EGGS!

We have eggs! The chickens that we purchased the 1^st week of December 2011 have started to lay eggs. On our daily walk with the dogs on Monday, Carlos and I stopped at la granja to see the goats and chickens. Everyone was doing well. We kept walking up the hill and decided to stop on our way back down and get the dogs water.

I stuck my head in to say hello to the chickens again and to my surprise there were 3 eggs. We were both so excited. The eggs were quite small but they were a beautiful sight. I got back home and weighed them. They weighed 35g, 36g and 38g. Eggs in our refrigerator from local egg producers weighed around 72 g. I was told that when chickens begin to lay eggs the eggs start out small and get larger. I guess the chicken has to gradually work its way up to the larger eggs.

The next morning I was very excited to see the chickens and collect all the eggs. I packed a bag with an egg carton and the camera to commemorate the occasion. When I got to the coop there were no eggs and I was disappointed. I also felt a bit foolish to think that there would suddenly be this bounty of eggs.

During the week there have been 5 more eggs. Today there was 1 egg but it is noticably larger. It weighed 58g. Based on their behavior, I think that there are only 2 chickens laying these eggs. I am watching them closely and learning a great deal about them and their habits. I am also learning a bit about patience. I am also looking forward to see what tomorrow will bring.

NEW HIKING TRAIL AT MONTE AZUL

The hiking trail system at Monte Azul was developed during construction of the studio and casitas almost 6 years ago. Over the years the hiking trail system has been expanded and updated to include the organic coffee plantation, organic greenhouse and the new animal barn for the goats and chickens.

One of the more popular attractions on our trails is the large waterfall at the far end of the property. The Valley Trail, Forest Edge Trail and Cacique Trail all make their way to this waterfall. The water runs all year and the surrounding area is magical. The cool mist, the sound of the water and the birds, with dappled sunlight makes for a ethereal spot to sit and relax. It also provides a fantastic backdrop for a photo.

Many guests have asked us what is above the falls and it we have ever been to this upper part of the falls. A few years ago when my friend Chris was visiting from California, she and I became adventurous and scaled the mountainside just to the left of the waterfall, despite the fact that she had recently had back surgery. It was an almost vertical climb and not one that could be descended. We eventually had to find a different way down. This route to the upper falls would not work for our guests.

I am happy to say that we now have a short trail just off the Cacique Trail that allows you to reach the upper section of this fall. The trail drops you at the base of another fall above you. There is a beautiful pool to take a dip and a rock ledge that allows you to sit at the top of the lower waterfall. I have attached a few photos of Carlos and I enjoying this upper area.

As I was sitting there I was wondering how to develop a trail that can get you above this upper waterfall so that others may enjoy it. I will keep you posted.