The season opener at Bay Lake Blueberry Farm kicked off this morning, with eager early risers plucking plump purple berries from the bushes that towered over us. Bay Lake is all about family. Owners Mike and Gail Waldron aren’t shy about getting everyone involved – they had their daughters helping us get blueberries in flats to the car, and Gail’s mother-in-law was running the register.

With school just out, a lot of children ducking under the bushes for berries the rest of us couldn’t reach. “Dude, here’s some excellent ones!” I heard one youngster exclaim from beneath a screen of green.

Neighborly as always, the folks from Crones Cradle Conserve were there selling potted plants and fresh veggies. Fresh-made blueberry ice cream was the hit of the morning, with Gail handing out her personal recipe. Since it’s an organic farm, no worries about washing … just pluck and enjoy!

It’s picking time for a short season – through when the berries are done in July – so don’t wait to experience this adventure!  Call ahead for dates and times for U-pick at 352-546-3834.

The farm is along CR 315 between Fort McCoy and Orange Springs in the northeast corner of Marion County. Just follow CR 315 north from SR 40 at the Ocklawaha Visitor Center for 16.3 miles to the farm entrance on the right.

For more on blueberry picking in Marion County and what to do with your yummy blueberries once you’ve picked them got to this link:

http://www.lucytobias.com/2010/06/01/lets-go-pick-blueberries-in-june/

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