Up to 18,000 feet - an amazing day!

Today we started by another visit to Camancha.. unfortunately both the chapel and church were shut...

The Church

The very first football match on the island!

the Chapel

From there we started our climb..... some pictures taken from a moving coach!

and we finally arrived at  Pico do Arieiro; 18,000 feet above sea level, 5 degrees C, amazingly strong winds.... we had left in warm temperatures.. this is the end of the road..

Here we are above the tree line.. the clouds came  and went!!

and then our descent to ...

Coldwater - this is a giant dandelion!

Coldwater has a trout fishery..

Where a few chaffinches wanted lunch. they're slightly different colouring to those we find in the UK

and then en route to Santana ...

Where we stopped for lunch at Restaurante Quinta Do Furao.. which was excellent!

and a wander around the area - stunningly beautiful

and then enroute to ..

Porta Da Cruz to where Rum is produced!!

We came back the scenic route, driving high up to 18,000 feet again. amazing !!

and on the latter stages returning to the hotel.. this is the extended airport runway.. built on stilts over the sea!!

We were actually driving UNDER  the runway.

An amazing day out with considerable gratitude to our local guide, Roberto.. I've learnt so much!!