Adjustment

After a few weeks off-ranch to boost the coffers, I arrived back late on Saturday night. Having driven up a very muddy track, I suspected that a tormento had passed through and a quick look at the Cadiar weather station data confirmed that there had been a dump of rain on the Friday and the day I arrived. Luckily, nothing was affected inside the house.

An early morning chat with the neighbours (oh, how I've missed them) revealed that the downpours were short but very intense and that it was not good news for the figs which might be prone to bursting due to the extra water. Fingers crossed for some sun (which we are currently enjoying) and some wind to dry things out.

Picked some apples and black figs on Sunday from the 'fruit basket' vineyard. The grapes (which are few in number after the severe haircut the vines received this year) are coming on though still some way to go and the figs (apart from a few ripe black ones) seem very small. Almond prices are very high but the crop (after our late cold snap) is not great. Am just treating this years harvest as part of the learning process!

It was nice to catch up with a few people while in Bristol but it is nice to be back after the noise, crowds and traffic of England.