arrival

Finding out that most of the islands have a long hiking trail either through or around the island was a revelation. This means there are warm hiking options moderately close to me outside the summer season.

So that's why we're on Madeira, a 60 million years old volcanic island, taken into possession by the Portuguese in the 15th century. A place where Cristiano Ronaldo was born and Cristopher Columbus got married.

First impressions: a maze of roads and stunningly vertical cliffs. No wonder the soil flows away when plants are removed.

The first day was reserved for locating and buying camping gas but we got it yesterday right after arrival. That means we spend the first day walking around the tropical garden at Monte Palace and taking pictures of the doors on Rua de Santa Maria.