Distant smoke...

It hasn't been quite as hot or windy today and the fires near us appear to be under control which is a relief.

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However, as the sun sank there was evidence that fires were still ablaze to the west of Torre del Compte as this view past La Fresneda, just out of picture to the far left, shows. However, you can see the village church tower in the bottom right hand corner. Very picturesque but a little bit scary!

¡El incendio!

It has been very hot here for the last couple of days, our outdoor thermometer, which is in the shade, recorded 39.2°C yesterday afternoon, that's 102.5°F, it has never been this hot while we've been here. In the news has been the issue of fires in the area, 20 in Aragon and in one quite near here, 4 firemen lost their lives when they were caught in the flames as the wind changed direction. Click HERE to read more on this incident.

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Then yesterday afternoon, across the hill over the river on the north side of the village, came the smoke and flames fanned by a very brisk, very hot wind.


Fortunately, it wasn't coming in our direction!


As the evening wore on, the flames spread further to the north away from Torre del Compte...


...all it would need would be a change of wind direction and for the flames to spread across the river and we would be in it's path!


This morning however, we are still here and there is currently a helicopter flying around taking large buckets of water, (from the village swimming pool I think), to put out the fire which is still burning on the side of the hill.

Another meal for the "mujeres".

The women, mujeres, of Torre del Compte certainly know how to enjoy and entertain themselves.

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This year for three hours every Saturday afternoon from February to June, they have met and have been involved in a patchwork class. In previous years, they have met for restoration and art classes, always on a Saturday afternoon. The outcome of their labours is exhibited in the town hall during fiesta week in August.



In addition to these classes they have one day every year when all the women of the villages in the Matarraña region visit one village which plays at being the host for the day.


It is also the women's organisation which is responsible for the annual village trip so even though this is a very small village it has a very active social side.

Other social events involve wonderful gastronomic meals at the village bar/restaurant and this was the case yesterday evening, a thoroughly enjoyable occasion.