Summary of Outings

The weather has been nicer over the last few days. Unfortunately, strong east winds have carried dust from Africa and the visibility has been limited by the haze. The temperatures along the south coast have been comfortable, 18 to 20 degrees, but inland, at higher elevation, it is cold, uncomfortable cold on the motorbike in the strong winds.  The temperatures were great for hiking though, so we have been out exploring.

 I'm not going into much detail on the posting. Just some comments with the photos.

On one of the days we took the shortest route to the coast to get back to warmer weather. These 2 photos were taken in the coastal town of Calheta

Calheta Beach

One of the many spectacular views going up ER228

 

And another shot from view point on ER228

 

 

The next 3 photos from a walk along Levada do Norte - Encumeada

In this photo you can see the haze from the dust in the air.

Sometimes there is a path beside the lavada other times not.

This is one of the tunnels on this lavada. You have to stoop to get through. If you look closely you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

We encountered these two roosters at rest stop. As soon as they saw us they came running toward us. They have obviously learned that this is the place where people stop and get out the food.

This particular trail was interesting and challenging at times.  We came down it from Lavada do Alecrim heading for the cafe at Rabacal. Linda will take any trail is there is coffee at the end of it! 😀

 

 These two photos (above and below) were taken along the trails in the Lavadas das 25 Fontes area, a popular area with a variety of types of trails.

One of the 25 Fontes. Some are quite large but most are in attractive little grotto

While having coffee and a snack at the cafe we were accompanied by these little birds, Madeira Chaffinch. They are not at all shy! Just like the roosters, they are looking for a handout.

            

 

These photos (below) were taken on a trail along the north shore. The trail starts at a restaurant and bar called Arcos. It is locate about 20K west of the town of Santana. The trail follows the cliff down to another cafe in the next valley.  As we descended the trail condition deteriorated but it was passable.

The handrails became quite flimsy but at leas they were there.

The mandatory Selfie!

Looking down this trail. The destination is the cafe on the other side of the valley

Rain is forecast next couple of days, then back to sun for our last week in Madeira