Orchid haven

We arrived quite early in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, and watched, fascinated, as the large ship quietly edged up to its berthing spot and was efficiently tethered without a single bump. As our garden trip was in the afternoon, we took time for a leisurely saunter along the quay side before returning for lunch then gathered for the bus.

The bus took us through a really fertile, green landscape across the hills to the north side of the island where we had a wonderful view of Mt Tiede with the trade wind clouds providing a white belt halfway up its slopes. Our main stop at the Orchid Gardens was truly magical. It was not a large garden but as it was arranged in several "rooms" it appeared substantial and intriguing. The selection of orchids was superb and it was wonderful to see them growing in their natural habitat rather than in a garden centre or garden show. It was difficult to single one out to blip but I liked both the composition and bright colours of this one. Other parts of the garden boasted indigenous palms, a magnificent Dragon tree and many wonderful flowers in bloom.

The next stop was to a more formal garden on the coast which had other really interesting plants, many of which were totally new to me. My impression of Tenerife has changed and I really loved its northern side.

Once back on board we showered and relaxed before a superb dinner and then went aft (I'm getting the lingo, although often get lost!) to join in the "sail away" festivities. It is a very early start tomorrow when we berth at Gran Canaria where I have never been before.