Madeira

Have you the energy for one more island? I know we've been very active on this trip; it seems that everyday we begin another adventure. But in this case we have saved the best for last. The Canary Islands are a part of Spain, and just north of this is another small archipelago claimed by Portugal. The largest and most populated of these islands is Madeira. As with the others, it is volcanic of origin and exploding with beauty. It boasts year round perfect weather which is ideal for a wide range of flowers and plants. The island is regarded for its tranquility, and has been a place of rest for centuries of seafarers including Christopher Columbus. Our port of call is the capital, Funchal. It is idyllic, with pastel colored homes scattered amongst the rising, deeply cut ravines, and each is topped with roofs of terra cotta tile.

Madeira is home of the levada. These are small channels created to carry water from the heights of the mountains to the terraced fields below where it is needed. These trenches have been in construction since the sixteenth century, and are still fully in use. Here they call them levadas, but in Rome we might call it an aqueduct. There are 800 miles of levadas on Madeira, and along each levada is a path so that it can be maintained. This means that there is hiking all over this lovely island.

Before leaving home we did some research and found a tour company capable of picking us up at the ship, taking us for a day hike, and then bringing us back. And much as advertised they were there waiting for us as we departed the ship. It was really nice not to have to find the car rental agency, and fuss with maps (although I must admit that you have been a fantastic co-pilot). All was taken care of. We had a guide and were in a group of about twelve people. Quickly we made friends with Ruth our kindred spirit from Britain.

A hole in a tunnelI'm in the process of making a movie of our Levada walk- soon to be released! But to summarize, it included a tropical setting, a very narrow path, sheer drops, panoramic views, waterfalls, and another first for us... tunnels. We were given flashlights at the beginning of the walk to help us through the small tunnels that we would be crouching through. I have a few dents in my head to prove it! It was a day to be remembered, filling our souls with pure Nature, pristine air, and crystal clear flowing water. The Garden of Eden comes to mind.

We were back at the ship in time for afternoon tea, collecting a new friend, and a yearning to return to Madeira someday. Ruth was in Madeira walking for a week, I think that sounds like a "jolly good time".

Ruth and I, thanks for taking the photo!