Blip walk

The Madeiran chaffinches are very friendly and this little soul kept us company on our wonderful Blip Levada walk today.

Visions of Cumbria and Visions of Chloe are staying in the hotel next to me and today we all teamed up on the Ribeiro Frio to Portela levada walk.

It is a stunningly beautiful 11km walk which starts high in the Laurisilva forest not very far from the second highest peak on the island. Narrow paths skirting the side of the hill, it is at times not for the faint-hearted. You walk close to rushing waterfalls. You get a little wet at times. You walk through a deep tunnel at one point.

And all this with spectacular views down to the sea near Faial and Porto de la Cruz.

We had a picnic en route and finally rejoined our bus after four and a half hours.

A marvellous experience. And thank you so much, Trev and Ros for your company on this very special day.