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July 05 Cave Cheese and Wine?I forgot to report that Mateo and Penelope discovered the 'cave cheese' the humans have been obsessing about. When they arrived in Cabrales they went into the local corner store. The place was dimmly lite and cool. Sitting on the counter was the 'cave cheese'. This cheese is made from the milk of goats, sheep and cows. Very little is made in any given year and it is aged in the mountain caves for 6 months...hence the name 'cave cheese'. Mama, the store owner who spoke only Spanish, was kind enough to share a sample with our byrd friends. Mateo said "it was very very strong. A lot like blue cheese but much stronger and really smelly. I think Super Byrd will like it...so I'm bringing some home."
Our two young byrds also told us that the Canadians are on the move again. Both Penelope and Mateo wanted to stay in Cabrales for a few more days but it seems the humans don't like the rain and it has been raining since yesterday. Hitching a ride in the rain can be most unpleasant so they snuck into the back of the hatch back and made a little nest out of cotton sock and silk underwear. Most of the day was spent in the car and it wasn't until about 4pm that they made it to Laguardia. Wine region! Yeah, Mateo loves red wine!
Wine region at last.... Mateo loves wine...especially red wine!
Still in love after all these years Mateo wonders 'do they still use this wine press?'
July 04 Trail to CainPenelope just called to report that Mateo can hardly walk. It seems that yesterday they had planned to walk the trail from Cabrales to Cain. This trail was made hundreds of years ago by the original settlers and it is the only way out of town during the winter. Penelope said she had good intentions of walking this path with Mateo but after about 30 minutes she began to cry. It was too hard and too dangerous. Luckily for Penelope it is a popular destination and she was able to hitch a ride back to the hotel. Mateo continued to Cain. This trial is a 3 hour long walk there and of course 3 hours back. While Mateo was hiking, Penelope rested and wrote more postcards home. She was a bit troubled by the fact that the mountains were clouded over and it was raining in town but all she could do was wait. Mateo made it back in safely in record time. He did the entire trail in 4 hours...I guess wings and feet give them the advantage over humans. Now, the next day, Mateo can hardly walk and he definitely cannot fly. They are going to have to take it easy for a few days. Penelope wonders why Mateo wants to walk, fly, and run...byrds of our kind are not ment for it!
She has to agree that the pictures Mateo took of the trail were wonderful.
Trail to Cain...and about where Penelope The trail cuts into the mountain
started to cry...I wonder why?
Mateo continues alone and this is what he saw A rest stop?
Finally, Mateo arrives in Cain...what a big city?! Water is harnessed into power at this dam
Mateo loves little kids!
July 02 More from MateoThe postcards and pictures are really flowing in now.
Mateo had this to say...
Penelope and I are now comfortably situated in the most beautiful hotel that over looks the mountains. The landscape here is so beautiful. The hard mountain rocks remind us of Muskoka and the lush grasses and rushing streams and rivers make the place peaceful and balanced. We are here before the busy tourist season begins which is perfect. I want to make this a destination spot for all Vibrant Voyageurs looking for a little R&R. I think everyone will agree this that Cabrales is heaven. We have walked several of the human's trails and plan to do more 'hiking' tomorrow. For now we are content visiting the small town of Bulnes...only 22 residents.
Some photos
Sneaking a peck in the park...great views Some of the gang has already arrived
More rocks just like Muskoka? Can you see the goats?
The goats like us and we like them The sheppard and his pup...herd the goats June 29 Big Thanks to Everyone!I just wanted to thank everyone for our best 'summer RED' show to date! Despite the rainy start to the day, all of our fabulous artists (Janet Barton, Sandra and Eric Highfield, Annabelle Myshok, Margo Gracey, Sandra Kunda, Carol Pollock, Leslie Songer Terry, Pat and Calvin Whittle) set up their work and were ready for vistors at 10am. The weather improved enough to keep everyone dry for most of the day allowing us to talk about our art with all of the visitors. We had an excellent turn out and were very happy to see both new and familiar faces. Big thanks to everyone for your continuing support!
Sincerely,
Matt and Andrea Turnbull
June 27 In CovadongaBefore I tell you more about our favorite byrds, Mateo and Penelope, I just want to remind everyone that tomorrow is our 'summer RED' group show. This show features the work of several very talented artists who come together on the last Saturday of June every year at Thyme of the Season to raise awareness and funds for the RED campaign. We are expecting a good turn out and hope you will join us and do the RED thing!
Now more about Mateo and Penelope...
They spent the better part of an entire day travelling through Spains mountainous northern regions in search of cave cheese. The two Canadians they've been travelling with have not stopped talking about cave cheese and Mateo is curious to find out what all the fuss is about. Eventually, they arrived in the town of Covadonga and found lodging. They unloaded a few things before hitching a ride up the mountain to see where they will be hiking tomorrow. Penelope is not thrilled about hiking but she is more likely to comply if the views are worth it...and they are.
Here are some photos of the church they found in Covadonga. Apparently, it is a spot many travellers seek out on foot. They call them pilgrims...and they walk here from miles and miles around. Not something our byrds plan on doing any time soon. They are happy to take a seat on the bumper of 'any car' before walking for miles.
Views along the way...
Can you see all the windmills?
These bulls appear along the highway The church in Covadonga
throughout Spain
Montie Llama infront of the church What a great location and a brillian colour
A little walk from the pink church you find Marriage water
this place of worship built into the mountain
This guy is on guard better get a picture... with the sleeping lion
More tomorrow! June 26 Mateo sent us some great photosHere are the photos we received from Santiago...
Maestro Mateo has found This beautiful Cathedral is quite a sight
his name sake
Mateo outside Santiago An ancient instrument...found on the carvings
de Compostella Cathedral of the original facade...also played by the Tuna's
Picture of the original facade well perserved Mateo seems impressed
by the second exterior that was built later
That's all for now...we hear they are heading into Cheese Cave territory. We wish them luck and hope Mateo finds what he's looking for. June 25 Santiago de CompostellaMateo and Penelope arrived in Santiago on the back bumper of the Polo. The ride was longer than expected and they didn't arrive until around 6:30pm. The Canadians quickly found a hotel which let them enjoy what little sunlight there was left of the day. They told Matt (when they called) that they headed straight for the travelling theme park. There was a large ferris wheel and the usual rides, food stands and lots of Spaniards. Mateo investigated all of the rides but was too afraid to try any of them. Maybe next time.
On the way back to the hotel nest they ran into one of the original members of the Tuna's, a musical band selling their CDs infront of the Cathedral. This band member explained that his group played all of the instruments on the original facade of the church dating back to the 9th Century. These two byrds ended up purchasing one of the Tuna's CDs. It's unique love music but nothing like Barry White.
Until tomorrow...buenas noches! June 24 The Weekend in BragaMateo and Penelope reported that they spent a lovely weekend in Braga. Every time they turned around there was another fountain, church or historic monument to photograph. And, while relaxing in the plaza they enjoyed the singing groups who went from table to table entertaining the crowd. These singers were dressed in some type of matching costumes and happily carried their instruments in the heat. Mateo really loved it...he plays a little guitar.
Here's a picture.
As they left Braga on the back of the Polo they were in for one more treat. The Canadians drove up this huge hill to visit a famous historic church...Bom Jesus. It is known more for it's staircase than it's cathedral but both would have been a lot of work to build. Penelope was glad they didn't have to walk any of the stairs...the drive to the top was more their style. They enjoyed the views.
June 20 Postcards from BragaIt looks like our two favorites byrds took some time out of their busy day of sight seeing to send a few postcards home.
I'll explain the first one. It seems they've written Bonnie Bews, a local artist and friend. Bonnie and her husband, Scott have built a castle that acts as her studio and gallery space. It is something to see and visit...and obviously the byrds think so too.
June 19 On the Road AgainWe've heard from Mateo and Penelope. They spent a wonderful evening in Evora walking the cobblestone streets, enjoying a cool beverage in the plaza and shopping at a few local galleries. At one gallery in particular, Marisa, spoke with them at length. It seems that she really likes byrds. She even asked if they would consider showing there...of course, Mateo didn't know what to say. They talked at length until it was quite late. Marisa kindly pointed them in the direction of a great local restaurant. You can visit her shop at www.marisareve.blogspot.com
Unfortunately, their visit in Evora was not long lived. After the one night, the Canadian couple packed their things and headed into the country. It was a beautiful drive. According to Penelope, the wild flowers grew abundantly as far as your eyes could see. The breeze was cool but the sun was hot on their feathers. The gravel roads were a little rough but the trip so exciting. They saw new things everywhere...like cork trees! At the end of the road they found some friendly gypsies selling their handmade jewellry and some old rocks...that humans call monoliths.
Views from the bumper A harvested cork tree
Cork Groves Penelope and some of the flock
The monoliths 14km outside Evora Fields of flower and cork trees
That's all for tonight...I know that they made it safely to Braga, Portugal because that's where they called me from! Hopefully, we hear more about Braga tomorrow. June 18 On the MoveMateo and Penelope are on the move again...
Travel days are both good and bad. Remember, Penelope and I have selected to travel on the bumper of a small "Polo" (like a Golf, Volkswagon) with a couple of fun loving Canadians. The good part is that it spares us from over using our tiny weak wings and feet but the bad part is the speed at which this young fellow travels. He has a lead foot and the high speeds are hard on our feathers.
Speed aside, we relaxed on the bumper all the way to Loule, Portugal. We stopped to look around a castle and a museum before taking off again. It was a nice break and we ran into some fellow travellers. It seems that Tommy and Montie Llama are here as well. We shared with them our travel arrangements and an outline of our travel itinerary...subject to change at our humans whim. They planned to meet up with us again along the way.
Last stop for the night...Evora
Tommy spots one of our Portuguese cousins Easy access to hydro...now why didn't we
think of that?!
Tommy and Montie Llama in Loule, Portugal Roman Ruins in Evora, Portugal
Postcards made of cork...everything in Evora is made of cork. June 17 Postcards from Mateo and PenelopeThe mail here in Muskoka is flowing in from our two favorite byrd travellers. It seems they are having a great time in Spain and wish to share the experience with all of us. Some of their cards don't make much sense but we must remember who wrote them...these byrds are real characters. Judging by the postcards they appear to have visited both the oldest Bull Ring in Spain and the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla where they are hosting the Sorolla exhibit. That's a lot of walking for two young byrds.
More tomorrow! June 16 Now in SevilleMateo reports...
After leaving the La Alhambra we realized the Canadians were packed and ready to go. We hitched a ride with them all the way to Seville. Boy, was that one quick trip...it got my feathers ruffled. It seems that the speed markers here in Spain indicate a minimum requirement for speed because I am sure we were travelling at least 160km/hr and the sign said 120km/hr. And, cars were still passing us.
When we arrived in Seville we did not realize what we were in for. The crowded one way streets and lack of street signs turned our search for a hotel into a three hour task. Not wanting to lose the Canadians we just sat patiently on the bumper scoping out the sights. Being chauffeured about is the best way to view a city...it really saves the wings. Eventually, we ended up at Hotel Fernando III. It was a four star hotel in Barrio de Santa Cruz which was in close proximity to everything. We slept great.
Today we visited the third largest Christian Cathedral and the home of Christopher Colombus' tomb...that is if he is really buried there. It seems that scholars debate this question. Penelope and I both walked up the ramped tower to take in a byrd's eye view of the city. It was spectacular and worth the extra effort.
Here are some photos.
Exterior picture of the 3rd largest Cathedral Another shot of this amazing Cathedral
Detailed marble work inside the Cathedral Byrd's eye view from the top of the Bell Tower
to the left you can see the Alcazar or mini La Alhambra
Another view from the Bell Tower. Above my Picture of the Cathedral from above
head you can see an oval shape...it's the Bull
Ring
For now that's all! Adios June 15 Mateo at La AlhambraMateo writes...
Penelope and I had the good fortune of securing 2 tickets for La Alhambra without waiting in an endless line that had no guarantees. Apparently, humans are crazy about the place and tickets are sold months in advance. Luckily, the sweet girl at the front desk of our hotel was smitten by my markings and when I told her about wanting tickets she said "si".
Our tickets were stamped 2pm leaving us a half an hour window to make it into the palace. Once inside you are allowed to stay as long as you like. Normally, Penelope and I would sneak in but La Alhambra sits on top of a huge hill and its' wall are well fortified...our wings just couldn't do it.
The humans are right...this place is worth the wait. Each room in the Palace is more beautiful than the next. The views of Granada and the mountains are breathe taking. We took lots of photos.
Mateo in front of the Alcazar in La Alhambra Inside the Palacio Nazaries...intricately carved marble walls
The beautifully kept gardens at La Alhambra Inside the Palacio there are many buildings
For more pictures of La Alhambra please scroll to the top and view the circulating pictures.
More tomorrow. June 14 Mateo is in GranadaToday Super Byrd shared with us the postcard she received from Mateo. Both Mateo and Penelope are now in Granada enjoying the sights and sounds of another busy city.
The postcard from Penelope reads:
Super Byrd,
Today we flapped our feathers around the city visiting the local sites,
taking in the views and enjoying the shops. Tomorrow at 2pm we have
tickets for La Alhambra - the red fortress surrounded by a plain wall
with the Sierra Nevada forming its backdrop.
Squak to you Later,
Penelope Sanditoes
June 13 Mateo's Adventures continueWhile, Matt and I prepare for the Spring Art Tour Mateo has reported that they are on the move. They have hooked up with a young Canadian couple who plan to travel in both Spain and Portugal. Mateo and Penelope are quite excited. They have hitched a ride on the "Polo", the car rented by the couple. They report it is similiar to the small golf volkswagon...not as comfortable as the spacious SUVs they are used to but decidedly better than walking.
The Canadians made a quick stop in Toledo as they travelled south to Granada. Mateo and Penelope took in some sights while stretching their legs and wings. Here's a picture Penelope took of Mateo inside the square at the Santa Cruz Museum. They also went to the Cathedral and report that it was beautiful. Unfortunately, no pictures allowed.
June 12 Mateo's TravelsMateo has been in touch again. It seems that he and Penelope are having the time of their lives in Spain. They are visiting every palace and fountain to be found. Plus, taking the time to enjoy the atmosphere, cerveza and tapas at the local cervezerias. They seem to have hooked up with a byrd loving Canadian couple and are hoping to hitch a ride with them wherever they go.
Here are some pictures Mateo sent us from Madrid.
Mateo reads up on how a local cervezeria Can you see Penelope? She is enjoying all
makes cerveza (beer)...even the children like of the art at the Reina Sofia...very interesting!
to help.
Mateo samples the cerveza. It seems that Goya girls
I think he likes it. are afraid of Mateo.
Mateo writes that he will keep in touch throughout the journey. He knows his mother (Super Byrd) still worries.
June 10 Postcard from MateoGreat news...we know now where the Vibrant Voyageurs went. It seems that two of the youngsters, Mateo and Penelope, encouraged the flock to follow them on a great adventure across the Atlantic Ocean to sunny Spain. Mateo has sent postcards home to his mother, Super Byrd and she has shared some of them with us.
Dear Super Byrd,
I finally found a fountain worthy of washing my feathers.
I'm going to contact my plumber to see what arrangements
can be made to my nest.
Chow
Maestro Mateo
One thing we do know about the Vibrant Voyageurs is that they like the finer things in life. Super Byrd has been supervising the extensive construction and maintenance of the flocks nests here at Thyme of the Season. And, it looks like Maestro Mateo is gathering more ideas and plans for construction from the lavish architecture he sees abroad.
I will keep you posted.
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