Territorio Nomada - yurts
Trip Start
Nov 27, 2009
1
31
146
Trip End
Ongoing
Arriondas, Asturias, Spain
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
5 volunteers worked to fence off the veg plot, repair the wiring where I thrust the spade straight through it, hang toilet partitions, weed, shovel horse poo, collect rocks and other tasks. We erected a couple of yurts, metal ones rather than the traditional wooden ones. These were to be for toilets and showers so metal is a better option apparently. We were pleased to get the toilet yurt up because until that day the toilets were in the middle of the field, uncovered but working. I preferred a trip to the woods with the shovel to be honest!
The animals roamed around the field of yurts. The horse, in particular, was unbelievably gentle. He would lie down wherever you were working and simply be in the way. I could lie down next to him and use him as a pillow! A 2 week old goat and a chick were introduced to the herd of a horse, 3 adult chickens, 2 cats and a dog. We bottle fed the goat and she'd run around the field with us and protect the baby chicken from the bullying adult chickens. On our first day without Bego being there, the horse trod on the baby chicken. Not good. So we isolated her and Laura brought her worms and slugs. After a few days she could move more easily and she knew to follow humans around who shooed off the nasty pecking big chickens. She'll soon be fully grown and more able to hold her own.
The local area is stunning. The best part of Spain we've seen although we've not been anywhere near the south of Spain. Huge hills and mountains and glorious open areas. Lively rivers and wonderful brooks. We had a few outings into the hills which were the backdrop to the yurt field. Bego took us on a walk along a river where, about an hour upstream, the river had small waterfalls and in the bend had formed a pool ideal for swimming. Two flat grassy areas were perfect for enjoying the water.
We took a short walk through the woods with Bego and some friends. Although the distance covered was only a couple of miles, it lasted several hours. Alex and one of Bego's friends found that they shared an interest in wild plants for food and other uses and were happily exchanging knowledge. The group would move on but they'd still be talking over a plant. The two cats as well as the dog came on that walk and after a mile or two they had to be carried, especially past farms with big dogs!
The Sunday market at Cangas de Onis was lively and a full meal of cheese could be had by tasting all the wares! On nights out to the pub we watched the experienced locals pouring flat cider from the bottle held above and over the top of the head into the glass held to the side, below waist height. This aerates the cider. The inexperienced tourists poured it over the floor! A bottle of cider is served with one glass and each drinker pours a slosh drinks most of it and swills out the glass with the little remaining for the next drinker. This pub was lively and I jumped behind the bar. The local pub was quieter although still busy. Eyes followed us as we trooped in and sideways glances were constantly thrown our way. However when we got out a deck of cards, nods of approval were apparent! Laura even played a few rounds of whist!
