Northrup, a third generation Johnston in the family owned business, harvests cranberries using the wet rake method, where a mechanical picker combs the berries off the vines. His grandfather Orville began the business close to Bala in 1947, not only attracted by its potential but also the proximity to Dunn's Pavilion, for he was also a musician.
Another method of harvesting is called beating, demonstrated by this machine with a water reel that beats the berries off the vines where they float to the surface, and are manually corralled for pick up. This enterprise, started in the 1960's, is owned and operated by the Wahta Mohawks, who arrived here from Oka, Quebec in 1881.
Gorgeous photos, Malcolm. And what weather you had that day!
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