Today we decided to head up to the second highest point on Madeira - Pico do Arieiro. Colin offered to drive again and I'll be honest that I did not rush to offer as the winding 1-2 kilometre tunnels are quite challenging especially with a rather underpowered manual car.
The route up the mountains from Funchal was full of 180 degree hair pin bends and sheer drops with minimal barriers. I think my squeaking as we came close to the barriers was helpful for Colin as he asked for an estimation of distance and I shrieked 'very close'!
It was definitely worth the additional grey hairs we acquired during the journey. We parked at over 1,800 meters and we could feel the first signs of the altitude having come straight from sea level. We walked a couple of kilometres to a viewing point and the sheer drops and mountains were stunning. We were above the clouds and could see for over 30 miles to the island Islas Desertas.
