The sky at Paul da Serra

Jeep safari trip today, we were picked up at 9 and started with the usual places - Camara de Lobos and the cliffs at Cabo Girao. Then to Siexal which we’ve only seen from the road above before. Here there is one of the few sandy beaches in Madeira- dark grey sand and a nice cove for swimming as well as a natural swimming pool. Quite a few families enjoying the beach today. 
Then on to Porto Moniz with the famous natural swimming pools. We’ve never seen so many folk in and around the pools before. It’s a beautiful place where the crashing waves are spectacular and mesmerising. 
After that we headed up. Some very exciting off road driving to get us high up to Paul da Serra where cattle are to be found on the flattest part of the island 1,000 feet above sea level. Clear and hot and sunny today but we have been up here in March when there has been snow. On the journey there was a lot of evidence of the devastating fire which happened last November and spread through from the south west to the north east of the island. 
Back down to the South West via some narrow paved roads which were used by toboggans in years gone by, a very quick descent for them but it will have taken a lot of time and strong legs to get back up again.
Our final meal at the Donna Amelia, a favourite place for a treat and we finished off with the bananas gratinee (like a posh banana custard). Had a sociable time with the couple on the next table.