Nomads again and Monchique

Our last days of 3 months passed quickly with a full moon, and partial eclipse, my birthday and some neighbours joining us for the last evening.

 The long grass was cleared by the farmer as required by law to reduce fire risk.

We were also visited by a scarab beetle, sacred to ancient Egyptians. See our delicious Portuguese custard tart, pastel da nata.

Anita wears her latest necklace creation.

We packed the vehicle after making our last green smoothie and drove east towards Monchique. We spent the evening with Charles at Nave. We lingered the next morning to enjoy the peaceful land, shade from trees and some fruit from the trees. He has two units to rent to tourists. 

 Spring water flows through the property which has been many years in the family. Some passes through the small pond in which we counted 7 green frogs. Lemons fall from the tree into the pond. We enjoyed oranges and mandarins too. The figs and peaches are not ready yet.
We drove into Monchique and parked by the heliport. We had passed by before but never stopped.

Monchique 

The town was hit by a strong earthquake in 1969. It has a reputation as a spa town, also a base for yoga and spiritual retreats and permaculture communities.

Hay fever season and beaches open.

Since childhood I suffered strong seasonal allergies which was always called hay fever. For many years I have been on or near to the sea at this time to be removed from the strongest source.

This year our freedoms are locked down in the name of covid-19. I have experienced three weeks of strongest reaction living in nature amongst many grasses and flower pollens in particular and returned to my traditional habits, eye drops, sunglasses even during darkness, inhaler and vaseline to prevent some particles from entering nose.
I am happy to say it is subsiding now. Being able to walk near the coast and on beaches has been a blessing allowing me to breathe clean pollen free air.

It was also possible to visit a friend's farm, close to the coast and with less pollens for me.

No chance to go sailing yet as the boat is ashore in Greece and travel is uncertain but we are grateful to have the Atlantic Ocean a short distance away.