Chipude – Degollada de Peraza.
The last time I was on top of Garajonay 1485m I never saw a thing and the mist this morning suggested a repeat. Whilst we enjoyed a good breakfast at Sonia’s some blue sky appeared. As we left the wind was doing its best to blow the clouds away but not sufficiently to justify a scramble up the ‘Fortress’, a rocky bastion with sacrificial and worship links to the indigenous population.
The Fortress.
Next was a great traverse round a large barranca with deserted properties far below. All around here were signs of the large fires of 2012 but generally the lower vegetation has grown back. Sitting for a break in a bus stop by the houses of Igualero we were surprised, we shouldn’t have been, when the local bus stopped and deposited lots of walkers who dispersed in all directions. This island has so much walking and the buses are a great help.
Simply following the signs and waymarking we arrived on top of Alto de Garajonay and through breaks in the cloud had some views but not of neighbouring islands. There was a steady stream of people coming up to the top as we descended to the road and car park. Ahead was the huge Roque de Agando but we didn’t seem to get any closer as we weaved through the forests of giant heathers. Views into the deep Barranco Benchijigua reminded me of our toil up to Roque de Agando on a previous occasion. A roller coaster of a path along the crest had us almost running in time to catch a bus [guagua in these parts] at Degollada de Peraza. Our problem once there was to decide where the bus stop was and guess at the timetable. The road down is spectacular in itself and this evening we had great views of snow covered Mt. Tiede. Safely in San Sebastion for supper of some unknown fish.
The Fortress looks impressive. I presume the rock is too chossy for climbing?
No it would be perfect but there is a voluntary ban on climbing on the Island, don’t think they want bolting or are worried about accidents. Some of those teeth I’ve pictured must have been attempted.
WHICH
indigenous population ? (sorry about the two lines!)
Sorry I missed your point.
It is not a point, just a question – which indigenous population. It’s an area huge numbers of different cultures have moved through.
OK.
They were from North Africa maybe 1000BC and named the GUANCHES. They gradually died out after the Spanish conquest in the 15th century though there are still genetic traces in the modern population linking them with Africa.
The whistling language of La Gomera, used to communicate across the deep ravines is thought to descend from them.
On top of that Fortress are remains of sacrificial sites.
John
thanks
I bet you had to do a bit of research for that reply?
Today I’ve been cheated. Intended to go out. Daughter Jill phoned from her school at Barrow to say heavy snow on roads, and it was raining here so I aborted. Now as I look out it is blue sky and sunshine.
Conrad.
On the contrary I had a photo of an information board en route. These days there are lots of useful interpretation boards, especially in the Canary Islands, I find it always worth taking photos for reference later.
Will phone you about a walk later in the week.
John
Yet more spectacular stuff. You really have a knack for ending up in interesting places.
Alen
Clear skies over El Alto on the island are the best… One of the most amazing views we ever witnessed!
Thinking actually that the rocks on Gomera are not in condition to climb, there are too much unstable and non fixed stones everywhere, and being so steep it’s very dangerous for landslides.
Admiring you walked the GR131, not the easiest walk!
Peace
PS
P and S, good to hear from you.
It is tough taking on the GR131 through the Canaries. Just been on Tenerife.
Like your posts and share your philosophy.