Killer Caterpillars!

My morning runs to school with Brae have come to an abrupt halt due to the attack of the processional caterpillars. Luckily, we heard of the dangers of these caterpillars when we first moved here, so when noticed that our house was surrounded by pine trees full of nests in January, we knew it didn't look good. In early February, we began to notice them on the ground. The route that Brae and I take to school is along a path overhanging with pine trees...and nests

. After a few trips of jumping over long processions and ducking under hanging nests, we decided to give them the right of way and stick to the roads until they have finished their business. Living in the middle of a nature reserve is beautiful, but I am wishing right now that there were a few more olive trees, and a few less pine trees. These cute and cuddly looking critters are extremely dangerous, as they release their harpoon like hairs into the air which latch onto your skin, eyes, or lungs if inhaled and can cause severe reactions. We have currently stopped drying our laundry outside, and we are making daily rounds of the outside of the house with a blow torch to burn any that are making their way into our living space. We have a supply of antihistamines and anti itch cream, and we are hoping that the season is short lived so that we can continue with our outdoor adventures...itch free.