Madeira 2

I've signed up for a trio of levadas (hikes). The unique Madeiran landscape is one reason people come to do hikes here.

 As it so happened, I started with the hardest one, a walk from the third highest peak on Madeira, Pico Arieiro to the highest peak, Pico Ruivo. In places the trail runs along a ledge with drops on both sides. But it's not as scary as it sounds because for most of its length, there are cable railings. Still, not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo. It used to be a tougher walk until some tunnels shortened the length. It's about 6 km from the car park at Arieiro to Ruivo, going up and down hillsides and through tunnels, then a 2 km walk to the car park at Achada do Teixeira. Arieiro is accessible to vehicles and is a stop on the tour bus itinerary, but Ruivo can only be reached on foot.

When the excursion van took us to Arieiro, we ascended through the low-lying clouds that were covering the island into clear sunshine. From above all you see is a sea of white clouds, punctured by peaks that rise above the cloudline. It said that on clear days you can see all the way to Porto Santo, the other island.

There were interesting plants on the way, but I'll have pictures from the botanical gardens later.