Laurel forest, Gomera, Spain

today we have been hiking in the laurel forest. we went there by cab and went mostly down for 1150 meters in altitude direction hermigua where we took the bus (!) back 😜. the trail was round about 9 km long and it took 3-4 hours.
the laurel forest (also called cloud forest) on la gomera is the largest contiguous evergreen wet forest in the world. a total of five different types of laurel and countless other plants and trees thrive there. the evergreen laurel trees and bushes can grow up to 30 meters. the densest laurel forests can be found predominantly on steep slopes - in almost inaccessible regions. when hiking through this forest one experiences different sensory impressions. for example, there is a moist but pleasant haze that has a relaxing and revitalizing effect. the laurel trees are covered with thick moss. meter-long lichen hang down from the branches of the trees, creating a fairytale jungle atmosphere. this are the forests where the spooky stories come from and i think i saw a troll...Lue lisää