Top of the Island

The real climb to the top of La Palma lies ahead and, currently, starts by negotiating major roadworks where the speed limit is 20kph, about 12mph. After that it is up, up, up, driving along roads where straight bits are a relief. Thank goodness my car is automatic because that takes the strain and leaves me to concentrate on negotiating some very tight and steep hairpin bends, particularly in the final run up to the top. As I drove up through the clouds there was fine rain for a while, but at the top brilliant sunshine and a clear sky was the reward. The drive up was completely worth it, except later I must drive down of course!

As you can see, the sky is so blue and when you reach the top, travelling from the east, the first view is of the observatories there. Actually, the first building is the Visitor's Centre with a turning a little further on where you drive past the observatories to get to the highest point, the Roque de Los Muchachos. I didn't go there because soon the barrier would close - you are not allowed to drive that road at night because car headlights would be a nuisance.

The last photo is of the MAGIC telescope: Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov (Telescope). There are two of these next to each other and you can see the back of the other one at the right of photo 3.

I admired the views here then continued on to find my photo location for tonight and to watch the sunset.Read more