GRAN CANARIA
This relatively small island is heavily populated with over 800,000 residents and who knows how many tourists crammed onto it. The cramming is due to the fact that it is about 95% steep mountains so the flat land that exists is quite well used for sure! Day trips into the rugged interior are quite easy and the wild driving starts within minutes of departing the beach scene. If you fear winding narrow roads, this is not for you! Fortunately I got over that long ago so it was fun (sort of) sharing a quasi-two lane road with others. And that includes busses and trucks. Now when I say quasi, well they never attempt a center stripe. You just sort of work the passing out on the fly. Most times there are guard rails, but not always. Periodically you have to back up to find a space for passing. Doing that with precipitous drop offs is also not for the faint of heart. But, the reward is amazing mountain scenery everywhere.
Termo, the first hill town I got into.
I loved this Canarian chimney. Village of Fataga.
A shop in Fataga, well up into the mountains.
On a lonely back road in very rugged countryside.
Please understand, this is a main Canarian two lane highway. Snaking up yet another mountainside. Lots of bikers. Crazy people in my opinion. These are 10%+ grades and no room to spare if cars were to approach from each way.
This is Roque Bentayga one of 2 key peaks on Gran Canaria. 4,632′ Very recent fire damage (September)
The most famous Gran Canarian peak, Roque Nubio, (5,578′) Nubio refers to in clouds, but today it was clearly visible.
Looking down on San Bartolome de Tiajana.
First of a series of Canarian road shots.
You can see the road in 3 places here. Again, very rugged country.
The favorite encounter. The bus. Clearly a two lane road, huh?
How a bus does a hairpin curve. You want to be peacefully watching as I was not approaching from the other side.
Next, La Palma, the beautiful island as it is known here. As if Gran Canaria was not?