Heat and Volcanoes

The early morning sunshine is wonderful but I should have taken heed of the Cacti as we pulled into the first orchard of the day. Later I discover the hole in the ozone layer as it gets really hot!

More cherries today where the proprietor, Antonio Walker (with a silent L and the chairman of the Chilean fruit growers group) has planted 150Ha since 2007). Later we also visited his apple orchards where he had planted 100,000 trees in Three weeks. Not many growers can brag about the back drop of a volcano for their orchards.

I am surprised to find trees that appear to be growing paper bags. Antonio has placed 1.8 million bags on apples to hit the value added Taiwan market.

In between we drop in at the Joint SAG / USDA / ASEX inspection facility. There are Five of these impressively modern set up’s and as a measure of the importance of agriculture in Chile, the former president personally opened all Five. They aim to intercept reject able goods before they travels to the USA and end markets.

Let me make one thing clear, travelling in January is not good for New Years diets. Lunch started with a succession of finger food. We are invited to our table and the entrees just keep going. Fortunately I am tipped off as somebody has spotted half a dead cow being prepared out back. I pace myself but as we wait longer I become progressively more hungrier. The great thing is I am in no hurry to go anywhere and am really glad not to be in the baking sun.

That evening we eat alfresco at a winery of 4000Ha! It’ a great atmosphere, listening and watching local singers and dancers, good company, lots of food and wine and a clear sky to confuse all amateur astrologers.