Over one thousand miles west of mainland Portugal and one of the few European places where we Brits can visit and have to put our watches BACK an hour, is a cluster of islands – The Azores. One of these is Pico, an island dominated by its central extinct volcano, Ponta do Pico, which stands 7,713 ft above sea level. For the last few months this little island has been the focal point of interest for the planning of the latest in a line of mini expeditions.
Location: Pico, The Azores
Lanzarote, an island for beaches and sangria and the excellent lagoon at La Santa for windsurfing. This is how many of us may first imagine Lanzarote when the name is mentioned.
Location: National Park of Timanfaya - Lanzarote
For the second of my two walks in Lanzarote, I am moving away from the high volcanic `new` plains of the National Park of Timanfaya, and travelling North East and into the more grass sloped volcanic mountains that make up the bulk of the island, and actually hold the highest peaks of the island of Lanzarote.
Location: Just outside the town of Costa Teguise - Lanzarote
This is the third of our mini expeditions to the Scottish Highlands, and yet again, it proved to be an expedition that gave us so much more than just a trip. Over a period of 5 days and 4 camps, we were treated to Sea Eagles, favourable winds, mercury calm waters, warm days and crisp mornings. Island and beach camping, castles, spectacular lochs and of course wondrous mountains. The only down side (and in fairness, one which we were expecting, but hoping to avoid) `ticks`. Thousands of ticks! By far the worst year. Such a small price to pay though.
Location: Scotland