Originally Posted by
Crankin
So, a story on the front page of today's Boston Globe answered my question about the cranberry bogs. The lack of color (in the bogs, not on the trees) is related to the drought. Usually, the fields are irrigated, the berries float off the vines, and people or machines use a giant rake to harvest them. Because of the lack of rain, and hence, water to irrigate, a few harvesters have chosen to "dry harvest." This is labor intensive and they lose about 10-15% of the berries when harvesting this way. A few of the smaller farmers have chosen to give it up. While Ocean Spray will not be affected financially (the harvest last year was spectacular and they have been irrigating), the small bog near me is most definitely one of the ones affected by the drought.
I learned about this when we took the scenic train ride on Cape Cod. Though now I'm not sure if I'm remembering correctly. But I think they told us that typically about 75% of the cranberries are wet harvested and these berries are used for processed products like juice and canned cranberry sauce. The dry-harvested berries are sold as is, unprocessed.
Meanwhile, I have not been on my bike in a couple of weeks now. On Saturday we had rain all day, and I just couldn't get motivated to ride on Sunday because it was very windy. I've gone for a few walks around my neighborhood, though, which is not as good a workout but it does work some different muscles.
Last edited by ny biker; 10-11-2016 at 03:44 PM.
- Gray 2010 carbon WSD road bike, Rivet Independence saddle
- Red hardtail 26" aluminum mountain bike, Bontrager Evoke WSD saddle
- Royal blue 2018 aluminum gravel bike, Rivet Pearl saddle
Gone but not forgotten:
- Silver 2003 aluminum road bike
- Two awesome worn out Juliana saddles