I see you!

Caught a bus from the marina up to Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro ( or Ferreiro Rocher as we’ve been calling it!) Another garden recommended by Orchid99.
Very different again. An English style estate which is not surprising as it was laid out in 1804 by the wealthy Count of Carvalhal who loved English landscapes with woodland and grassy meadows. It was then bought by the English Blandy wine merchant’s family in 1885. Plants were imported from all over the world but it’s an odd mix of deciduous trees now losing their leaves and exotics like Proteas.
Appropriately it lies alongside a golf course and has great views of course down to the town. Cooler up here which is why the wealthy families wanted to be up out of the humidity down below. It was very pleasant and peaceful today. The house is now an exclusive hotel.

It’s chiefly known for avenues of Camelias which are just coming into flower now and will continue until April.

Chris spotted this fellow looking out of a topiary bush - can’t possibly describe the topiary, maybe it’s my mind, but thought both this and the extra would be suitable for (unofficial) Silly Saturday!!

We got the bus back down today even though we were offered a taxi. The roads are indescribably steep and narrow I take my hat off to the bus drivers.

Got off near the market but it was closed for the weekend. Some other shops were closing too. Artisan stalls in the Jardim de San Francisco, all very nice but not what you actually want to buy. It looked like they might be erecting Christmas market stalls in the Cathedral area and there were a few decorations around. We had a drink outside the Ritz. Interesting tiled panels showing Madeiran life. One showed a bullock cart and their were some photos on the glass doors of these in use in the 1930s. They were in use when we came all those years ago to take people on tours around the town with men dressed in a similar fashion to the toboggan Carreiros with straw boaters. No sign of those now.

Last stop up the hill at the Santa Catarina park cafe, for a drink and a snack. I like their lemon tea. No cruise ships leaving but lots of youngsters learning to sail boats in the harbour.

Always something interesting. 

Not walked quite as much today but my feet have had enough largely due to bites on my heels causing a bit of irritation. I’ll be in my sandals tonight and probably tomorrow. Yea