PALMYRA TOWNSHIP -- Not everyone is welcoming this hot and dry weather, especially those at a farm in Pike County.
Berry picking season usually starts this week at Paupack Blueberry Farm, but crops are a little behind because of the heat.
The parking lot at the blueberry farm near Hawley is usually buzzing with customers this time of year, but this summer the lot is nearly empty, and berry picking hopefuls are being turned away.
"We just came up and they said the blueberries aren't ready yet," said Sharon Whapham of Pocono Lake.
Because of the dry weather, farmers here tell us their blueberry bushes aren't ripe enough yet.
With 20 acres of bushes and 26 varieties to choose from, only about 50% of the crop is ready.
"It's been very dry, very hot. It can be good for the crop, but without the rain, we haven't had a lot of rain here, so it's dry and it takes longer for the crop to ripen," said Debbie Lloyd, with Paupack Blueberry Farm
The news is sad to a lot of customers.
Erin Whapham from Pocono Lake is a first timer at the farm. She came prepared with a stack of buckets.
"Yeah, now well, I guess I am just going to have to wait," Whapham.
Farmers hope to open soon, but that will be all up to Mother Nature.
"People travel a distance here because we are normally open this weekend or this week, but it is what it is. If the berries aren't ready, we can't open the gates. So hopefully they will come back," Lloyd added.
The hope is to have the gates open by next week.
Until then, farmers tell us they will continue to offer any and all blueberry treats including pies, pastries, and homemade ice cream inside the gift shop.
