Walk along the Tamuja

The last time we did this walk it was in May, with lack of rain the cattle and sheep had eaten the sparse grass down to the earth, the scenery was dusty and brown with just a trickle in the river. 
Here in Extremadura the coming of the rain transforms the landscape almost within hours. With the sustained rainfall we have had spread over the last two months we knew the walk along the Tamuja would have been restored to a verdant paradise, a perfect example of the iconic Extremadura eco system at work.  And so it was, the river was brimming, lush green grass, Iberic pigs, cows and sheep grazing under the holm oaks, stunning.

 Our usual destination, an ancient watermill only added to the beauty of the environment, as usual it was all for us, not one other person in sight.At the mill we crossed the weir to walk back on the other bank to see different aspects of the scenery.

On our way home to the finca we stopped off, as usual, in Salvatierra de Santiago for lunch at the Bar Fé, our favourite place for many reasons.

OVER THE SIERRA FROM MONTANCHEZ TO ARROYOMOLINOS- SPECTACULAR WALK

How many times have I done this walk? Maybe 20 or 30 times over 12 years  but it's still very special, not least because of the solitude, usually never meet another person.
Today was extra special with the sound of running water crashing down the mountain and accompanied by nightingales along the way. Because the walk is so secluded with many different natural habitats the bird life and botany are really impressive.

The walk starts in Montanchez and winds its way through 7 kms of the sierra on an ancient path down to Arroyomolinos.
First passing by vineyards and olive groves, through the mossy bosky chestnut wood now in deep cool shade and then out onto the wilder mountainside still smothered in exquisite wild flowers.

The path gets steeper as it approaches the gorge of Arroyomolinos passing by many natural springs on the way and with far distant views of terraced mountainside and way down to the hills beyond the gorge.

At the start of the gorge the first mill building appears, it has been renovated and used as an idyllic retreat, just below there is a torrent of water gushing back down to the main stream.

The path is steep but secure and follows the stream all the way down the gorge. The vegetation is wild and rampant, the ruins of many water mills emerge from the green tangle. A marvelous and unique collection of  mills cascading down the hillside, fascinating and romantic.

The design of the mills is ancient and features a tall stone tower with an acquaduct connecting the tower to a millpond, the mill is powered by the water of the mill pond being guided along the acquaduct and then crashing down the tall tower onto the paddles which turn the millstones, the water then flows back to the main stream and the next mill.

The base of the gorge  widens into meadows and olive groves on the outskirts of Arroyomolinos where there is a wooded path along the lower slope of the sierra all the way back to Finca al-manzil, about another 2kms on level ground

CHRISTMAS PICNIC AT THE OLIVE GROVE

We are having the most heavenly weather, blue,blue skies and perfect weather for walking so on Christmas morning we hiked up to La Preciosa our remote olive grove, well equipped with delicious picnic and champagne, yes, the real stuff instead of cava for once.
 Lovely views from up there and a special stillness, no sound from the outside world, just bird song. Started to get chilly at about 4ish so headed back to finca for on- going backgammon contest and settling in for yet more food, ah the joys of Christmas, no family this year, just us, we seem to be surviving!

THE FEAST OF SAN BLAS 3RD FEBRUARY

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Today is the fiesta of San Blas in Montanchez. Starting from the Ermita de San Blas the procession makes its way to the Plaza de España and then back to the ermita. The girls, of all ages, are dressed in typical folkloric costumes, colourful apliquéd woollen skirts, heavily embroidered shawls, white stockings and black shoes. They carry trays of various cakes and sweets on their heads and kept up a lively step in tune with the band. Many of the crowd wear a red ribbon tied around their necks in honour of San Blas the protector of all throat related afflictions.

San Blas was a doctor and bishop living in Sebaste (Armenia), in the 3rd and 4th centuries. In his striving for perfection he took refuge in a cave near the summit of Mount Argeo. A victim of the generalized persecution of Christians, he acquired his unusual patron-saint status on his way to prison, when he healed a boy who was in agony with a fish bone stuck in his throat. San Blas is often shown with the instruments of his martyrdom, iron combs. The similarity of these instruments of torture to wool combs led to his adoption as the patron saint of wool combers in particular, and the wool trade in general. He may also be depicted with crossed candles. Such crossed candles are used for the blessing of throats on the feast day of Blas which falls on the day after candlemass. The red ribbon may relate to the beheading which ended his torture in 316.

LATEST ADDITIONS TO FINCA AL-MANZIL

Introducing Zeru and Roxy our two Weimaraner puppies. They are now 2 months old and are just getting into their stride as quite naughty puppies, our decor now includes a permanent bucket and mop but they are getting the clue . At the moment they spend most of their time tucked around the back of the wood burner but are quite up for a brisk walk twice a day. More photos as they grow and grow and grow......