Goat Hike/JCA Staff Retreat at Ten Apple Farm in Gray

Last week, we experienced a severe rain and windstorm that knocked out power to the JCA and many local businesses, schools, and homes for days.  Luckily, our office staff had a previously-scheduled retreat planned to visit Ten Apple Farm in Gray for a Goat Hike, which we highly recommend! On Friday we enjoyed time together learning about Jewish farming, local food, and goat husbandry, hiking through the woods, and eating a delicious lunch, some of which we harvested ourselves.

Thanks so much to Margaret Hathaway and Karl Schatz for hosting us and for a wonderful hike & meal. Come meet the husband and wife team behind Ten Apple Farm on Dec. 12th at the JCA for The New Portland, Maine Chef’s Table: Extraordinary Recipes from the Coast of Maine Book Talk with Author Margaret Hathaway & Photographer Karl Schatz.

Office Staff Group Photo!

Karl demonstrates how to milk a goat. “Who’s up next?”

Going shopping for lunch

Picking veggies for soup

Goats leading the way

Hoofing it

This kids was having way too much fun!

This could be your Airbnb

Excuse me, can I butt through?

Delicious goat cheese salad with fresh beets and greens from the garden

Homemade soup is the best way to warm up after a walk in the woods.

Fresh bread made by professional baker (formerly of Magnolia Bakery in NY) Margaret Hathaway. Yum!