Farm Tour continued

I know the pictures are loading much more slowly.  I did try and resize them as I do at home, apparently that is beyond my technical abilities on the road on the laptop.

After we left Footsteps we went back to Rhode Island to Casey Farms.  Good news the rain had slowed down, bad news the wind had picked up, way up.  As we strolled the farm, we were freezing and couldn't use umbrellas because of the wind.

This farm is on historic New England land and they raise organic produce, chickens and usually turkeys.   No turkeys this year because coyotes got 26 of 28 turkeys.  They run as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and people buy shares in the future crop.  They have a waiting list and a good farmers market on site.  We did some walking around but truly it was freezing.  Very beautiful though.

After Casey Farm, we moved on to the Watson Farm.  This is next door to Casey and kind of a sister farm.  They raise bigger animals than Casey does.  They have sheep, pigs and cattle.  And also beautiful draft horses that work on the farm.  We were freezing so Don and Blue the border collie got on the bus.  Don said we could ride in the bus for the tour which did not excite the driver, but he was outnumbered so off we went.  Blue went down the aisle to make sure we were all herded together for the tour.

All of the farmers are very passionate about what they do.  And they work hard.  Each time I attend conferences I come home with something I learned and need to change.  That's how I got started buying beef from Bill Hodge.  I'm going to be looking for some more farmers in my area and looking into pork, chickens and joining a CSA.  You assume the risk with the farmer and work as partners.  I'm realizing that I may not get beef in November because the drought hasn't been good for grass growing which is what Bill's cows eat.

After we made it around the higher pasture and back on the main farm road, the bus driver was very happy, we headed back to the hotel.  The rain had almost stopped but the winds were very strong.  We actually did move sideways on the bridge back which is not the normal way to go.  Our driver was great though and we made it safely back to the Hyatt.

Since my feet were already ice blocks and I was wet and freezing, I decided to go to the back of the hotel and get some pictures of the water and waves.  Yes, I got sprayed more with salt water.  The hotel is on Goat Island which is the only structure here.  There is a little lighthouse on the back side.

 Then it was time for relaxing, a cocktail party, a dinner out and then bed for me.  I am not a late night person so did not linger after dinner. 

My classes today were wonderful.  The service class reinforced my belief that service is key.  The wine class also great.  We tasted 7 different Italian dessert wines with 6 different desserts.  I know, this is a tough conference but I do it to gain knowledge.

Tonight is another cocktail reception and the awards banquet.  It should be fantastic.  Tomorrow I have classes: Artisanal Products:Inspire Your Menus with Change and So You Want to Write a Book?.  There is also a general session on Heritage Breed Farming and a Traditional New England Clambake in the evening.  It's hard work so I have to go rest now before heading back to learn!