Prairie Boy

Friday Oct. 14

Today we are preparing to leave our little piece of heaven and branch out on our own.  We had a tour of this amazing property and learned of the 5 years of work that went into transforming a barn that held chickens, donkeys, rabbits, sheep and goats into a comfortable living space with fully modern services.
Just after our tour of the property and some quiet time we sat down to a delicious lunch with Rolf's special aperitif, tomato mozzarella salad and pasta with fresh tomato/pesto topping.

Rolf's neighbour, Francesco, came over from the farm next door to have a visit.  He was fascinated with my camera and ever so delighted when I put the strap around his neck and he started clicking and pressing every button he could find on the camera.

Trent and Francesco.

Francesco so pleased to be playing with my camera.

Without much exercise today we are pleased to walk the 5 km. to Tortorella for a pizza supper in a restaurant curiously named "Crazy Pizza".  The near hurricane level wind that has descended on the valley doesn't seem to concern our guide so we all gather and start out.  Our walk takes us along ancient shepherds' paths that have been used for centuries to herd goats and sheep.  As if on queue we meet a flock of goats herded by a fellow who turns out to be young Francesco's father. 

We create a slight problem for him as the goats try and pass and spook as all the people try to get out of the way and and the goats head up the hill.

The path continues along switch back laden ridges, under fences, past a farmer's house with a barn under the living area, dangerous dogs (although we never saw any dogs at all!), blackberry bush trip wires, and an incongruent concrete roadway appearing to lead to nowhere.  All this was accomplished by leaning at 45 degrees into the oncoming wind whenever we rounded a corner leading from a protected area into the full blast of the wind.  Darkness began to surround us as we made our way out of the trees and shrubs onto the road for the last kilometre to Tortorella.  Fortunately Pat, who seems to have a personal supply of whatever is needed at just the right moment, produced a headlamp to light our way and warn oncoming vehicles that there were some people to aim for. Supper begins about 8:00 and we continue to be stuffed with food and wine until 10:00 or so when we drive back home for our last nights sleep.