Next day we headed off to the Anaga mountains to see what we could see. The answer to that question was, almost inevitably, more spectacular scenery. We drove along the road that follows the ridge of the mountains until it ended, and then back again!
Here is a panorama from one viewpoint on the way up:
We followed one trail along through the laurisilva forest with huge colonies of Woodwardia radicans arching over the sides of the pathways
Here the fern Davalia canariensis - one of our constant companions for the trip whenever entering forest and, on occasion, making vast sheets of ground cover for many square metres. Epiphytically it seemed to grow relatively compactly - on the ground it became very luxuriantly indeed.
Here we noticed the climber Canarina canariensis becoming quite common and in a range of colours from pale orange-yellow to a deep red-brown. This was about intermediate:
Here is the canary island sub species of Viburnam tinus (ssp rigidum)
Here a mixed scrub of Aeonium ciliatum, a Sonchus sp and another constant for the trip - Kleinia nerifolia.
Here Aeonium ciliatum again (I think!)
Here Aeonium cuneatum. Or maybe canariense - not entirely sure I can tell them apart.
Out blinking into the sunlight for a moment:
Here possibly Sonchus congestus:
And here the massive Sonchus acaulis - some rosettes were 2m across.
Here an Asparagus sp.
Here a Pericallis sp.
Smilax canariensis
Another Pericallis sp.
Forest floor carpeted with Geranium canariense
What looks like a polystichum of some sort
Another large fern - no firm idea what (my book is about the flowers of the Canaries- no ferns!).
Here was the end of the road - the small town of Chamorga, built in a natural amphitheatre surrounded to the back by mountains. Incredibly picturesque - shame the pictures didn't come out! Just a short hike away was this cliff with cave set in it. I wonder how far back the use of that cave goes?
Here Aeonium lindleyi
After a totally amazing day we had reached the end of the road and drove back.