Taves Family Farms Pumpkin Patch: A Heartfelt Fall Adventure in the Fraser Valley

 🍁 A Season of Gratitude and Golden Memories

There’s something magical about the Fall Season— that brief moment when the world slows down, and the leaves whisper that change can be beautiful. This year, we embraced that feeling at Taves Family Farms in Abbotsford, a place where fall dreams come alive among pumpkin fields and heartfelt laughter.

For us, it wasn’t just another trip — it was a gentle reminder that life’s sweetest moments are found in the simplest things: the warmth of a smile, the crunch of leaves beneath our feet.

The Joy of the Pumpkin Patch

There’s something timeless about a pumpkin patch — a place where joy feels pure and unfiltered. We walked between the long winding rows, our shoes crunching softly against the soil.

Each pumpkin seemed to tell a story — some were big and bold, others small and perfectly imperfect. We didn’t rush. We searched, we laughed, we pointed and smiled. And somewhere in that field of orange and gold, we found not just pumpkins, but joy.

Because the truth is, the best part of a pumpkin patch isn’t taking one home — it’s the moment you find your pumpkin, the one that feels like it was waiting just for you.

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A Day to Remember

We saw families taking photos, couples holding hands, and friends helping each other lift the biggest pumpkins they could find. There was something heartwarming about it — watching people come together, sharing laughter and connection in a world that often moves too fast.

Under the soft autumn sun, I realized that days like this remind us what really matters: presence, laughter, and love. You don’t need grand adventures to feel alive — sometimes, it’s enough to stand in a pumpkin field, smile at the sky, and be thankful for another beautiful season.

Capturing Golden Moments

Under the bright midday sun, the pumpkin patch transformed into a canvas of light and warmth. The glow of the orange pumpkins reflected against the golden sky, and everything looked like a painting come to life.

We paused to take photos, not for perfection — but for memory. Because someday, when the seasons change again, we’ll look back at those pictures and remember how it felt: peaceful, joyful, alive.

 The Lesson of the Pumpkin Patch

Our day at Taves Family Farms reminded us of something profound — that life, like the seasons, is ever-changing. And just like the pumpkins waiting quietly in the field, the best things in life often take time to grow.

So as the season turns and the leaves begin to fall, may we all remember to pause, breathe, and be thankful — for the people beside us, for the beauty around us, and for the journey we’re on.

Because sometimes, success isn’t about what we achieve — it’s about what we feel. And this fall, we felt full of love, laughter, and life. 

Del Make it Happen

©️ 2025 Del Cusay

Apple Picking at Taves Family Farms: A Soulful Autumn Escape

There’s something magical about a cool autumn morning at Taves Family Farms — the kind where the air carries the scent of apples and the ground crunches softly beneath your feet. Walking hand in hand through the rows of trees, you can feel time slow down, as if nature itself invites you to pause and savor every moment.

That’s what this day was all about — not just picking apples, but collecting memories.

Choosing Our Apples: Alkemene and Honeycrisp

Among the nine apple varieties at Taves, we were drawn to two — Alkemene and Honeycrisp. Each one had its own charm.

The Alkemene apples shimmered beneath the morning sun — golden-red, fragrant, and full of life. Their sweet and tangy flavor felt bright and refreshing, the kind that awakens your senses with every bite. The Honeycrisp, meanwhile, was autumn’s tender gift — juicy, delicate, and filled with the comforting warmth of the season.

Reaching for each apple felt symbolic — like we were gathering little moments of joy, storing them not just in our baskets but in our hearts.

The Farm Experience

Every step through Taves Family Farms felt like stepping into a living postcard of autumn. The orchard stretched endlessly, its rows glowing under the golden light. Families laughed softly in the distance, little ones holding their basket filled with freshly picked apples. Couples strolled quietly between the trees, their smiles as warm as the afternoon sun.

There was a sense of calm in the air — that kind of peace you can’t find in the city. The gentle hum of the tractor, the rustling of leaves, and the sweet scent of apples blended together like a melody of the season. It reminded us that life’s truest happiness often hides in the simplest places — in shared laughter, in muddy shoes, and in baskets brimming with nature’s gifts.

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The Farm Store & Taves Estate Cidery

Before heading home, we wandered into the Farm Store, and it felt like stepping into the heart of the season. Wooden shelves overflowed with jars of jam and farm fresh pre-picked apples,  — all crafted with love and care.

We also entered the Estate Cidery, where the charm of the farm meets the sparkle of celebration. Rows of bottles caught the afternoon light, glimmering like autumn gold. Among them, we found our choice— a Classic Apple Sparkling Cider. We took a bottle home, though part of us wished we had opened it right there in the orchard, raising a toast beneath the same trees where the apples had grown.

There was something poetic about it — how every bottle held not just cider, but the spirit of the farm itself: warm, simple, and full of joy.

 Reflections from the Orchard

As the sun dipped low beyond the orchard, the world grew quieter — softer somehow. The rows of trees stood still, their branches heavy with the day’s stories. I paused for a moment, letting the cool breeze brush against my face, and I felt a kind of peace words can hardly describe.

There was something sacred in that silence. Between the fading light and the scent of apples, I realized how life keeps reminding us to slow down — to hold the people we love a little longer, to breathe in the moment before it slips away. Because one day, these simple days… will be the ones we’ll miss the most.

As we walked away from the orchard, baskets full and hearts even fuller, I looked back one last time. The sky glowed in gold, and I whispered to myself — this is what it means to truly live. Not in grand plans or perfect days, but in moments like this — quiet, fleeting, and full of meaning.

Del Make it Happen

©️ 2025 Del Cusay

Birthday Camping Adventure at Vedder River Campground in Fraser Valley

Birthdays are meant to be remembered, and this year, we chose to celebrate mine not in the noise of the city, but in the embrace of nature. Vedder River Campground in Chilliwack, Fraser Valley became our little haven—a place where time slowed down, laughter echoed by the river, and love glowed as brightly as the campfire.

🏕️ Setting Up by the River

When we arrived, the crisp air carried the scent of pine and flowing water. The river hummed softly in the background as we pitched our tent, each stake pressed firmly into the earth, grounding us in gratitude. It felt like we weren’t just setting up camp—we were preparing for a Fraser Valley camping trip filled with memories that would last a lifetime.

🔥Fish Grilling, Campfire Stories & S'mores

As evening fell, the fire came alive. Flames flickered, sparks floated into the night, and the warmth of the campfire wrapped around us. For dinner, fish sizzled over glowing charcoal, its rustic aroma blending with the crisp evening air. When plates were cleared, the night sweetened with roasted marshmallows—soft, golden, and perfect for s’mores. Laughter rose with every crackle of the fire, making this camping at Vedder River Campground at its finest—simple, magical, and unforgettable.

“Grilled fish, campfire warmth, and unforgettable moments at Vedder River Campground.

The river’s quiet song in the distance and the starlit sky above made the night even more special. It wasn’t just about the food or the fire—it was about the moments shared, the warmth of togetherness, and the kind of memories that stay long after the firelight faded.

🌌 A Birthday Under the Stars

Instead of birthday candles, the universe gifted us a sky filled with stars. I whispered wishes beneath constellations that seemed to shine just for us. The night felt sacred, as if every twinkling light was a blessing, reminding us how small yet significant our lives are in the vastness of the universe.

🌅 Sunrise Walks & River Adventures

Every morning, we took our sunrise walk along the Vedder Rotary Trail. The air was crisp, the river mirrored the awakening sky, and the trail was alive with fitness enthusiasts—cyclists speeding by, runners finding their rhythm, and fellow walkers soaking in the morning calm. It was the perfect way to begin each day in the heart of the Fraser Valley. 

“Sunrise walks, river moments, mountain views, and quiet mornings at Vedder River Campground.

Later in the day, we couldn’t resist the call of the water. We swam in the cool, clear Vedder River, letting its refreshing embrace renew our spirits. Around us, others engaged in various outdoor activities in Vedder River—rafting through the currents, gliding smoothly on kayaks, and casting fishing lines with patient anticipation. The river wasn’t just water; it was life, joy, and endless adventure.

🌄 Sunrise Reflections

Morning at Vedder River felt like a gentle awakening of the soul. The golden hues of the sky reflected on the water as we stood together, capturing memories with our lenses, our hearts filled with gratitude. These moments reminded us that life is best when lived slowly, intentionally, and together.

🧘‍♂️ Del Make it Happen

This Fraser Valley birthday camping adventure wasn’t about escape—it was about finding life again in the beauty of the river, the fire, and the stars above. The river whispered to us that life keeps moving, no matter what. The fire reminded us to keep burning, even when the night feels cold. The trail taught us that every step—big or small—carries us forward. And the simple sweetness of roasted marshmallows showed us that joy is found in the little things.

But it was the stars that stirred something deep within me. Looking up, I felt both so small and so infinite at the same time. And in that silence, I realized: every year we are given, every sunrise we witness, every laugh we share—it’s all a fragile miracle.

When we packed up to leave Vedder River Campground, my heart was heavy, yet overflowing. I wanted to freeze time, to hold onto the sound of the river, the warmth of the fire, the trail beneath our feet, and the love beside me. Because one day, these will not just be memories—they will be treasures that no one can take away.

We don’t wait for tomorrow to live. Don’t wait for “someday” to chase what matters. Hug tighter, laugh louder, watch the sunrise, taste the sweetness, and look up at the stars with wonder. Because life is painfully short, yet breathtakingly beautiful.

And when your story is finally written, may it be so full of love and wonder that even the stars pause to weep. 

©️ 2025 Del Cusay

Lindeman Lake Hike in BC: Scenic Mountain Views and Inspirational Journey

I love celebrating birthdays. This year, I wanted something real—something that would fill me with peace, strength, and gratitude. So I chose to spend my birthday in nature, hiking to Lindeman Lake in British Columbia. It wasn’t just a walk through the woods. It was a journey that reminded me how beautiful life can be when you slow down, breathe deeply, and keep moving forward.

🌲 Into the Forest

The trail to Lindeman Lake is about 3.5 kilometers round trip, with a steady climb of around 300 meters. It’s not too long, but it’s not easy either. The path starts off gently, winding through tall trees and beside a rushing creek. The forest was alive with birdsong, and the cool air felt fresh on my skin.

As I continued, the trail got steeper. I climbed over rocks and roots, crossed a small metal bridge, and carefully stepped through a rocky section where the trail narrows. It’s considered a moderate hike, and I could feel my legs working hard. But every step felt worth it. The forest was quiet, peaceful, and full of life.

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💎 The Lake That Took My Breath Away

When I reached Lindeman Lake, I stopped in awe. The water was a stunning turquoise blue, so clear it looked like glass. Surrounded by mountains and pine trees, the lake shimmered under the sun like a hidden treasure.

Some hikers were paddle boarding, gliding slowly across the calm surface. Others sat on the rocks, dipping their feet into the cold water. You can swim here, but the lake is glacier-fed—so it’s icy, even in summer. I dipped my fingers in and felt the chill. It was refreshing, like nature’s way of saying, “You made it.”

I found a quiet spot by the shore, sat down, and just listened. No phones. No distractions. Just the sound of water, wind, and my own heartbeat.

🧘‍♂️ A Birthday Reflection

As I sat by the lake, I thought about the past year. It had its ups and downs, just like the trail. There were moments when I felt tired, unsure, and ready to stop. But I kept going. And now, here I was—surrounded by nature's grandeur, feeling strong and grateful.

I realized that life is a lot like hiking. It’s not always easy. But if you keep moving, even when the path gets tough, you’ll find something amazing waiting for you. This birthday wasn’t about getting older. It was about growing deeper.

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🏞️ Final Thoughts

If you ever need a break from the noise, or a reminder of how powerful nature can be, Lindeman Lake is the perfect escape. The trail will challenge you, but the lake will heal you. It’s a place to breathe, reflect, and reconnect—with nature and with yourself.

This birthday gave me something no party ever could: clarity, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. And for that, I’m truly thankful.

©️ 2025 Del Cusay