The weather takes a turn...

The cats know when the weather is about to change, you can tell by the change in their behaviour. They become excitable as the breeze gather pace and their sense of smell is heightened with the rising humidity. Both Wentworth and Gawber change their routine and reside themselves to the fact that rain and colder weather is on it's way, despite the brief periods of warm sunshine. They don't venture far and take their comfort inside when necessary.

The gathering clouds signals stormy weather ahead. The winds gain momentum and sheets of strong cool rain advance across the meadows.

The remaining sweet chestnuts are blown from the branches, protected by their bright green but dying spiky casing. The seed-heads release their seed as they rock to and fro in the gathering winds.

Roe deer take greater risks due to increased hunting activity. These two were spotted in the garden at lunchtime - most unusual.

Daily walks to the coast now have a new incentive, with storms out at sea and the high autumnal tides bringing life to the many blow-holes formed in and amongst the jagged limestone cliffs. A high tide of nearly 5 meters ensures a spectacular display of 200 meter plus plumes of sea water and sand ex-pulsed into the air only for the wind to disperse.

Luis on the cliffs watching the blow-holes; some of them reaching 200 meters high. You can just see the people and cars on the other side of the cliffs.

A stroll down to the coast

An almost daily walk for us involves walking on one of several paths or caminos (country lanes) that lead to the coast. We are lucky in-so-much we can choose one of many routes, each with something different to offer. There are some wonderful finds along the way no matter which route you take.

As the crow flies we are about 1 km from the coast but as there is no direct route it takes us about 20-40 minutes depending which way we head out. If we stick our head out of the bathroom window we can just about see the sea, on a clear day, in winter, in the right light...If we ever sell we'll call it a sea view ;-)

With a mountain backdrop, the coastline near home is spectacular. With dramatic limestone cliffs, cuetos (pasture lands studded with rocky outcrops), small wooded areas, apple orchards, old Asturian houses, small flocks of sheep, goats or cattle, horses, an abundance of wildlife, flora and birds, there is always something to observe and savour.

As the seasons pass,  on daily walks, there is ample opportunity to observe the changing landscapes and get to know our environment a little better. Looking back, it is surprising how much we have both learnt over the years by seeing something new such as a plant or bird, deer or tree, insect or building and researching it on our return. The Internet is great for quick ID and information but there is something rather special about sitting on the terrace with a set of reference books, a cup of lemon verbena and a camera full of photographs.  

A walk along the shoreline

The tourists have returned home and Asturias is once again tranquil. The roads are quiet, the towns and villages are subdued and the snow has returned to the Picos de Europa mountains. After all our work in the garden and vegetable beds, a walk along a deserted beach beckoned.

One of our local beaches is Vega. About 15 minutes away by car, along the coast heading west out of Ribadesella lies the small village of Vega.

The road down to the village passes through a stunning gorge that has a meandering river bed and towering limestone rock formations. The sharp, jagged rocks play host a many plants, animals and birds. The trees are small, miniaturised by restricted root growth, they punctuate rocky peaks and enhance the sense of height.

As you pass through this unassuming collection of village houses and newer built holiday homes, it is soon clear that as the road finishes it meets the extensive sand dunes and wooden walkways that mark the beginning of Vega beach.

When the tide is out the beach stretches about 1.5 km, a vast sandy bay backed by crumbling meadows, ancient rocks and layers of fossilised sea creatures. The area is renowned for its fluorite mines and just occasionally you can stumble upon these jewel-like stones as they glisten in the sunshine as the tide washes them to, fro and over them.

There is no-one on the beach today, just a solitary set of bare footsteps from an early morning walker, large flocks of gulls resting on the shoreline and evidence or razor fish surfacing and crabs scurrying from rock pool to rock pool. The spray of the ocean casts rainbows against the blue sky and the passing clouds play shadow puppets on the golden sand.

On the high tide mark there is too much plastic, too many discarded fishing lines and the inevitable lone flip flop. Magnificent pieces of driftwood shout out to us "Take me home" and Luis resists the never ending lure of pebbles.