more pics........

Wanted to bring the baby donkey home but Luis said we didn't have enough room in the freezer........

Update on cider and other edible gifts from nature

What a lot of apples we are going to process for cider.........hic

2000 bottles maybe this year - not us but a neighbour who kindly showed us the art of cider making in Toriello - blending the apples - to ensure the correct acidity, mincing them to ensure maximum juice, pressing them in a llagar and eventually fermentation and bottling. Wonderful stuff. Now just have to learn how to pour it......there are regional competitions in the art of cider pouring (it is flat cider and needs air putting in as you pour).

Another brilliant day was a funghi and mushroom hunt in Infiesto at the weekend. Teamed with a local expert we set off at 10.30am and trekked through open field and natural woodland searching for, identifying and collecting various obscure and not so obscure species of funghi and mushroom. We had a great time with our guide (Luis) and managed to get numerous specimens for consumption and for display at the local town hall. Since then Luis has ventured out locally and has managed to get his hand on loads.....if this is the last blog you know we didn't learn as much as we thought we did.....

Autumn draws in......

Continuing enjoying walks and discovering new paths and trails. The harvesting continues - with lots of hazelnuts and walnuts collected and drying. Chestnuts are next on the gathering list together with any edible mushrooms Luis comes across (god help us - so far the books have been more of a hinderance than a help). Apples are big buisness in this area and it will soon be the harvest time before cider production goes into full force. We have been invited to help a neighbour make cider with his own llagar (cider press). Last year he made 2000 bottles for his own consumption so we might end up having a good time!

Enjoyed visitors throughout September/October. Autumn has brought dark nights and some spectacular storms with impressive lightening and deafening thunder. Still enjoying periods of sunshine and warm, bright days. Keep in touch.