Madeira – Part 2

The first time I ever do a proper mountain hike, the weather decides not to cooperate. Dense fog, wind and drizzle at the top of Madeira island in June. Without much of a research or preparation, I embarked on this trek thinking it would be a leisurely nature walk with few steep climbs. It took my brother and I around 7+ hours to hike from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo and back, with a half an hour break for rest and recharge. I can say that it was one of the most physically challenging activities I've done in my life. My knees just about survived the constant climbing up and down the steep terrain, but fortunately I made it back to the car safely and in one piece. The experience was priceless and these photos barely do the stunning scenery of this place a justice.