The highest mountain on Madeira

Tried to post this from the island but the internet line kept dropping, so here I am back-blipping again.

The mountain tops have been in cloud all this week, although here the peak is peeking through. The mountain is Pico Ruivo. From this viewpoint, the other side of the valley (itself a steep-sided volcanic crater), we stood among Eucalyptus trees. The fruits are so attractive and, when you scratch any green bit of them, give off a mighty stench. The smell lingers long in one's nostrils. You can rapidly have enough of it! Isn't the bark attractive, though?

These valleys in the less touristy areas of Madeira have only had road access relatively recently. Before, to leave the valley, residents had to climb over 3700 steps - imagine that - nearly four thousand! Even 40 years ago, there were people living in Nun's Valley who had never seen the sea.

I love Madeira. So glad we came back. And we hope to return yet again sometime. If you fancy visiting I can recommend our 5* hotel, Quintinha de Sao Jao.

One more back blip to follow and then, I hope, I shall soon be back on track!