The Charcoal Burners

We passed these charcoal ovens on our way back today, near Coruche; we've passed them before, but today Mike turned around and we got out to take photos.

There are around thirty of them, which each make up to 3,300kg of charcoal per go, which takes from 3-5 days, depending on the wood and the weather. The best wood are the cuttings from cork oaks, but they also use holm, eucalyptus and olive wood. In the photo, you can see three of the workers in front of one that is ready to be sealed with bricks and mud, the next one is empty, and the next one already has the bricks.

Gratefuls:
- deepening of friendships with some of our colleagues
- tea and chat with the Anemas on the way home
- a safe journey home, the cats OK, and my own bed tonight