Day 3 in the Extremadura

Just like yesterday, it was dark until almost 8 am -- not sure why that is.  We headed out after breakfast, driving through the picturesque, rocky countryside that is "old mountains" -- and much like our Appalachians -- worn down by time.    

We spent most of the day at Monfrague national park, where the spectacular folded rock geology that overlooked the river was home to griffin vultures, black vultures and other birds.   We stopped at various sites along the river throughout the day and also saw the spanish imperial eagle which was surprisingly, smaller than the griffin vultures.   So many beautiful and distinctive birds today!     Also saw lots of tiny wild daffodils.   

When we got back to our Hotel Rural in the evening, Juan Pedro and Elena had a surprise for us, inviting an olive oil expert to provide an olive oil tasting ahead of the scheduled wine tasting.   We learned so much, including how to tell if virgin olive oil is really virgin.   At the wine tasting, we tasted a white, a tempranilo and a heartier red -- all from Spain and all so amazing good, plus we learned some great tips about wine-tasting itself.    The dinner that followed was spectacularly good, starting with a rice, mushroom and walnut dish as a first course.   I don't know how they do it -- I really don't.

Well, am a bit exhausted, so that is about it, but will add pictures, too.