La Grande Isla de Chiloe could hardly be more removed from County Clare and there are noticeable differences, but there are a surprising number of similarities.
On our first day here we noticed Fuchsia, Montbretia, Selfheal, Cotoneaster, Berberis, Gorse, buttercups, daisies, common vetch and many other plants which are common to both.
In addition there is almost no arable farming - apart from the substantial vegetable gardens and polytunnels.
While there are some (Friesian) dairy herds, the bulk of the cattle seems to be suckler cows with calves being fattened for the beef market. There are also good number of sheep and a few dairy goats.
The landscape is not dissimilar - with substantial evidence of glaciation but the geology is completely different - no Limestone here - and all the water is on the surface in lakes and rivers and bogs.
On Friday we walked in the National Park of Chiloe at Chanquin and while noticing the similarities we really appreciated the differences - there is a substantial covering of trees and most are varieties that we would not see at home.
However just to make us feel settled, the rain started at about lunch time and by 4.00pm was almost torrential -more than 25mm in 2 hours. However by 6.00pm, the sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky.
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