Tuesday, January 13, 2004

A trip to Tenerife 2004

 We decided to begin the year with a visit to the Canarian Island of Tenerife. 

Our base for our visit was the town of Los Christianos. This area is definatly a big tourist area for all kind of Europeans searching for sunshine in the Winter month, as well as the usual Summer crowd.

The beach area in Los Cristianos, Gran Canaria, offers a beautiful, laid-back escape perfect for beach lovers. The golden sands stretch along a gently curving bay, with calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming. It’s a lively yet relaxed spot, framed by palm trees and dotted with sunbeds and parasols. The promenade, lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants, invites leisurely strolls, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Fishermen’s boats bob peacefully in the small harbor nearby, adding to the town's authentic charm, while the distant silhouette of neighboring islands provides a striking backdrop at sunset.

 While we were in the town we bought Mandy's Wedding ring.



We took a tour to the Famous Mt Teide.

 The coastal breeze faded, giving way to the arid beauty of Tenerife's volcanic terrain. Winding roads snaked upwards, revealing dramatic vistas at every turn—deep ravines, rugged cliffs, and ancient lava flows.

The higher we climbed, the more surreal the landscape became. Sparse vegetation and jagged rock formations made it feel like stepping onto another planet. 

 At the base we took the cable car up to the summit where we noticed a considerable drop in temperature, but the views were truly spectacular....when the clouds cleared

Finally, we reached the heart of the Teide National Park, where Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak, loomed above us. Its imposing silhouette, with traces of snow on the summit, contrasted against the brilliant blue sky. The stillness and grandeur were mesmerizing.

From the plateau, we took in panoramic views stretching across the island, with the ocean sparkling in the distance. It was a reminder of nature's power and beauty—a trip that combined the charm of Tenerife's coast with the awe-inspiring majesty of its volcanic heart.




To Celebrate Mandy's birthday we drove over to an ajoining town of Costa Adeje where we enjoyed a splendid meal.


Our trip from Los Cristianos on a catamaran was an experience that combined the rugged beauty of the Canary Islands with the unpredictability of the weather. The day was overcast, with clouds hanging low in the sky, casting a muted, silver-grey hue over the Atlantic. As we set sail, the typically bright Canarian sun was hidden behind thick clouds, giving the sea a more dramatic, almost brooding feel.

The catamaran sliced effortlessly through the waters, its large sails catching what little wind there was, creating a gentle rhythm as we cruised along. The distant silhouette of Mount Teide loomed in the background, its peak often obscured by the shifting clouds, adding to the moody ambiance. The crew provided warm hospitality, offering drinks and snacks as we passed by rugged coastlines and hidden coves

Despite the lack of sunshine, the trip was unforgettable, and the ever-changing skies reminded us of nature’s power and unpredictability. It was a peaceful escape, and as we sailed back to the harbour, the clouds began to clear just slightly, revealing a hint of the sun setting in the distance—an unexpected but beautiful finale to a wonderful day at sea.

             
              

We finished off our Holiday with a couple of Cocktails.