Laurissilva adventure

The Laurissilva is a UNESCO protected World heritage site and today I had the chance to explore with an excellent guide.

We drove up to Encumeada and headed off on the high levada, looking down over Serra d’Agua and the coast at Ribeira Brava. After a couple of kilometres we arrived at the start of the tunnel (extra). We had head torches and negotiated the 400m carefully.

We emerged high over Sao Vicente, in deep, pure rainforest (my main blip.). We learned about the giant dandelion, the ancient trees, the enormous lily of the valley and many of these plants endemic to the island. Phillip was patient, knowledgeable and clear. We also had a final year student, learning as part of his fieldwork. It was an amazing experience, and such a privilege.

We walked as far as the enormous waterfall (extra). The girl pictured here is a charming Russian girl but I confess that I broke with tradition and let Phillip take a photo of me.

We headed back along the same route, pure Madeiran magic.. (At the end of the tunnel were some feathered levada walkers - third extra)

8 km and you needed to concentrate.....I feel as though I’m properly back.......