RAIN FORESTS; DRAGON TREES AND OBSERVING THE STARS
Yes, you can see all of this in one easy day on La Palma. Actually a half day. Too much to put into this one blog. We are going to visit a pristine village, see bananas up close, the rain forest of Los Tilos, dragon trees and the summit of Roque de los Muchachos. (8,000′)
Town square of the village of San Andreas
San Andreas
A common theme for round-abouts in small villages on La Palma. Saw quite a few versions but never did see an actual cow. Maybe they are on holiday on one of the other islands for December?
La Palma coast line with banana groves right up to the edge pretty much.
Bananas bagged for shipment? I really do not know but the fields were full of them all bagged up. Anyone else know if there is a reason for this other than preparing for shipping? I frankly had no idea how many bananas are on one tree, one bloom.
Starting up the path to the viewpoint in Los Tilos rain forest. Only about a mile each way but a 1,000′ elevation gain which is about my limit these days.
But the reward is almost always worth it when you get to the top. These are chiefly Laurel trees but the look reminded me of the areas around Machu Pichu in Peru.
A dragon tree, native to the Canaries, and sort of their “symbol.” A version of dracaena, with red sap hence the “dragon blood” aspect of the name. Not even really a tree but they are as large as a tree. Beautiful coastline in the background.
A close up of the top of one of these weird Dragon trees.
After a long twisting drive up the side of the mountain, you arrive at the summit area, considered to be the best solar viewing location in the northern hemisphere. There must have been at least 12 installations here manned by many different countries. We are well above tree line at 8,000 feet looking out to the ocean side, and then you walk a short distance and have one of those wow moments when you look over the side and into the caldera de Taburiente.
My first view into the caldera from the rim. Amazingly rugged.
Looking into the gaping hole of the former giant volcano thousands of feet below.
And with slight magnification you can see Tiede, the 12,400′ major peak on Tenerife, some 80+ miles away.
The rim trail that I actually did, with great views of the famous clouds coming into the caldera
Clearly a mixture of things in this rock.
This is a pink Tiede Blugoss. It reminded me of that plant that only grows on Halelakala on Maui. I have no idea if they are related, though.
Next blog is the second half of this one day. I think you will like it.
Absolutely stunning. The colors in the town square, in the rock formations, the dragon tree, the blue of the water. I can hear your voice in the writing. Only wish I had read this sooner!