A vision of past days

Sadly, the high peaks of Madeira island no longer look like this. All this beauty is lost for the next generation. And nowadays all that the tourists can see on the high mountains is scorched earth. Slowly, the green vegetation is gaining terrain to the sad black landscape. But the secular trees that were destroyed... well... maybe in our grandchildrens time. Since we are in mid-Spring, I tought of publishing here, to you, a picture of older days. When all was green and men still haven't disturbed the equilibrium.

Handheld Nikon D40X and Nikkor VR55-200 f4/5.6G

Dead tree and distant ridge

Dead tree and distant mountain ridge on the way to Pico Ruívo, in Madeira island central massif. Image shot at evening time during the last days of Winter.

Nikon D40X, Nikkor 18-55mm kit lens, Manfrotto 190XDB tripod with Manfrotto 490RC4 ballhead.

Pico Ruívo mountain hut in snowy conditions

I have a fellow mate at work that says that a walk to Pico Ruívo, the highest peak in Madeira, is his shrink. I couldn't agree more, since that short walk (about half n hour from the Achada do Teixeira car parking) can be so invigorating to your mind and body. The sheer sense of enjoying a walk above the clouds, leading to an almost 2000 meters peak from where you can see the all island and the sea surrounding it is really quite amazing. Surprisingly, this past Winter was a little bit cold and the mountain tops were covered in white blankets for several times. Since it's such an unusual phenomena, and regardless the fact that we are already in mid-Spring, I leave you this curious picture of the Pico Ruívo mountain hut, located 200 meters below the peak and on its northern slope, covered with snow.