Many apologies for those of you for whom I am sure the arrival of my latest Dogblog is a much anticipated event, but I have been on my holidays. We all have, myself, the two tall ones, and even Ella was included. Our destination was the ancient town of Lagos on the Algarve coast of southern Portugal, a foreign country for which this dog did not even have to show his passport. We stayed in a small but very well located complex called Dona Ana Garden and as an economical but comfortable choice we would certainly recommend it.
It has to be said that we dogs are creatures of habit, content with a regular daily routine and like nothing more than to know where we are and what's expected of us. Why else do you thinking we can show daily excitement at meal times when the same sloppy brown goo is served up, day after day? Of course the occasional savoury surprise extra is always welcome, be we expect and are content with the monotony of our daily nourishment. I explain all this to illustrate that routine is part of our makeup, it is in our doggy nature, and as such we don't necessarily need to be packed into the back of a car for six hours in order to change this routine by way of a holiday. Holidays are, I believe, an entirely human concept, unless, of course, you count the annual migration of birds, fish and wilder beasts across the plains of Africa.
Not wishing to be too ungrateful, though, I did enjoy the new smells of the Portuguese streets and the chance to let the wind blow back my ears on the expansive and empty golden beaches of the western Atlantic coast. What I did not enjoy was being towed around various towns on the end of a lead and not being allowed to stop and sniff at each and every lamp post, kerb stone or litter bin. If you have time to spare you could play the video below to gain some idea of the experience I had to endure.
Coastal holidays are all well and good, but since moving to Spain I have become a mountain dog, and so the only place I can truly recommend for a memorable break from routine is a stay at Cortijo Opazo.
But now, at long last up here in the mountains, the rain is falling and this may well turn to snow, so it's time to light the fire a curl up with with a collection of poetry. I've heard that T. S Eliot has been voted the nation's favourite poet by a BBC poll, chiefly, I expect, due to his 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' that was popularised and vulgarised by a theatrical musical with a much briefer name. I'm going to see what the fuss is all about and try inventing some poetry about canine escapades.
Yours, dreaming of being Poet Laureate,
Fergus
It looks to me as though I can look forward to many years of happy, well fed retirement - would that it arrive soon. Cans of meaty Covidog food are unlikely to be in short supply. I know this because we have received a stream of well meant compliments about the holiday experience here at Cortijo Opazo, all of which bode well for our continued success. I don't wish to blow our collective trumpet in an inappropriate manner, but if you have time, you might appreciate a persusal of the comments that some of our recent guests have made:
We've had a lovely week here: walking and enjoying the views, peace and tranquility of both the local area and of the cortijo. Of the walks, we recommend seeking out those that follow old mule tracks or paths rather than the forest pistas (tracks) which are much less characterful - the walk down the hill from Cortijo Opazo and around the valley opposite follows some of the wonderful mule trails which are redolent of the history of the area. We discovered that any water at this time of year is going to be far too cold for immersion (though we did meet a stark naked Spaniard on the hill above the big waterfall who claimed that a dip was just the thing!) The villages are endlessly fascinating, but it's great also to have the contrast of seeing some of the higher countryside, where you can really get the feeling of being far from civilisation. The mountains are BIG and steep, but there are some delightful acequias which follow gentle gradients: our favourite was Acequia Sierra, west of La Cebadilla above Capileira.
Thanks to Robert and William for all the care that has gone into making this a beautiful and easy place to stay - we will certainly recommend you to friends and family. The four course meal was very special! Many thanks.
Rose and Steve, October 2009
An encounter with a naked Spaniard is not something we can guarantee here at Cortijo Opazo, but if it might add to your holiday experience, I guess we can look into it. Our next guests made no report of such matters, but none the less had a stimulating time here:
We have had a wonderful week here at the cortijo. The Alpujarras are beautiful with plenty of walking opportunities, combined with the garden here where lots of relaxation and reading happened. Robert and William are great hosts and fantastic cooks. Only regret is that we left it to the last evening to sample their cooking so no chance to have a second meal! Many thanks for a great stay and being so considerate.
Dave and Gaby, El Lújar October 2009.
Thank you Dave and Gaby, I'm pleased that Robert's spicey Morrocan vegetables with cous cous did the trick for you. The next comment is from a couple who have become very at home here, and, in my opinion, a little too free with with the local dogs. If anyone deserves any morsels from the table, it is primarily ME!
The problems encountered at 5.00am at East Midlands airport when, on this occasion, Roger wanted to bring his road bike here, soon disappeared when we finally reached Cortijo Opazo, to be warmly greeted once again by Fergus, Ella and, of course, William and Robert. A quick stop at Paco's beforehand would mark the beginning of what was to be another wonderful week.
This has been our 3rd stay within the last 12 months, and with another week booked here for next Spring,... what more can be said.
As previously, we ordered one of Robert and William's meals to be ready on the evening of our arrival. What a scrummy meal it was too! As a result we enjoyed a different meal each evening. Did we have a favourite? - No!! They were all delicious! We saved out gourmet meal for the penultimate evening. What a wonderful meal it was too! And so beautifully presented. With the warm evening in late October we were able to enjoy the meal on the terrace with the moon and Jupiter perfectly positioned above.
We admit to spoiling the shepherd's dogs. They need spoiling! Tula and her "gang" are lovely..... We hope they stay safe until we return!! We walked and Roger cycled. He loves the roads. The weather has been wonderful all week with the autumnal colours dominating the landscape.
Dear Robert and William - thank you so much for making us welcome once again! For providing us with excellent food and accommodation and a setting "to die for"!! Roll on next Spring....
Barbara and Roger, October 2009
Thank you Roger and Barbara, I'll see to it personaly that the shepherd's dogs get the food you left behind for them. Honest I will!
It has to be said, October has been a good deal warmer than one might expect and the trees don't know whether to shed their leaves or sprout new ones. In the same vein, Ella and I don't know whether to shed our thin summer coat of fur and bring forth our winter coat, or resort to the to a turn with the garden strimmer. Despite being the end of October the stove in the main part of the house has not been lit, so I remain nostaligic for winters past and hopeful for the snow that is yet to fall.
Yours, in mid molt,
Fergus.
