Pico do Arieiro

I looked at the weather this morning and planned the day. On the way we did a detour to Pico dos Barcelos, a viewpoint over Funchal. Seeing the weather in the mountains I ditched my plan and we started our ascent. 

Next stop, after many hairpin bends,  the viewpoint of Eira do Serrado overlooking the Nun's valley,  a wonderful view as you can see from Mum's blip.  We then went down into the valley to Curral das Freiras.

As the weather was still so good I took a chance on tackling Madeira's second highest peak. It is an amazing and long drive to the top,  not for the faint hearted! Amazing view as we arrived,  we were up above the clouds and in them.  It was very windy so mum stayed in the cafe while I went for a walk along the narrow path of the ridge.  At times the wind was so strong it was scary but the experience was also exhilarating.  I didn't go too far but sat for a while on the edge.  It was a very spiritual experience as the clouds rolled around me.  Sometimes I could see the path and at others it disappeared ahead.  The extra is a similar view to the above but with cloud. 

A fantastic day.