Weather superb here --- hot & sunny on this lovely sub-tropical island , noted for its beautiful trees & flowers and the incredible range of levadas. Pics on both these to follow later.
Ken.
Ken.
Last edited by Ken on 22 Jun 2008 10:44 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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by Firefly » 27 May 2008 12:02 pmMy friend who does my typing says this must be Madeira. Cant wait for these Ken. Your Sahara ones were fantastic and I always look forward to these travels of yours. Wish we had a bit of that warmth and sun over here !
Babs
Babs
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by Kattaddorra » 27 May 2008 12:44 pmI'm looking forward to your pictures too Ken, and yes, please bring us some sunshine home when you come 
Katt
Katt
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by Ken » 27 May 2008 07:46 pmCheers Katt & Firefly. Hope you`ll enjoy.
The only trees ,climbers & flowers I`ll be posting will be uncultivated ones I came across in the sub-tropical forests , the hills, valleys and levada walks.
I had to make an exception of this one :-
---- as its so abundant right across Madeira. Its known as the "Bird of Paradise" flower and its in most parks , gardens & where its spread to wild areas. There are many variations , but this one is the most common.
Ken.
The only trees ,climbers & flowers I`ll be posting will be uncultivated ones I came across in the sub-tropical forests , the hills, valleys and levada walks.
I had to make an exception of this one :-
---- as its so abundant right across Madeira. Its known as the "Bird of Paradise" flower and its in most parks , gardens & where its spread to wild areas. There are many variations , but this one is the most common.
Ken.
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by Ken » 27 May 2008 10:47 pmAnd of course the tulip tree :-
This particular one is taller than a three storey building.
Ken.
This particular one is taller than a three storey building.
Ken.
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by Ken » 28 May 2008 03:20 pmMadeira was totally unpopulated when discovered by accident by the Portugese about 590 years ago.
As most of the rainfall is to the North of the island , over the years hundreds of "levadas" have been carved out of the mountain sides to carry water to most parts of the south.
These lavadas consist of stone channels about 10" wide & 10" deep. They have a stone ledge at the side (also about 10" wide) and this provides fantastic walks where otherwise it would be impossible to go. Many are not for the faint hearted -- as I hope some of my pics will show.
Ken.
As most of the rainfall is to the North of the island , over the years hundreds of "levadas" have been carved out of the mountain sides to carry water to most parts of the south.
These lavadas consist of stone channels about 10" wide & 10" deep. They have a stone ledge at the side (also about 10" wide) and this provides fantastic walks where otherwise it would be impossible to go. Many are not for the faint hearted -- as I hope some of my pics will show.
Ken.
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by WillyLad » 29 May 2008 01:09 pmGreat stuff Ken. and did you get plenty of that fine Madeira wine ?
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by Ken » 30 May 2008 09:49 amYes.Lots thanks --- and funnily enough I never bought a single glass. There`s folk giving you a glass for free all over the place. You usually get a complimentary glass when you pay your bill at restaurants (sometimes before you order as well as after you pay!). Also in many shops & even the fruit market.
Actually Madeiran wine as such is not so fine. In fact its because it didn`t travel or keep that they hit on the idea of fortifying it with brandy.
The two main products of Madeira are bananas & sugar cane and the latter is used in the brandy making.Its then added to the wine before storing for 5 to 10 years in wooden casks to produce the unique & excellent madeira as we know it.
Back to the levadas. Here`s an easy peasy one (see description of levadas above):-
This one has a stone wall on one side & vegitation on the other so you can`t really fall off !
However the tunnel coming up wasn`t easy as it was only about 2 foot in height & you needed to be a contortionist to get through with one leg each side of the water channel on the very narrow ledges.
Ken.
Actually Madeiran wine as such is not so fine. In fact its because it didn`t travel or keep that they hit on the idea of fortifying it with brandy.
The two main products of Madeira are bananas & sugar cane and the latter is used in the brandy making.Its then added to the wine before storing for 5 to 10 years in wooden casks to produce the unique & excellent madeira as we know it.
Back to the levadas. Here`s an easy peasy one (see description of levadas above):-
This one has a stone wall on one side & vegitation on the other so you can`t really fall off !
However the tunnel coming up wasn`t easy as it was only about 2 foot in height & you needed to be a contortionist to get through with one leg each side of the water channel on the very narrow ledges.
Ken.
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by Ken » 30 May 2008 11:46 pmHowever ----- the levada gradually climbs, the vegetation to the left thins out and the sheer drop increases alarmingly :-
Ken.
Ken.
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by Kattaddorra » 31 May 2008 08:20 am
Ken you were so brave to go up there ! It makes me dizzy just looking at the pictures,but what wonderful views I'd never have seen otherwise, thank you.Katt
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by Ken » 01 Jun 2008 03:48 pmYes. I must admit it made me feel a bit dizzy at times as well. This one probably gives a better idea of the sheer drop down into the valley below:-
Ken.
Ken.
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by Ken » 01 Jun 2008 04:39 pmBut the views were incredible . I took this one a bit further on :-
The pic doesn`t do it justice. In places the flow/width is comparable to High Force but there is no comparison in height.
High Force is just over 200 ft. This one is about 1,500 ft high.
Ken.
The pic doesn`t do it justice. In places the flow/width is comparable to High Force but there is no comparison in height.
High Force is just over 200 ft. This one is about 1,500 ft high.
Ken.
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by Ken » 01 Jun 2008 06:25 pmThe water provided by the levadas is precious and periodically the land owners have to get their application in for their quota. E.g. some may get 8-9am on Thurs & Sun -- others 6-9pm Tues & Fri.
The supply is controlled by little "sluices" such as this one :-
To the right you see the main supply levada(dark area) , then the sluice in the centre & then the individual supply channel running down northwest.
Ken.
The supply is controlled by little "sluices" such as this one :-
To the right you see the main supply levada(dark area) , then the sluice in the centre & then the individual supply channel running down northwest.
Ken.
Last edited by Ken on 02 Jun 2008 06:13 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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by Ken » 01 Jun 2008 06:28 pmThe "Levada men" open & shut these sluices according to a strict time table :-
Ken.
Ken.
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by Ken » 01 Jun 2008 11:32 pmThe routes take you from the tranquil banana & sugar cane groves :-
----- to the simply breath-taking:-
(If you look carefully at the different coloured fields down near the shoreline,you`ll get an idea of the height.)
Ken.
----- to the simply breath-taking:-
(If you look carefully at the different coloured fields down near the shoreline,you`ll get an idea of the height.)
Ken.
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by Ken » 03 Jun 2008 05:05 pmEverywhere you go in Madeira are banana trees so it worth a post or two on these. The banana flower alone is worth a pic :-
Its about 25cms (10" to us oldies) in length & dangles beneath the clump of bananas.
Ken.
Its about 25cms (10" to us oldies) in length & dangles beneath the clump of bananas.
Ken.
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by Ken » 03 Jun 2008 05:18 pmHere`s one in situ :-
The banana tree only produces one bunch in its entire lifetime.
Ken.
The banana tree only produces one bunch in its entire lifetime.
Ken.
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Maderia
by Jopov » 04 Jun 2008 11:38 pmWe went there at Easter and they had the worst storms for years. The place was devastated. We were on the Atlantic side of the island facing what seemed like a hurricane. You can see in the earlier photo the height of some of the mountain roads. We were at the botttom of a location like that with rocks crashing off the mountain sides and water gushing in huge waterfalls around and on the hotel. One day I hope to go back and see Maderia in the sun.
Looks like a lovely place.
Looks like a lovely place.
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by Ken » 05 Jun 2008 10:55 amYes. I heard about the storms,Jopov.You were very unlucky & I`d certainly recommend going back again to see the island in all its spendour.
Ken.
Ken.
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by Ken » 05 Jun 2008 10:58 amWillyLad wrote:How come the plantations dont just disappear then ?
Because every banana tree has a shoot coming up from its roots which will replace the parent tree & produce next years bananas :-
Ken.
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by Ken » 05 Jun 2008 11:12 amSome of the plants & flowers, just growing wild by the sides of the levadas, are quite incredible:-
and some so colourful :-
Ken.
and some so colourful :-
Ken.
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by Ken » 06 Jun 2008 09:24 amThe beautiful Jacaranda tree which grows in such abundance all over the island & is in full bloom at this time of year :-
Ken.
Ken.
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by Benny » 06 Jun 2008 10:09 amI reckon, out of all the trees I've ever seen, the Jacaranda is my very favourite. Beautiful.
Thanks Ken.
Thanks Ken.
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by Rosebudkid » 06 Jun 2008 08:39 pmGreat photos Ken-I don't suppose you managed to get a cutting off the
Jacaranda tree? I suppose our climate wouldn't really be suitable for it though. Very enjoyable,thanks.
Jacaranda tree? I suppose our climate wouldn't really be suitable for it though. Very enjoyable,thanks.
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by Ken » 08 Jun 2008 07:01 pmGlad you enjoyed pics Benny & no,Rosebudkid, --- never thought of cuttings!
Even the cacti (chopped down as weeds in Madeira) showed some nice flowers :-
These were out in the wilds. I wait years for mine to produce flowers only a 10th of the size!
Ken.
Even the cacti (chopped down as weeds in Madeira) showed some nice flowers :-
These were out in the wilds. I wait years for mine to produce flowers only a 10th of the size!
Ken.
Last edited by Ken on 08 Jun 2008 11:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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by Ken » 17 Jun 2008 10:09 amYes. Quite a few -- mainly pretty and unusual plants/trees.flowers etc.
I`ll then move this topic to "Photographs". Here`s one to be going on with :-
Not so spectacular , but pretty :-
And another :-
Ken.
I`ll then move this topic to "Photographs". Here`s one to be going on with :-
Not so spectacular , but pretty :-
And another :-
Ken.
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by Kattaddorra » 17 Jun 2008 11:15 amEven more lovely pictures Ken ! Thanks again for sharing them with us.
Katt
Katt
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by Ken » 17 Jun 2008 05:57 pmThanks Katt. Even some of the climbing vines were quite extraordinary.
This one reminded me of a picture in one of my childhood books of "Jack & the Beanstalk " ! :-
Ken.
This one reminded me of a picture in one of my childhood books of "Jack & the Beanstalk " ! :-
Ken.
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by Ken » 20 Jun 2008 09:48 amSome of the "climbers" were just a pretty as the trees & flowers. This green one with red flowers was spectacular as it covered such a wide area :-
Unfortunately that`s the only bit I could get in the frame as it was quite a hairy drop down from the levada & I had to lean right out to take that.
Ken.
Unfortunately that`s the only bit I could get in the frame as it was quite a hairy drop down from the levada & I had to lean right out to take that.
Ken.
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by Ken » 22 Jun 2008 01:20 pmAnd now for a few strange trees & fruits. I`m not sure what this one is :-
or this :-
Ken.
or this :-
Ken.
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