Another Exciting Discovery at the Castle

The temperatures climbed to 18 or 19 degrees today and a warm breeze wafted through the plaza. We opened up all the Spanish doors in our apartment and let the springtime in! 

Later, we made a picnic and hiked up to the castle to spend a few hours in the sunshine. The trees are blooming and spring is really here.

On the walk up we saw the most curious thing. A line of caterpillars walking up the road - in  fact there were many lines of them, though most had been smooshed by passing cars. It was so odd and interesting, the way they stayed together as they moved, that we googled it as soon as we got home.

This is what we read: An innocent line of caterpillars on the move in the area of pine trees may not appear dangerous. Be aware, however, that these harmless looking creatures can present a serious threat to humans, and most especially, to dogs and cats. The caterpillars should be avoided at all costs but if humans or animals come into contact with them, emergency treatment should be sought immediately.

Each caterpillar has approximately 60,000 pointed defensive urticating (barbed) white hairs containing a toxin. They have been known to cause a severe itchy rash on humans that can last up to three weeks and can even cause temporary blindness and/or respiratory problems. A doctor should be consulted.

Kinda makes you want to just stay at home. Happy Spring!