View back down to Funchal Harbour
Hike from the Pico do Arieiro (1818 m.); it’s not quite the top of Madeira Island, there’s a hike on to Pico Ruivo (1860 m.), difficult because it goes down before it goes up. Panoramic views of Madeira and the Atlantic at the top, also the mêlée of tourists and the Island Parks guy with the card machine collecting the trail hike fees.
Although the peaks were clear of clouds, the paths certainly weren’t clear of tourists, so I chose another route, parking well below the peak and hiking upwards in the clear air with heavily-eroded volcanic valleys below.
Speed-marching (50% run, 50% fast walk)
Madeira chaffinch
