Beach Waterfall Oct 15, 2024 1 min read Madeira MadeiraAday I only have a few days left here on Madeira and was taking a walk along Formosa beach this morning when I came across this lovely little waterfall cascading over the cliff and onto the beach. The walkway is elevated at this point, so the water flows under the path and into the sea. Continue reading
Pico Alto Trail Oct 14, 2024 1 min read Madeira MadeiraAday Hikes Another picture from Caminho Real de Monte, also known as trail PR3.6. About two-thirds of the trail is more or less stairs made from small stones. The last section before you reach the top of Pico Alto is a more traditional trail through a rocky landscape. Continue reading
Holy Spring Oct 13, 2024 1 min read Madeira MadeiraAday Hikes The Caminho Real de Monte is part of an old royal road that encircled Madeira back in the sixteenth century. This section was also a pilgrimage route, up to a chapel built to honor the Lady of the Mountain. Just below where the church stands is this spring, where it is said the lady appear to a shepherdess. Continue reading
Machico II Oct 12, 2024 1 min read Madeira MadeiraAday Hikes The town of Machico was quite a surprise when I visited it last week. I could see on maps that there were a number of trails around town, but you see trails all around Madeira. However, Machico has proclaimed itself the “trail running capital” of Madeira and the trails around town are well marked and maintained. Continue reading
Rainbow! Oct 10, 2024 1 min read Madeira MadeiraAday Another storm rolled through in the night. There was only a little rain but a lot of wind. The sea was even rougher this morning, with swells up to three meters. On the plus side, there was a rainbow. Continue reading
More Cat Oct 9, 2024 1 min read Madeira MadeiraAday I found this chonky dude chilling on the path outside one of the big public swimming clubs along the ocean walk between Funchall old town and Formosa beach. He looked relaxed enough, but when I tried to get closer for boop or a scritch, it was definitely a big nope. Continue reading
The Morning After Oct 8, 2024 1 min read Madeira MadeiraAday It was a dark and stormy night. Well, not really. It was dark. Night is usually like that. It did rain a little for the first time since I've been here. The rain had stopped by the time I was ready for my morning walk, but the sea was still looking a bit moody along Formosa beach. Continue reading
Bananas Oct 7, 2024 1 min read Madeira MadeiraAday Hikes The levada nearest to where I'm staying isn't the prettiest of them. Much of it is a bit suburban, but if you walk west, it quickly turns rural. It's still not very pretty, but there are occassionally some great views down to the ocean, and there are lots of banana plants. Continue reading