El Toro. The first excursion of the year was well supported by Spanish and English members

El Toro. The first excursion of the year was well supported by Spanish and English members

Asociació Menorca Britannia21/02/11 0:00
TW
0

Last Saturday dawned bright and sunny and proved to be an absolutely glorious day for members enjoying their first coach trip of the year. It was so pleasing to see so many of our Spanish/Menorcan members joining us on this trip.

Our first visit was to the predio and finca of Subaida where we were met by Sarah the resident guide. Taking in the views of the farm, the boundaries of which extend as far as the eye can see she tells us that it is the largest farm on Menorca, spreading over some 350 hectares. Here we see one of the largest milking herds of the "black and white" cows which are so familiar to us with 225 milk cows. Being that time of the year most of the cows were in calf with some having already been born during the previous few days, one just prior to our arrival with another cow on the point of giving birth. We were told of the type of arable farming carried out, mostly grass for silage and hay in the winter and maize as the summer catch crop for extra silage.

All the milk is used for their own cheese production.We were told of the types from the un-matured through to the well matured—tierna, semi curada, curada and extra curada. Then it was off to sample the different cheeses with wine and sobrasada laid out for us in the reception and shop.

Then it was off to the second port of call of the day, El Toro or as it more generally referred to, Monte Toro. Father Francisco was waiting to give us a tour and an overview of the history and significance of the sanctuary and chapel. After time to look around and especially in the Chapel where Bryce gave further details of the historic elements within we all retired to the refrectory where Father Francisco spoke of the major events during the last seven centuries, the arrival of the Augustine monks, and the disastrous fire at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War. He also spoke of the plans for the future and reforms that are being planned.

We had previously booked with Bep Lluis at the restaurant for lunch. We all enjoyed a great "menú del dia", good food served so professionally as always at Sa Posada del Toro. A very convivial event and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Even Enrique, our Aumasa coach driver, commented on the group being so friendly and happy during the day.