Levada #1

After we had booked our flights to Madeira, it became clear that everyone in the world had been there before. My favourite mother in law told us what we needed to wear, (she had been there in November 16 yrs ago), Jimmy Barnes told us what weather we could expect, (he is spending a month in the north of the island), Aunty Kath told us what fish we should order, (she was once married to a man from Madeira), Martin told us which fortified wines we should look for, (he has visited most of the suppliers) and just about everyone told us that the Levada walks were fantastic and that we should avoid the down hill tobogganing as it is clearly too dangerous...
We chose an easy levada walk for our first day (7 miles) but spent half a morning putting cars at either end due to some map reading difficulties. On the walk, it was pleasantly warm and some occasional light rain did nothing to dampen our spirits. Local food later completed an enjoyable first day. What is scabbard fish anyway?