San Clemente: Day 2

Today we took a hike and saw different kinds of flowers and plants. We learned about the different uses for the various plants such as for shampoo, reducing fever, reducing inflammation/pain, as an antiseptic, gastric issues and to reduce cramping. Like the plants, some fruits have benefits as well. For example there is a fruit similar to a transparent passion fruit that helps with stomach pain if you eat one. 

While hiking we saw Manuel’s garden of experimental plants and fruit trees. He is successfully growing peaches and apples, despite the fact that the climate in San Clemente has not been good for these fruits to grow. He says this is because of climate change. He also is growing sugar cane, which usually only grows on the coast where it is much warmer. We also came across a flower that can be used for perfume and a tree that you can make spoons with from the wood of the tree. We learned that an agave plant can be used to knit with, by using the tip and the string pulled from the plant. You can also use the tip as a pencil and write on the plant.

After he hike we came back to the house and learned about embroidery. Then embroidered our own designs onto napkins. Soon after we had a beautiful lunch outside. It was really good!

Then we went on a short walk and fed some llamas, rabbits and guinea pigs. We fed the llamas salt and the rabbits and guinea pigs plants. Later we sat by the fire and continued to embroider our napkins. Then we helped the family we are staying with prepare dinner and played monopoly with her son.