Around this time last year we viewed this magical valley where the Rio Seia meets the Rio Mondego for the first time. We immediately fell in love with the land, and ideas began flying of what it could be. Firstly though, the invasive mimosa had to go. It’s not native to Portugal, and a major risk for forest fires. Good news is it’s great for firewood, so we have years worth of it.
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| Hikes through the mimosa forest this time last year |
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| Firewood for days... |
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| Last year when we could hardly find the house hiding in the Mimosa |
Little by little, with the help of many hands over the last year, and Atlantico Jardins going at what was left of the mimosa we have now a nearly completely clear valley. Most of the mimosa trees are divided into piles — to be mulched for ground cover, to be cut for firewood, and the rotted ones to be used for garden beds. It’ll be a project in and of itself to keep the mimosa away, but as we develop the land and gardens it’ll become easier to manage.
This week we also met with a man who lives nearby, and conveniently also installs solar systems. We discussed what our electricity needs will be for Cara Creek Eco Lodge, and he advised us on what size system we’ll be looking at.
This week we've also been in touch with more Workaway volunteers, who are interested in coming anytime from the end of January. They all sound like they’ll have lots to offer in helping our project along, and we’re so excited to have them!
Please point anyone you think may be interested in a work exchange of learning natural building techniques, and off-grid in beautiful Central Portugal our way. Here’s the link to our Workaway host page.
Fantastic progress...well done
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