Make hay while the sun shines
The ritual of harvesting hay is carried out each spring on the islands of the Azores. Witnessing it firsthand was a fascinating experience.
Herdade do Ananas Stay
Herdade do Ananas boutique hotel just outside Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel. Our stay on a pineapple plantation!
Surfing on Sao Miguel island
Now that we are free to roam we are spending more time outside exploring the island’s famous beaches and fish market.
The Romeiros of Sao Miguel
Here on the island of Sao Miguel, 900 miles off the coast of Portugal, the pilgrims are known as Romeiros and their centuries-old legacy is rooted in an all-consuming faith.
Serendipi-Tea
First stop was the overlook at Salto do Cavalo. The second-highest peak on the island.
Life and Sourdough Bread
The Story of a Home Baker and Her Passion for the Art of Sourdough Bread
Japanese Cedar Stripping
Thirty feet and a thousand pounds of pencil straight Japanese cedar recently came crashing down in the woods near our cabin. It sounded like thunder but there was no storm.
The king of tuna
Fish lovers around the world know all too well that bluefin tuna is the king of tuna. Prized for its rich taste and buttery texture, bluefin has no rivals.
In the swing of things
Today brought sunshine after another night, and morning, of heavy rain with strong winds. Several trees are down and many of the meadows near the lake have turned into small lakes. The local ducks appear overjoyed with all their temporary aquatic options.
The kids are alright
On a bright sunny afternoon, after five months of waiting, a new beginning was celebrated with the farm’s goat giving birth to two sweet kids, one male and one female.
Our stay at Troy’s Barn
Staying in a barn may not be everybody’s cup of tea. Even if it is in England.
However, staying in a renovated sheep barn that has been converted into a cozy studio with a large, comfortable bed, full kitchen, bathroom with a shower and tub might just change your mind.
Waiting on the kids
Of the three remaining goats at the farm (two others went to ?market?) one of them is expecting within the next 2-3 weeks. We are keeping a daily vigil as she is getting quite big.
Some like it hot
Between weeding the various beds and investigating what could be harvested for dinner that evening I came across several deep red chili peppers.
Spring has Sprung
The surrounding hills and valleys are blooming with reckless abandon. Gorse is everywhere, with its brilliant yellow flowers as calla lilies flourish out of damp, grassy meadows.
Help, Help
This morning brought sunshine with the usual chorus of birds urging us to wake up and get outside. We were oh-so happy to comply…Help, Help is just the funny story of a normal day in the Azores.
Wind against trees in the Azores
Once again Mother nature is in a foul mood, introducing us to a new wave of viciousness as the rain is positively relentless Wind against trees in the Azores
Heavy Rain
It is widely recognized that the North Atlantic has some of the most feared and fearsome weather on the planet.
Victoria the Umbrella Lady
Victoria, an energetic, passionate woman nearing her 80?s runs a small market kiosk in Santiago de Compostela keeping an old world craft alive.
Spain’s Cies Islands
Spain’s Cies Islands are the Vigo estuary’s greatest treasure and an amazing national marine-terrestrial park. They are also one of the country’s most beautiful places for hiking, camping, sailing, diving, and swimming.
San Francisco Hotel Monumento
Among the many, and varied, lodgings available in Santiago de Compostela staying in an 18th. Century monastery surely ranks as one of the more unique experiences.
