Fires marked October with devastating results in Portugal – innocent victims include people, animals and ecosystems – so not right. Thank goodness the Portuguese government finally reacted in June after the tragic Pedrogão Grande Fire, banning planting new areas of eucalyptus, not only a highly inflammable non-native but an invasive species.
Proud to see that thousands marched on 21 October in Portugal, to protest and to mourn the 100+ killed during the June and recent fires. At one point there were more that 500 fires burning in Portugal and neighboring Spain’s northern Galicia. Changes need to happen! Banning eucalyptus planting is a start, but becoming more pro-active to those who start fires and how to change this mental illness is equally important.
My heart goes out to all those affected by these deadly and merciless fires. Being from Napa Valley, I nervously watched the live fire maps in California one morning at the same time I could not see across from our Quinta to the other side of Tedo. Felt apocalyptic and thank goodness this is behind us.
Mother Nature is not happy presently, she is combative towards human beings. Let us try to leave a planet that can be lived in for our children. So, take a moment to hope the best for all lives forever changed by these disasters.
Perhaps you have sat here, looking out over rio Tedo?
Douro Valley had a very hot and dry summer, all the same the harvest went well as I wrote in my September blog: we will have beautiful Portos and Douro DOC wines.
"The Launch"!
We were spared from major fires along the Douro River, and October was sunny and perfect for visiting. Quinta do Tedo was the location for a Californian/Portuguese wedding for dear friends, even if we are not set up for weddings. In addition we had the good fortune of a week-long Jaguar “sexy station wagon” XF Sportbrake and omnipotent XJR 575 launch that used our Bistro Terrace as a lunch stop when not barreling down the road test driving the new models. Thank you for your preference, Abreu Travel Agency and Jaguar!
Early morning sun shining on terraces and olive trees.
Olive harvest starts later this month, early as was the grape harvest.
Always breathtakingly beautiful Douro Valley!