Lombo Grande to Monte
Wednesday, 9th April
| Distance: | 12.5 miles |
| Total Ascent: | 1,000 feet |
| Total Descent: | 1,000 feet |
| Time: | 6 hours |
| Weather: | Dry and mild |
Lombo Grande, Levada Dos Tornos, Camacha, Vale Paraiso, Levada Da Serra, Romeiros, Monte
Travelling to the beginning of our first walk introduced us to the 'up and down, round and round' of the roads leading into the mountains. We also gor clear views if the incredibly steep terracing that is needed to grow anything in these parts. The owners must be very fit to get from the top to the bottom (and vice cersa) 0f the 'garden'.
After being dropped off our introduction to levada walking was a relatively easy affair. Lulled into a false sense of security we eventually turned away from the levada to climb a few steps, and a few more, and more - - - - . By the time we reached Camacha we were ready for a break - at a very handy cafe. Suitably refreshed we continued on our way to eventually reach Monte where we met up with the other group explored the church before retruning to the hotel by local bus.
An easy start beside Levada Dos Tornos
The only reservoir we saw on this holiday
Stuart exits our first tunnel
A pretty group of flowers . . .
deserve a closer look
There's no way round it . . .
but we didn't get too wet!
One of the many waterfalls we saw
Another short tunnel completed
A small fraction of the steps in the section
Time for a break at Camacha
I'm glad we didn't have to climb over this tree!
An innovative use . . .
of old bikes
Not enough room for all the group!
More flowers to enjoy . . .
in close-up
Zooming in on the cruise ship . . .
from our vantage point
Anyone for a ride?
More steps . . .
to take a closer look at the church of Our Lady of the Mount . . .
and time to use the zoom lense from the top of the church
The carrieros (toboggan drivers) wait for custom . . .
on the toboggan run . . .
to Livra-Mento (1 mile) . . .
watch the corner!
Fountain Square, paved with rounded cobbles