MOUNTAIN ROADS
27 October 2020
Robert Coates
Hi
Enjoyable days in La Palma, but not the nights! Tuesday night (19th Oct) fierce southerly Gale that blew loose another boats Genoa (that’s one hell of a big sail at the front end) and partly shredded it. The noise of flapping canvas was horrendous. Your hero (that’s me if you needed reminding) with marina staff stood looking at it for a while at 3am but to attempt anything was considered far too dangerous with wildly flapping stuff all over the place. Back to bed with ear plugs.
Great day with a hire car. Nearly all mountain roads. Wonderful views and fascinating small villages. It’s a great way to see a place.
Having clearance from La Gomera we sailed there on Friday, about 50 miles with the wind back in the north. Coming round the north of the island could really appreciate just how mountainous these islands are, only one small town otherwise massive cliffs with little vegetation and looking very mysterious and misty in the early evening light. This part was exciting sailing with increased wind speeds and wave size. Arrived in port at the civilised time of 1905.
La Gomera has the last remnants of the ancient Mediterranean tropical rain forests, the top of the island usually being covered in mist/cloud. Plenty of moisture and a popular island for walkers.
Again hired a car. 95% mountain roads. Total switchbacks. Pleased to say Peter survived my driving (he might claim the long term effects could be somewhat devastating though) Up high there is a total change in vegetation in a very short time and at times you could be forgiven for thinking you were driving through an English woodland. Thickly wooded, grass by the roads and lots of bracken with swirling cloud and mist everywhere and sometimes looking down at the clouds. Quite spectacular but for me I would prefer walking at lower altitudes out of the mist to have a better view. The highest point is about 1,500 metres and it was pretty cool. We went through Agulo on the coast and were amazed to find a small banana plantation right by the sea. (why not?)
Ok - to those in the RCDW - I hope to meet a previous Dawlish resident next week who has been living here for over 30 years. Really looking forward to it.
Today’s photo looking down on San Sebastián and the small marina with Tenerife and Mount Tiede as a spectacular backdrop.
Bye
Robert