Trip Report

Food was the intent of the April 12, 2011 Obsidian bus trip. Twenty-nine members and guests managed to handle the eating assignment well, visiting three home grown food enterprises in the Willamette valley. The first stop was Allan Bros. coffee headquarters in Albany for our morning coffee break. We learned about the processing of coffee from the tree to the cup, while enjoying a variety of coffees and their in-house baked goods. They work diligently to produce quality coffee. Their products are for sale in the local area.

Our next stop was Bob's Red Mill in Milwaukie, where they use millstones as in ancient times. The mill is a 320,000 square foot milling, packaging and distribution facility that claims to be the world's premier natural grain supplier. The excellent tour took us through a production area (viewable through windows) where packaging was in progress. A mile away, we visited Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Store and Visitor Center where their 400 different products are available. Obsidians were eager shoppers. Breakfast and lunch are also available, so the group enjoyed a healthy meal.

The final stop for a piece of pie was the Willamette Valley Fruit Company east of Salem. We visited the location of the pie making facility and watched (through windows) pie crusts being readied for yummy fruit. Willamette Valley Fruit Company began with three berry farms and later a pie maker coming together to produce Frozen fruit and pies which are available in local markets. The day was full of wonderful tastes and flavors.