Bridge of Flowers

 I've seen the sign countless times as we've traveled north and south on Interstate 91, but have never taken the time to explore and see the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. Last week we spent three nights in the Berkshires with friends from Maryland and took the time to see it since we were so close by.

The bridge was built in 1908 for trolley cars to cross the Deerfield River between Buckland and Shelburne Falls.  It was abandoned after 20 years and then a couple had the vision of making it into a flower bridge.  The first year's operating budget was $1000 but now it costs much more to maintain it.

Multiple varieties of dahlias were in full bloom.

Come walk with me.

This fall the Bridge is closing while a water main is constructed across it.  All the flowers and trees will be dug up, farmed out for safe keeping or sold.  The Bridge of Flowers will reopen in 2025. 

We were glad we stopped to see it.

Tick!

 I woke up Friday morning with my knee hurting.  I tried to recall as I lay in bed whether I had bumped it the day before, but nothing came to mind.  I finally got up and took a look.  There was a black spot like a blood blister but darker.  When I put on my glasses I realized it was a tiny tick!

I called Dan to get the tick spoon to take it off.  It had been feasting on me all night I imagine. He got it off but all day my knee hurt a bit.

I've had ticks on me before but crawling.  I don't recall one having attached and feeding.

I pray I don't get Lyme Disease as this one was a tiny deer tick.

 I know what to watch out for so all I can do is wait.

Olives

 A recent article in our local paper was headlined "Olive oil prices at record highs".  

Having just returned from our trip to Spain in September and being surrounded by a sea of olive trees while there, I was drawn in to read about the olive oil trade and why prices are climbing.

I learned that Spain provides half of the world's olive oil supply.  

That there has been a drop in production of 48% compared to the year before.

That the drought in Spain is creating concerns for this next season. It was hot and dry when we were there in September.  I think we experienced light rain on only one day.

And that new harvests begin in October.

Other than the bottles above, olive harvesting and production of oil no longer used the tools shown in this exhibit.

Here's a great video that describes the olive farming in Spain.

La Mota Fortress in Alcala la Real, Spain

This was one of our favorite places to visit and experience. 

View from one of the towers above and below.

Ruins of another church outside the walls.

Looking out on the Abbey Church.

Below, inside the church.

The floor of church held burial sites long since moved.

Inside the walls a plot of lavender.  Beyond you can see the olive groves.

To get to the tower we had to climb up and down this narrow stair case.  This photo is taken going down but it could be going up.  An optical illusion.