It was hot and sunny welcoming the first days of summer, so me and a couple of gals decided to venture out to the east valley of Mesa to pick some sweet, juicy and refreshing peaches over at Schnepf Farm. This was the first I had heard of the Annual Peach Festival, and my friend enticed me with the thought of warm delicious peachy pancakes, hay rides, music and those fuzzy golden miracles that grow on trees. I know. Didn’t take much convincing. She had me at peach pancakes. Anyways, I love any occasion I can take my camera out for recreational use and just let the creative juice flow (peach juice of course), and some fun creative time with my girls!

I had only been to Schnepf Farm once in my life, since it is a ways away from where I live, but it was quite a while ago and was nothing like I remembered it. Think of it as an oasis in the desert. With the festival in full swing we walked through the entrance and made our way past dozens of booths selling local handmade goods and food, towards the waiting area for that itchy, bouncy, but somehow satisfying, hay ride to the orchard. Once we reached our destination we were instructed to go to a brand new batch of trees that hadn’t been touched yet this season. We were also, thankfully, encouraged to have a little “snack” while perusing the grounds. I’m not sure if words could describe it but… These peaches were THE BEST I have ever had. Maybe it was because they were hand picked, or maybe it was because they were organic. But it was delightful. (Reminiscing is making my mouth water)

When our pickings were satisfying, we made our purchases and took the trip back to the festival with the delicious peach pancakes beckoning us with its aroma. We didn’t realize how enormous they would be until they sat in front of us, warm and sweet. I could only conquer half of the beast before finally surrendering. It was tougher than it looks. ;)

A few tractor poses later, we walked across the grounds to the peach preserve taste testing. I’m convinced now that you can make anything out of peaches. But I couldn’t leave with out some of my own. DELICIOUS.