It’s the berry picking time of year again.

Summer’s not complete for me unless it includes berry picking – that’s how much of a summer ritual it’s become. I was overjoyed when my friends, Paul and Marie, agreed to accompany me to the coast south of San Francisco for some olallieberry picking at Phipps Farm and Country Store.

I got enough berries for two pies, I think, and I’ll probably return later this summer for boysenberries.

The overcast light made for some wonderful photographic opportunities.

In addition to the country store, there are also birds, including a peacock and some ugly looking turkeys. I can’t really describe it. You’ll just have to drive down there and see for yourself.

My old friends from San Jose, Pat and Peter, met us at Phipps. It was great to see them. After berry picking, we drove a couple of miles north to San Gregorio for coffee.

The San Gregorio General Store had live music – on a Saturday afternoon no less. How wonderful! It’s a terific venue and they have a great selection of hats too.

All in all, it was another spectacular day on the California coast.