When we pulling into the driveway of The
Boar and Chick (@TheBoarandChick), my
daughter screamed "HORSES!!!" right in my ear. In my mind I noted to be
sure to warn my daughter when we are going somewhere that has horses. It
almost did permanent damage to my eardrum. LOL
Farmer Tania greeted us all as we started
filing in. Farmer Mark would be joining us later as he was on his way
back from the farmer's market, where he sells Black Walnut Lane and The
Boar and Chick product at the Milton Farmer's Market.
It was raining a bit, but that didn't stop
us. The kids had a great time running up and down the patio path into
the barn and watching the pigs run in and out of the barn. The pigs on
this farm were not the pink ones we are most familiar with... they were
black pigs, Berkshire Boars. They loved the rain, because you know what
rain brings right? MUD!
It didn't take much to get the kids
interested in going inside the barn. All Tania had to say was there were
piglets inside and the kids ran in. They were so cute, so tiny and
black and white, staying all cozy and warm under the heat lamp. Tania
picked one up and it started to squeal. Once Tania held the pig from
it's leg it stopped. you would think that was cruel, but we quickly
learned that it didn't hurt the pig at all and it actually kept everyone
safe as a squealing pig can alert mama. And you don't want mama pig to
get upset.
As
Tania tucked the piglet under her arm, she asked if anyone would like
to kiss a pig. Wouldn't you guess that one little girl shot her hand up
and yelled "I WILL!" And she DID! ha ha, was comical. Don't people raise
money to see this kind of thing... hmmmm, now there is a fundraising
idea. OK OK, off topic off topic.
After everyone had the opportunity to hold a chicken, we all braved the rain and headed down to the creek that ran through the property. It was beautiful! We learned about their pond that held a variety of fish, a spot where deer laid down for the night and a big tree that the beavers were working on taking down. It was impressive to see the work they were doing to fell this large tree. And then we walked to where it's lodge was. We could see deer and beaver tracks in the mud. It was very cool.
As we head on back, we got a real treat. Something I have never tried before and I can almost guarantee you have never tried either. If you have, I want to know about it. They were called Oinkers. A name given by a friend's daughter. It is chocolate covered bacon... yep, you read that right, chocolate covered bacon. Don't knock it till you have tried it. Well doesn't everything taste yummy dipped in chocolate? If you ever get an opportunity to try it. Do, it is very yummy.
Thank you Tania and Mark for opening up your farm and showing us your little piece of paradise. See you at the next market.
