Back in late June, which now feels like eons ago, we had another family outing. For the past year or two, Bracha had been yearning to go fruit picking but for one reason or another, it just hadn’t come to fruition. That was the case until June, when she had seen recommendations of a berry picking place called Bikurei Shiloh, located next to Shiloh in the Shomron (Samaria).

Bikurei Shiloh backdropped by grapevines

Tragically, just two days before our scheduled trip, four Israelis were killed in a terror attack just 3.5 kilometres up the road outside of Eli. It was uncomfortable to push through with our plans, but we were as determined as ever not to let terrorism alter our lives (a recurring theme in Israel, sadly). As we drove by the site of the attack, we saw a small grouping of people and what seemed to be a makeshift memorial surrounded by waving flags.

Rows and rows of berry plants

It was already late in the morning when we pulled into the parking lot, the U-pick site nestled between ancient Shiloh and Nachal Shiloh, both of which I had visited back in September 2017. We entered, receiving small baskets and instructions, and then made our way to pick some berries. Our options for the day were strawberries, raspberries and blueberries – the plants located in long netted rows, protecting them from the elements and pests.

Strawberry in the sun

We started with the strawberries, which were on the cusp of being perfectly ripe. Thus, we had to scour the leafy plants in search for the choicest plump red fruit. I was wearing 10-month old Amir in the baby carrier, which allowed him to also grab at the dangling berries with his pudgy little hands. As an added perk, at that point in time, strawberries were probably his favourite food.

Blueberries galore

After a few handfuls of strawberries, we decided to move on to the next berry of choice: blueberries. Entering a separate netted area, we stepped into blueberry heaven. For any strawberry that was lacking, there were thousands of blueberries to make up for it. So much so, that we hardly had to go anywhere to pick all the blueberries we’d want. But we walked around, browsing the berry bushes, choosing only the choicest dark blue orbs. For, as it is known, the darker the berry, the sweeter the juice.

Bracha finding a choice raspberry

As per the raspberries, those were less abundant than the blackberries but, when ripe and juicy, exploded merrily in our mouths. When we had finished picking all the berries that we desired, both to eat on site as well as those to take home, we decided to stop for a picnic lunch.

Some berries for the road

Wisely, we had picked up some rolls and sliced deli meat, making perfect sandwiches to enjoy in the shade of the olive trees. I sat in a hammock, Amir in my lap, all three of us happily munching away.

Berry bliss

However, our adventure was not over yet. After we had paid for our berries and completed the journey back home, Bracha decided to make a blueberry pie. It was the perfect, and most decidedly sweet, way to end yet another family outing.