Quinta Das Abelhas

We were in Portugal for 4 weeks [23rd Sep'08 - 21st Oct'08] on a working holiday at an Organic/Permaculture farm (quinta). The aims and objectives of the trip was to understand, work and learn how to be self- sustainable by working in harmony with the land and the surrounding environment.

Morning Duty at the Quinta [Farm]

The Quinta had three horses, Isla, Maurice and Dan and were a constant supply of fresh manure. Every morning we started work between 7 - 7.30am ( we could not start earlier as it was dark and foggy) and collected the manure in wheel barrows, this would then be used later to help enrich the soil. 

Grape Juice Making Process

It was a very long summer's day at the quinta (farm). We all started at around 10am and before we finished it was dinner time 7.30pm !!!!!!! ish. From picking the grapes from the vines, collecting them in baskets, crushing them with our feet ( Helen the Woofer's feet to be precise), putting them in the manual grape crusher, to sterilising the bottles, and filling them with the purest form of grape juice all in one day was a very exhilirating, rewarding and exhausting experience!!!!!! We managed about 75 bottles of grape juice (concentrate). The owners Andy and Sophie then ordered Pizza for dinner for all the woofers.

Planting

We had to first weed the beds, raise the beds, cover with manure, and then plant and water the beds.

Collecting Oat seeds for next years planting

Our cosy Caravan Home and Kitchen

Recycling waste water

Organic Bird Farm and Compost Toilet

Bonding with animals!!!!

Mosaic making and early morning before sunrise

Permaculture Meeting

We were fortunate to be a part of the First Permaculture meeting at the Quinta(farm). Hanisa prepared a delicious meal while many participants bought along some fantastic home made food.