𝟒 Exploring Madeira: A Journey Through Nature and Culture – Day 4

On the roads

The adventure was booked and ready. We quickly transitioned into Day 4, igniting a sense of anticipation that buzzed in the air like electricity. On Day 3, we thoroughly explored Funchal to recharge and prepare for the excitement ahead. We wandered the streets, squares and visited local markets. At the hotel’s driveway, we eagerly awaited the colorful jeep that would take us across the island.

Six enthusiastic participants and a driver, who was even more enthusiastic, got into the vehicle. We were ready to start an adventure. One charismatic individual was our guide, driver, and tour guide all at once. This provided a unique perspective that made the experience even more special. The multi-talented host knew everything about the island. He also shared tales of the area’s history and culture.

Two of the party rubbed their bottoms against hard benches on the jeep’s flatbed benches. Still, no one complained; the excitement of the adventure outweighed any discomfort we felt. It wasn’t just water around the island and its shores. It was a living fabric of nature. We visited and swept past these shores. We saw waterfall after waterfall, each cascading with an ethereal grace that made it hard to believe it was real.

That day it is windy. At places where you can normally swim, we were advised not to take a dip. There was possibility at a well enclosed bay where the strong wind did not reach. It was cold, but a dip up to the knees was much needed.

The asphalt ran out. Gravel roads and steep hills took over. We knew we were close to Fanal Forest (Fanal Witch Tree). Once there, the fog was so dense that visibility was short. The Jeep handled the steep hills gallantly. Whether it would handle hard bumps in potholes was more uncertain, but it did. All sharp boulders stood no chance against the jeep’s tires. The tires held, after all.

On foot

Thank goodness we got to stretch our legs several times. Imagine sitting there on the hard bench. We would have been in the back of the car from early morning to late afternoon. But it wasn’t like that.

We stopped several times. These stops brought blood back to our feet. They also provided warmth in our legs and a hot drink in our stomachs (coffee). What was the view if you didn’t stand and look at it out of the car?

We made a stop at a cafe. Then we went to a restaurant for food. After that, we visited the place we had been looking ahead to: Fanal Forest. The fog was dense, with cows and bulls grazing and people searching for where they were going.

A wedding photographer captured a bride and groom in the fog. It was difficult to avoid being in the middle of the shot. The mist caressed the camera lens as we strode along the trees to find where we were going.

The fog was there, and the cows were mooing in a landscape. It seemed to come from a painting by Caspar David Friedrich.¹ This experience was magical. For 20 minutes, we enjoyed the quietness and the fog. We had the opportunity to daydream about the world of art and fantasy.

The next stop was in the sign of water. In a place where you can swim in better weather, we walked down a long staircase. The waterfalls along the way were seen, studied, and photographed on foot. A long day on almost impassable roads ended late in the afternoon. We also walked in misty mountains and beautiful coastal gems. The same way we came, the same way we left.

Summary

The adventure through Madeira blended excitement, natural beauty, and moments of serene magic. The journey extended from exploring Funchal to navigating rugged roads. We traveled through misty mountains in Porto Moniz — Madeira Natural Park. The journey was filled with breathtaking sights, cascading waterfalls, and immersive experiences. The cold winds and bumpy roads presented challenges. Yet, the day was unforgettable. It offered a harmonious mix of exploration, tranquility, and anticipation for new adventures ahead.

⬅️ Tomorrow is a day too, filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for exploration. A new adventure awaits. New expeditions follow in the footsteps of the hiker. The hiker (me) is ready to uncover hidden trails and breathtaking landscapes. We will feel the wild spirit of nature surrounding us. With every step (on wet, muddy hiking trails), we’ll create memories that linger long after our journey ends. See you then, as we prepare to embrace the call of the wild together.

💬 See you tomorrow

© Björn Blomqvist 2024-11-28

1. Caspar David Friedrich (1774–1840) was a German Romantic painter famous for his landscapes that show nature’s beauty and depth. Iconic paintings are Wanderer above the Sea of Fog (1818) and The Abbey in the Oakwood (1809-10). He established his legacy as a landscape painting master. ↩︎