As the sun beats down and we lie on our bench we can always hear them squawk; the sound of chainsaws. Like strimmers they’re a part of countryside living in Spain. A few of our almond trees have bitten the dust and stand, nestled among healthy fig and olive trees, gnarled and broken with their coating of mustard-coloured lichen.
It’s been our turn to cut them into stove-sized bits – including branches which make excellent kindling. Like oak, almond is one of the best woods for fires; it’s rock hard, throws off lots of heat and takes a long time to burn. We haven’t much but the small piles scattered around will be collected and put somewhere dry. Exposed to the sun and wind for over a year since their demise, the wood doesn’t need to be seasoned.
When the sun disappears behind the mountains in a few months’ time, these logs, burning with a sweetish smell, will be very much welcome. In the meantime, there’s plenty of gorgeous sun and warmth to be had.
(We don’t really lie around on benches – too many almonds to collect.)
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You look great for your age…olive tree
© con jamón spain
con jamón spain 
I’ve been in Granada since January and although we have travelled all over Andalucia, we have somehow yet to visit the Alpujarras. Maybe we haven’t been able to see the wood for the trees!
No doubt, the hundredth time you’ve heard that, but I couldn’t resist…
Your post has inspired me to sort out a trip very soon!
Posted by cortadoingles | September 24, 2014, 6:00 pmHi cortadoingles – yes do, this time of year is lovely – the light, tress and warm and sunny. Perhaps we can reminisce about the centre of time. We can recommend a beautiful place to stay.
Posted by con jamón spain | September 24, 2014, 6:05 pmOh gosh–back where I was a year ago, sitting at my desk getting blissfully distracted by con jamon. I can smell the almond smoke from here.
Posted by C in Ohio | September 24, 2014, 5:07 pmCome out – almonds await!
Posted by con jamón spain | September 24, 2014, 5:29 pm