Pik-Yor-Sef Saturday

Camp is right around the corner. Madi, my girl scout had a camp prep weekend, the last weekend as a matter of fact, before her real camp starts. Saturday morning we drove up to Aptos and I dropped her off. I detoured on my way back into town by the Gizdich Ranch to check out their self pick program, or as they call it the "Pik-Yor-Sef".

Gizdich Ranch was originally purchased by Vincent John Gizdich, a Croation Immigrant, in the 1930's. In 1950 Mr. Gizdich and his son Vincent Jr. leased extra acreage to experiment with the new Olallie berry, which is a cross between a Black, Logan, and Young berry from Cornvallis Oregon. Vince Jr. took over full management of the farm in 1959. The ranch was now 30 acres of apples and berries. Another 20 acres was devoted to Olallies Berries. The "Pik-Yor-Self" operation was established in 1965 and apples were sold for the first time on the ranch site.

The big red barn that is their major symbol was built in 1974. In 1980 The Eata Nita Pie Shop was opened. Today 16 varieties area baked.

I started off in the strawberry fields picking berries, and then moved over to the Olallie fields. My final harvest was 2 1/2 pounds strawberries, and 4 1/2 pounds Olallieberries. By 8:00pm we had 2 pies and a few berries left.

Gizdich is definately worth a return trip, and after all..these raspberries won't be ready until July.