Today was such a fun day. We explored a 2,000-acre family-owned cork farm by jeep, winding through dirt tracks and rolling hills. The landscape was alive with beautiful wildflowers and birds. It was fascinating to see the cork trees up close, their trunks stripped back to reveal the rich reddish color beneath, and to learn how carefully the bark is harvested without harming the tree, using traditional hand tools. Everything was organic and natural. As with many traditional industries, revenues are declining because of labor costs and newer alternatives like plastic stoppers. It made me a little sad to think that ten years from now this beautiful family farm might be run by a conglomerate–the work is so demanding that probably the next generation won’t want to do it.
Then we had lunch at a beautiful old mansion, where the setting was as lovely as the exquisite food.
Our day wasn’t over yet. We visited a factory where they make just about everything imaginable from cork—hats, purses, cutting boards, shoes, even bikinis. Cork is waterproof and incredibly durable.
Marsh Travels 
How Beautiful! Oh My Gosh! Cork tress. Knew that cork came from trees, did not know anything else. Now I want to see if I can find a Cork Store locally. A cork bikini…a waterproof bathing suit. Interesting. I don’t want to show Boni a picture of the purse, I know she will want one. Waterproof and durable. Fabulous.
Lovin’ it Marsh. Thank you again for taking your time to do this. I enjoy it so much. Give Jim a big hug from me. I appreciate him very much.
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