on the Farm
Great Wheel in the Old House
Cave Door where the Cheese is Aged
From Quebec, we went to Leslie’s house in ‘tropical’ Ontario. Back to more fall color and warmer temps! We made another visit to the St. Jacobs Market where we bought ingredients for a marvelous duck dinner.
St. Jacobs Market
Potatoes at St. Jacobs
The Grand River from Paris, Ontario
The Parting Glass: Innis and Gunn Ale
Another great adventure with a dear friend at a beautiful time of year.