Monday was the one chance that we had to take a bus into the centre of the island and walk (Sunday and Tuesday(a national holiday having restricted bus services. We ticked off one of the places on Pat's list, the Alto de Garojany in the centre of the island. The Garojany national park was designated in 1981 in order to preserve the laurel forest. Five years later, it became a UNESCO site of special interest. We arrived at the bus station and the bus headed out of town. We were travelling to the fourth of 15 stops. Some of the views on the way up in the bus:
When we reached our bus stop, we took a small detour before heading for the peak.
We found a view point with a small church (above) and a very good view of the mountain La Fortelaza de Chipude which was known to the aboriginal people of this area as a sacred site.
Then we headed for the mountain, which involved a scramble up the steep hillside. In due course, we reached a path, making the walking much easier.
Some flowers as we walked:
Eventually we reached the top, with its 360 deg views.
On the way back, we had to make a decision: to go back the way we came where we could catch the bus back, or to walk on by another route to a different bus stop which we thought would be an easier walk. The critical factor was time. We decided on the latter option and arrived at the different bus stop with plenty of time to eat our banana sandwiches. (We have feasted on bananas in the Canaries, they are absolutely delicious. How will I ever eat a banana that isn't from the Canaries?). The way down to the bus stop:
Then the bus journey back to San Sebastián.
So now it was time to recover from another 10km walk, start to pack the cases and go out to eat.
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