This morning the temperature was a bit cooler with some broken cloud. We had planned a trip over to the north side on the island with a couple of short hikes along the way. 

As we were leaving some grey clouds were forming over the hills to the west. By the time we climbed to the edge of Funchal the temperature had started to drop and it was raining lightly.  Continuing on, the weather got colder and the precipitation intensified. Soon we were in the clouds but we kept going since we were less that 10K from our first stop and we knew that there was a restaurant there.

We ended up climbing much higher than I anticipated. We peaked at 1250 metres and for the last 100 metres or so of the climb, it was almost snowing!  More like frozen rain banging against us. Luckily none of it stuck to the road and we descended, safely but cold, into the town of Ribeira Frio.  Perhaps we should have paid more attention the town name?  Translated into English it means "Cold Stream". Fortunately the restaurant was open and we got a table by the fireplace and some good coffee. 

This weather was a surprise to us.  Later I read a report that the temperature recorded this morning on a nearby mountain was -.2C,  a record low!

After warming up by the fire we continued on down to the coast.  The weather improved and we continued on, stopping for a meal in Santana before heading home.  Despite the cold weather we had nice time. 

Looking west along the coast near Funchal

This shot was taken from our apartment balcony this morning.

A view of Funchal from the road to Ribeira frio