The second part of the walk was stunning, following narrow paths close to the edge with incredible views.

Views from the summit

Today our walk took us to Madeira's highest mountain Pico Ruivo (and onwards). We knew it would be a tough walk, a very long climb to 1862m, through the forest, some slippery stones and then the sun.

So much water everywhere, in the air, under your feet, next to you, above you, coming from the mountains... and four tunnels, some ducking required and careful walking as the ground - when not on the narrow wall next to the levada - was muddy and full pf stones and roots. A very busy path though because it's a popular tourist destination.

When we came to a beautiful natural pool below an impressive waterfall, our walk ended and we walked back the way we came from. The original path would have continued but was closed due to a major landslide. Back at the starting point, where we had a "Poncha Pause" at the cafe, we were picked up and taken back to the hotel. It was an easy, rather short time-wise and  we were back at the hotel early. Another mild and cloudy day, no rain and no sun. 

Again, we followed a levada, mostly on the adjacent wall, occasionally shower inclusive, for almost the entire walk. Passing majestic trees like - as Eduardo says: Canadian cedar - and later on along an impressive abyss to the right, not menacing for the wide-enough path and the lush green hiding the utter drop into the void.