El Tiede

Trip Start Dec 20, 2008

Trip End Jan 12, 2009

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Where I stayed

Pearly Grey Ocean Club Callao Salvaje

Flag of Spain and Canary Islands El Tiede National Park, Canary Islands, Spain and Canary Islands
Monday, January 5, 2009

We were not expecting to do much today, the thought of sunning ourselves by the pool was a great attraction. But, there was one greater attraction that has been luring us since we first set eyes on this island - it was El Tiede, Spain�s highest peak that soars into the sky at over 3200 metres. We awoke, had breakfast on our balcony and then packed our bags. We drove into the centre of the island, towards the volcanic peak of El Tiede.

The drive was better than expected (Heather the Navigator chose a route that had less hair pin turns) and we were well on our way. What struck us first was the pine forests growing out of old lava beds. A very intriguing site. Next, when we entered El Tiede, we came across a lava field from the latest eruption in the area, 1798, 200 years ago. The road that we were travelling was built on top of the old eruption site and bumpy bumpy we went across the lava fields. It was eerie and awesome and we loved it. There are so many sites to describe about the National Park that I will have to revisit this entry and edit it with more details - but suffice to say, the park is truly a site not to be missed if you are visiting Tenerife.

We arrived at the base of the peak, 2250 metres elevation, in late afternoon and we gauked at the cable cars that were making the climb to within 656 feet of the tallest peak in Spain. There were warning signs posted everywhere that anyone with heart problems (blood pressure included) should not make the ascent. The air in very thin and trouble could be caused. Therefore, we passed ...

I am back at the resort now (of course, typing this blog) and just about to be sitted at our table for "Mexicana" night, followed by a live rock�n roll entertainment show. It�s great here.

More tomorrow ...