To The Manor (House) Born

After the “Steep Hike That Wasn’t So Bad But had Tremendous Payoff Views” or, to make it easier for you to remember, the SHTWNSBBHTPV, we got back on the bus, and stopped for the one forgettable lunch of the REI trip thus far (already written about, so no need to again mention just how underwhelming it was.  It’s okay, I’m over it, I promise, even if it doesn’t seem that way.).

After that, we headed to the country manor house we were staying at for the evening.  You know how you’ve always wanted to stay at a place in the Spanish/Italian countryside that was a beautiful old stone manor house with rolling fields and sweeping views?  Yeah, don’t worry about ever doing it, because I just did it for you. 

And, I have to admit, it’s pretty cool.  It’s the Case Longarela, about 20 minutes or so outside of Lugo.

Off in the distance, there is a ridge lined with rows and rows of crops.  Interestingly, the rows don’t run parallel to the top of the ridge, they run up to the top of the ridge – vertically, not horizontally.  At the top of the ridge is another row of windmills (Spain has 20% of its electricity generated by wind, whereas solar has become too expensive for most people.

After showering, Carol and I walked about down country lanes, and explored the outside around the manor house.  It was not anything amazing, but it was quite peaceful and relaxing.  The stone fences amaze me, and there are beautiful trees all over the property.

Dinner was fantastic, and the group were the only ones staying there.  Feast after feast on the trip.  I wish I could remember the specific menu, but after a while it blurs together a bit.

The group has become quite friendly, as I suppose walking/hiking tends to bring people together, either in chats or quiet reflection, so dinner is filled with talk of travel, friends, and family.  Besides the gastronomic delights, both the vino and the conversation flows freely.

The sun comes up late here at this time of year in Spain, and as we move westward whilst the calendar is moving, it is noticeably later and later each day.  With the ridge of windmills to the east, I was able to catch some very dramatic photos of the windmills, the sun, and the fog on the hill.  Once I finally get caught up downloading photos, you’ll see it.