Hoppy days

Late summer brings the hop harvest. Last week we chopped ours to the ground and loaded them in the pickup truck for the annual picking festival at the pub. The slow and tedious job of removing the cones from the vines is eased by the camaraderie of picking and drinking beer together.

Most of the tables of the large patio were piled high with hops from all over town, given by friends of the pub. The patio filled quickly with eager pickers. The hairy vines cause itchy arms, so most folks wear gloves or long sleeves.

Ole was a great help throughout--picking, smelling, tossing, rolling about, and having an all-around good time.
Here he takes in the aroma:

Ah, yes, earthy with citrus undertones and a grassy finish.

The bin fills up steadily:

And he really got into it:

Now for the best part...the celebration!

Cheers!