Fórnoles, paella and hail!

A group of us set off to Fórnoles, a village just 18 kms to the south-west of us, at around 11 am on Sunday morning. One of it's claims to fame is that it is on the Greenwich meridian, longitude 0.000. It is also higher than we are, Torre del Compte is at 500 metres, Fórnoles is at 667 - 706 metres above sea level.

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The ermita de la Virgen de Montserrate, also called the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Fórnoles, some 5 kms outside the village, dates from the IX century but has been renovated many times since then.


The whole area is in flower at this time of year.


The ermita is in a wonderful situation with excellent views over the surrounding countryside which made the climb to the top of the tower even more worthwhile.


The altar was decorated with many bouquets for the service in honour of the Virgen de Montserrate.


After the mass, there was a short procession and the priest said prayers to the east, west, north and south so that the farmers would have sun, plenty of rain and enjoy a bountiful harvest later in the year.


We then got down to the serious business of making the paella...


...but during the meal we had a terrific hail storm complete with thunder and lightning. Evidently the priest's prayers were acted on very quickly! We sheltered under a large groundsheet, the only problem being to keep the sheet away from us to prevent us being beaten by the hailstones which was not a pleasant experience.


It must have been a strange spectacle, especially with screams emanating from under the sheet as the hailstones struck us.


Fortunately, the storm moved on and allowed us to finish the meal in peace.


Later in the afternoon, the band from one of the local villages performed. It certainly was a day to remember.